Katryn, our beloved therapy dog at the Avodah program, has become far more than just a companion — she is an important part of our daily support and care. Research shows that therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, loneliness, and emotional stress for adults with disabilities, and we witness these benefits every day through the comfort and connection Katryn brings to our members.

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Canderin, a 20-year-old young woman with an intellectual disability, often faces bullying and misunderstanding in her community, leaving her isolated and overwhelmed. At Avodah, however, she finds a safe and loving environment where she is accepted for who she is. Surrounded by patience, care, and understanding, Canderin has begun to grow in confidence, build friendships, and express her joyful and gentle nature through group activities and creative projects.

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Nicoleen, a mother of two boys in the children’s ministry, joined the program feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to guide her children. Through parent training sessions, she learned how to nurture and lead her family with confidence and love.

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As overwhelmed emotions settle, their “thinking brain” can come alive again — eyes meeting ours, trust forming, and learning becoming possible. In these moments, children are given the freedom to breathe, to play, to grow, and simply to be children.

Click the link below to watch the testimony 

https://youtu.be/6JMMpepJGrY?si=OeoYEB1bOLNLKUHu

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Marius, one of our Avodah members, has recently begun an exciting new chapter through hands-on woodworking training at Prowell Woodskills. From the moment he stepped into the workshop, he embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and determination, eager to learn and grow in a real working environment.

Each week, Marius attends training sessions where he is gradually introduced to the tools, techniques, and rhythms of woodworking. What stands out most is not only the practical skills he is gaining, but the steady growth in his confidence. Tasks that once seemed unfamiliar are now becoming part of his developing skill set, and he is beginning to take real ownership of his work.

One of his proudest milestones so far has been building his very own small bench. For Marius, this was more than just a project—it was a tangible reminder that he is capable of creating something meaningful with his own hands. Moments like these are powerful, especially for someone stepping into a new space of learning and independence.

During the recent holiday period, Marius was given the opportunity to assist in the workshop. In this role, he supported facilitators, helped ease their workload, and experienced what it means to be part of a working team. This exposure not only deepened his understanding of the environment but also strengthened his sense of responsibility.

Perhaps the most special moment came when Marius earned his very first wages. In a heartfelt act of generosity and gratitude, he chose to give his earnings to his father to help support their family. It was a moment of immense pride for his father—and for all of us who have had the privilege of witnessing Marius’s journey.

Marius’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and purpose. It is deeply encouraging to see how he is stepping forward, embracing responsibility, and making the most of every opportunity placed before him.

We are incredibly proud of you, Marius. Keep building, keep growing, and keep moving forward.

Prowell Woodskills offers hands-on woodworking experiences for individuals of all ages in the Paarl–Wellington area, equipping people with practical skills, confidence, and the opportunity to create something meaningful.

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God answered her prayer. Today, Lee-Ann is part of the Avodah family, where she learns, creates, and is loved for who she is. For Desreé, this has been life-changing. It allows her a few hours each day to attend Bible study, do her shopping, or clean her home—simple things that are often impossible when caring full-time for a special needs child.

Life has not been easy for them. After being evicted from their home in Paarl, they now live in a small temporary house in New Orleans Park without permanent water or toilets, waiting for their HOP home from the Drakenstein Municipality. Yet, through all these challenges, Desreé remains deeply grateful. She often shares how thankful she is that God provided Avodah—a safe, loving place for Lee-Ann and a source of hope and support for her as a mother.

“Avodah is truly an answer to my prayers,” Desreé says. “It means the world to know that Lee-Ann is cared for, growing, and happy. I can finally breathe again.”

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In April 2025, the Newrest community was devastated by a fire. On that very Sunday, Delia van Wyk—known to all as Aunty D of Nanna D’s Projects—was the first to call Ma’s vir Wellington. That call marked the beginning of a journey where Delia served her community tirelessly for three months.

With extraordinary courage and compassion, Aunty D stepped in as the lead organizer and coordinator, overseeing the sorting and distribution of a warehouse full of donations. Through her leadership, help reached more than 1,950 individuals and 600 families affected by the fire.

All the while, Delia carried the heavy burden of caring for her husband, Aubrey, who was terminally ill with kidney failure. Despite his illness, Aubrey stood faithfully beside her in the work until the very last home was served. Together, even in their personal struggle, they gave selflessly to others.

