If you’ve visited our home page, you’ll see that our mission is to see lives transformed, and hope restored. If you think about a ripple effect, it goes beyond just one simple drop, it moves through the edges of the water. We see how one transformed life can be just like that one drop. It can cause a ripple effect, influencing and impacting more than just one area of the water. Imagine more than one transformed life, working together in their uniqueness and strengths? Holding each other up in weaknesses. These are the kinds of pictures we get to be part of at the Life Centre.

At the Life Centre, our vision moves beyond the traditional understanding of community service and impact. We thrive on moments where we see a life transformed. Instilling hope within our surrounding communities really does create a ripple effect that touches many individuals and families within our reach. This vision isn't just a statement on paper—it's a living, breathing mission that guides every action we take, every partnership we form, and every event we join hands with. 

Our ultimate goal is to be part of nurturing a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. But how do we, as a community, make this vision a reality? 

Let’s explore some practical ways we can work together on this, and positively impact society.

1. Create Spaces for Connection and Belonging

We recognised years ago that one of the most powerful ways to nurture a sense of belonging, is to create a space where people can connect, share, and support one another. Whether it's through regular Sunday gatherings, life groups, or community events and much more, we aim to build an environment where everyone feels welcomed and included.

But this isn't something we can achieve alone. As members of this community, we all have a role to play in creating these spaces. Here are some practical ways we encourage our community members to contribute:

• Host or join in with community gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a potluck dinner, or a book club, hosting or attending community gatherings is a great way to build connections. These events provide an opportunity for people to meet new friends, share experiences, and form relationships.

• Volunteer at local initiatives: Volunteering not only benefits the community but also helps you to build new relationships. By giving your time and skills, you’re helping to create a supportive environment where everyone feels seen and valued.

• Reach out to your neighbours: In our super busy world, it’s easy to overlook the people living right next door. Take the time to reach out to your neighbours, especially those who may be isolated or in need of connection and support. A simple conversation, a shared meal, or an offer of help can go a long way in making someone feel important.

2. Inspire Hope Through Education And Skill-Building

Education and skill-building are key components of our vision at CHS Life Centre. We believe that people have the solutions inside them, and when we all come together, wonderful things can happen. Sometimes, we all just need a little bit of help unlocking the gifting and skills inside us, so we can thrive in society and be a blessing to those around us. Our heart is to journey with people and play a role in unlocking gifting, inspiring hope through knowledge sharing and skill building and then to witness each person in the community as they establish a brighter future for themselves and their families. This is why we love to work with local organisations to offer workshops on a wide range of topics, from financial literacy to mental health awareness. Think about your own skills and passions, and consider some of these ideas:

• Share your expertise with others: Everyone has something they’re good at, whether it’s a professional skill, a hobby, or life experience. Consider offering to teach a class, lead a workshop, or mentor someone who could benefit from your knowledge.

• Support local: Whether it’s by donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, participating in fundraising efforts, shopping local, or supporting the educational efforts in Kirstenhof and beyond, all helps to ensure that people have access to the resources they need to succeed.

• Job Journey: The Job Journey is a course designed to help unemployed people become work ready. Consider supporting our Job Journey course. Get in touch with Thobelani Mbala through the CHS contact page. 

3. Mental Health Awareness

It isn’t a far stretch to say that transformation begins from the inside out. Mental and emotional well-being is so important for every person to enjoy a fulfilled life. We’ve made it a priority to provide safe spaces where people can access the support they need, whether it’s through mental health workshops, support groups, or one-on-one counselling. 

Promoting mental and emotional well-being is something we can all contribute to:

• Be a listening ear: Sometimes, all someone needs is to be seen and someone to listen. Reach out to local friends and be a listening ear. Show empathy, offer support, and let them know they’re not alone.

• Practice self-care: Taking care of your own mental and emotional health is just as important as supporting others. Make self-care a priority, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or simply taking time to relax.

• Refer people to the Life Centre mental health resources: We have a number of amazing tenants and partners who offer mental health support including counselling and mediation. Contact KS Counselling and Mediation, Life Matters Foundation, Inner Healing Counselling College or The Connect Group. 

4. Support Those in Need

A community that cares for its most vulnerable members is a community that inspires hope. At the Life Centre, we’re here to support those in need, whether it’s through our outreach programs, partnerships with local charities, or providing a safe space during times of crisis.

You can make a difference in your own way too:

• Volunteer with local charities: Many local charities rely on volunteers and donations to help them carry out their mission. Whether it’s serving meals, organising donations, or providing companionship, your time and effort can make a big difference.

• Offer practical help: Sometimes, it’s the small gestures that mean the most. Offer to run errands, help with household tasks, or provide transportation for someone who needs it. These acts of kindness can have a huge impact on someone’s life.

• Ubomi Charitable Trust: We are committed to empowering, mobilizing, and equipping local initiatives that address critical socio-economic challenges. Our primary vehicle for community development is The Ubomi Charitable Trust.

Join Hands With The Mission!

We invite you to join us and be part of something bigger. No matter how, every action contributes to the transformation we are all longing for in our community. Let’s build an amazing future together—one that’s filled with hope, compassion, and endless possibilities.