The Butterfly Centre 2020

THE BUTTERFLY CENTRE IS A VITAL COMMUNITY PROJECT IN THE VILLAGE OF STANFORD, WESTERN CAPE, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

Good day, and let me introduce myself. My name is Jami Kastner, and I am the founder and Chairman of the Butterfly Centre. It is a project born from tragedy and desperately needed in our area, brought to reality through faith and miracles.

In 2013 we tragically lost our youngest son, Sam. At the same time, we were searching for a suitable learning environment for our oldest son Jack, having been diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay and severe learning challenges.

In May 2014, in order to honour Sam’s life and at the same time help children like Jack and their families, the doors to the Butterfly Centre were opened at rented premises in the village of Stanford.

What we do:

The Butterfly Centre is a centre for specialised learning which caters for children who do not fit into the mainstream environment for a variety of reasons.

At the Centre these children, often previously marginalised, are given the opportunity to fulfil their own personal full potential. This takes a very one on one approach, combined with specialised learning techniques. Most of our students are unable to pay full fees, so fundraising is vital to continue to manage and grow the project.

The children also benefit from the involvement of our wonderful volunteers and receive music, art and sports training. We have incredibly dedicated, passionate and skilled staff and are grateful for them every day.

Our goal at the Centre is to graduate young men and women who are employable and, together with their families, are empowered to deal with their challenges.

The future:

We need to consider the long term future of the children as they grow into adulthood. This is one of the many reasons why we have been raising funds to move the Centre to dedicated land at Stanford Hills Estate, at a very nominal rental of R100 per annum. The lack of rental means it is possible for the Centre to become more self-sustainable in the future.

 We have managed to raise finance to complete the building of Phase 1, and are still in the process of raising funds to upgrade furniture and fittings. We have a long way to go before the final realisation of the dream! But we are ready to move into 2020 with the 16 children currently registered and work on improving facilities as we go.

Here on the farm, surrounded by nature and animals, the children will continue with their academic work but at the same time can receive real practical skills training. This will allow them to gain the necessary skills to be employable and productive adults living purposeful lives.

What do we need?

We are constantly busy with fundraisers which bring in smaller amounts, but our BIG dream is to raise the R700 000 needed to complete Phase 2.

But we are never ones to dream small. The more money we can raise, the better the facilities can be. Long term, we dream of therapy rooms, a sensory room, stables from which to offer horse therapy and a therapy pool. All facilities which will benefit the whole community as well as the children of The Butterfly Centre.

The facility, once phase 2 is completed, will be made available for training in the field of helping neurodiverse children, which is a vital part of the vision for the future.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Support the Ladies to Ladies Lighthouse walk in March 2020, by sponsoring their brave efforts. It is by no means an easy walk, and these wonderful women do it with such love. All funds raised at the 2020 walk will go towards helping the Butterfly Centre project. Find out more here.

I will personally be joining the ladies on the 100km walk, and we can’t wait to see how this journey develops together.

Thanks to each and every one of you, and there are so very many, who have helped and continue to help us make this dream come true.

We can’t wait to watch the Butterfly Centre truly unfold its’ wings, and fly.

Please contact us if you have any questions, or to arrange to visit us!

Warm Regards and Blessings from all of us, but most especially, the beautiful Butterfly children.

Jami Kastner

ANY DONATIONS, LARGE OR SMALL, MUCH APPRECIATED

The Butterfly Centre

ABSA Bank

Branch Code: 632005

Savings Account Number: 932 056 9373

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