We at Ma’s vir Wellington honor Delia for her servant heart—towards her community, her late husband, her children, and her family. Aubrey passed away three months ago, but his touch and vision remain alive in Delia’s hands. Their shared dream was to establish a full-time soup kitchen: a place where children could come for a warm meal, and where families could receive shoes, clothing, or a blanket through community support.

Today, we are proud to say that Nanna D’s Projects are officially sponsored and endorsed by Ma’s vir Wellington. We will continue to stand with Delia, so that she can continue to serve her community in honor of Aubrey’s legacy.

As her vision declares: “Nurture and protect our future.”

Call to Action

You can help bring Aubrey and Delia’s dream to life. Join us in setting up a fully registered soup kitchen that will serve as a beacon of hope for families in need.

 Contact Ma’s vir Wellington to partner with us, donate, or volunteer today. Together, we can nurture and protect our future.

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Seeff recently launched a special initiative to recognise remarkable women making a difference in the Wellington community. Four inspiring women were nominated: Retha Stigant (Lions Club), Elani Graham (Wellington SPCA), Este Laubser (Silwerkruin Bejaardesorg), and our very own Cornel de Beer from Ma’s vir Wellington.

We are delighted to share that Cornel de Beer has been named Remarkable Woman of the Year! Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and the love she pours into Ma’s vir Wellington are a true blessing to many.

A heartfelt thank you to Cornel for the incredible role she plays, and to Seeff for celebrating women who impact our community in such meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful!

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“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3

A woman’s legacy is not in what she owns, but in what she sows

At Ma’s vir Wellington, we believe legacy is not measured in possessions, but in the seeds, we sow into the lives of others. Few embody this truth more beautifully than Tannie Katriena, one of our eldest Tannie Mammas, who for more than 13 years has been faithfully planting seeds of prayer, love, and faith into this ministry.

She has long been one of our devoted Tannie Mammas, showing up week after week with a heart full of love for the children and the staff. But even more powerfully, she has become a spiritual mother, a quiet intercessor whose prayers have upheld this house in ways we may never fully comprehend.

As life brought personal tragedy and declining health, many might have stepped back. But not Tannie Katriena.

Though she can no longer attend our programs in person, her presence is still strongly felt. Every Monday morning, she calls to ask, “What can I pray for this week?” She lifts up the names of children, staff, volunteers, and even the vehicles that carry us—covering each detail in prayer so that God’s work may continue, safe and fruitful.

Her life is a living picture of Jesus’ parable of the good soil (Matthew 13)—a heart that receives God’s Word and bears much fruit. From her prayers have sprung unseen harvests: protection, peace, strength, and joy. Though many of her seeds were sown in silence, their fruit is now evident in the lives of those she has faithfully upheld.

“Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Tannie Katriena’s sowing has been generous—through trials, through tears, through seasons of weakness. And her harvest is eternal.

We often think impact comes from being on the frontlines. But women like Tannie Katriena remind us that some of the most powerful ministry happens behind the scenes, on bended knee, with whispered prayers and unwavering faith. This Women’s Month, we pause to honour her. Her legacy is not in what she owns, but in what she has sown—prayers, love, and faith. Seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Tannie Katriena never gave up. Her legacy is not in what she owned, but in what she sowed—and because of her, the harvest continues.

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Ruan is a kind and creative young man with a heart full of determination. He lives with cerebral palsy, which makes it difficult for him to grip objects—but that doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves.

He is part of our Avodah program for people with intellectual disabilities, a supportive space where individuals can learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully. Ruan has a passion for recycling. He collects old cans and transforms them into beautiful, useful items—like colourful stationery holders and cheerful flowerpots. Each piece reflects his creativity and love for the environment.

To help Ruan paint more independently, we came up with a simple yet effective solution. We placed a soft pool noodle between the jaws of a bench vice. This allows Ruan to place the recycled can securely on top without needing to hold it—enabling him to complete his work without assistance. It’s a small adaptation, but it makes a big difference—boosting his confidence and fostering his independence.

Ruan’s story is a powerful reminder that with a little creative support and a lot of heart, everyone has the ability to shine.

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