Initially established seven years ago to assist single mothers in Jeffreys Bay with various financial challenges, the non-profit organisation, The Ladies’ Lighthouse, has expanded to help at least 179 children, 77 mothers, four grandmothers, and seven widows.
Seven years ago, Carla Smit, founder of The Ladies’ Lighthouse, embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of one mother and child.
Little did she know this small act of kindness would spark a movement, rapidly expanding to meet the needs of countless women and children in crisis.
Fast forward to today, and the organisation has grown to support an impressive 267 individuals, including 179 children, 77 mothers, four grandmothers, and seven widows, with essential services ranging from food and shelter to medical care and beyond.
Owing to the relentless rise in food prices, The Ladies’ Lighthouse has seen a surge in demand for support from the elderly.
Smit noted that her organisation has recently expanded its reach to assist a growing number of senior citizens, who are struggling to make ends meet amid the escalating cost of living.
She said their charity shop, located at 4 Prospect Street, Jeffreys Bay, is their main source of income.
Smit said the charity shop’s proceeds have been instrumental in allowing The Ladies’ Lighthouse to deliver monthly food parcels and cover other essential expenses for the families they serve.
However, the organisation is now grappling with the harsh reality of rising living costs, which have outpaced their resources, leaving them unable to provide adequate food support to all who rely on their aid.
Smit expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of the Jeffreys Bay community, who have consistently rallied around The Ladies’ Lighthouse with generous donations of food, funding, and volunteer efforts, helping to bridge the gap in their resources and ensure the continued provision of essential services to those in need.
“We have the most amazing community who are always willing to assist when we need it. We are thankful for the community of Jeffreys Bay,” said Smit.
She further said that a new addition to The Ladies’ Lighthouse is their partnership with local qualified counsellors who have generously committed to offering counselling to the individuals from the organisation.
This exciting development includes quarterly group counselling sessions for mothers, and weekly one-on-one sessions for both women and children.
“It’s crucial for our beneficiaries to receive emotional support, which is why I’ve collaborated with compassionate and experienced local counsellors who can provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children and women to heal and grow,” said Smit.
She said her ultimate vision is for the Jeffreys Bay community to embrace a unique “adoption” programme, where local families can form meaningful connections with families supported by The Ladies’ Lighthouse.
By “adopting” a family, individuals can make a tangible difference by donating essential food items and providing support to address their unique and pressing needs.
“It would be great to see a family open their hearts and offer to assist another family with a few grocery items and other essentials,” said Smit.
For more information, or to assist The Ladies’ Lighthouse, contact Carla Smit at 079 399 8565.
