Helderberg Omgee

25/01/2026

🔥 Skills in Action at Helderberg Omgee Halfway House🍕

Today our men were busy in the kitchen, hands in the dough and hearts focused on growth. From rolling pizza bases to preparing toppings, this session was about learning practical skills, working together, and rebuilding confidence as part of the recovery journey.

These moments matter. The kitchen becomes a place of healing, discipline, teamwork, and pride skills that our men can carry forward into everyday life and future opportunities.

A sincere thank you to Paul for taking the time to equip the men with these much-needed skills. Your guidance and commitment to skills development are making a real impact.

Recovery is not just about staying sober it’s about learning, growing, and preparing for a better tomorrow. One pizza at a time 🍕💙

24/12/2025

14/11/2025

🌱 Empowering Men Through Technology!

At Helderberg Omgee Halfway House, our Job Hunt Program helps men in recovery gain essential computer skills from creating CVs to searching for jobs online and using email.

Building confidence, boosting employability, and opening doors to new opportunities! 💻✨

14/11/2025

Computer Literacy – Part of Our Job Hunt Program

At Helderberg Omgee Halfway House, computer literacy is a key component of our Job Hunt program. Many of the men entering recovery have had limited access to technology. To support their reintegration, we provide hands-on training that builds confidence and practical skills needed in today’s workplace.

Our computer literacy sessions include:

Basic computer skills(typing, file management, emails)
Creating CVs and cover letters
Online job searching and navigating recruitment platforms
Using Microsoft Office(Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Digital professionalismand communication etiquette

This program empowers residents to apply for jobs independently, communicate professionally, and function effectively in modern work environments. It forms a vital part of our mission to restore dignity, build employability, and support long-term recovery.

13/11/2025

Amazing 👏

Homeless on The River
There are many homeless in The Basin. In Summer people arrive from the East Coast to spend time here. There are organisations working to provide shelter for the homeless and there are heartening stories. But there are places along the river where the homeless congregate.

When I painted the collection in support of the Lourens River Conservation Society in 2022 they asked me to highlight the places where the homeless camped. The society engage the people along the river to clear trash from the river bed.

Gaaitjies
The storm-water culverts in the road-bridge on Main Road Somerset West is a popular refuge. The street-name for the place is “Gaaitjies”. A “gat” is a “hole” in Afrikaans. A small hole is a “gaaitjie”. As the term wanders off from vernacular into slang the plural diminutive refers to these culverts where people take shelter. It is all very picturesque. And it is a place where the destitute find shelter. But of course there are unpleasant elements who find place there as well. Therefore it is not a place to hang around after dark. A fact to which I can attest through experience.

The river is just to the left of the watercolour. The guy who seemed to be managing the settlement at the time was Pieter, who you can see standing at the railing on the pavement. On the left you can also see a supermarket trolley stowed in one of the ‘gaaitjies’.

13/11/2025

🌿 October Newsletter | Helderberg Omgee Halfway House

Growing Hope. Restoring Lives. Building Community.

This October, we celebrate a season of growth, partnership, and impact through our Garden of Hope Project and Garden Café Social Enterprise two initiatives that are transforming lives and cultivating purpose for men in recovery.

The Garden of Hope continues to flourish as a place of healing and restoration. What began as a small vegetable patch has become a thriving community garden, producing fresh produce for our halfway house and creating meaningful work opportunities for residents. Each seed planted tells a story of new beginnings, resilience, and faith in action.

Our Garden Café is growing into a vibrant hub of community connection a space where recovery meets entrepreneurship. Through skills training, hospitality experience, and mentorship, our residents gain confidence and work-readiness, preparing them for sustainable reintegration into society.

We are also deeply grateful for our partnership with Hillsong Africa Foundation whose support and collaboration have strengthened our outreach and capacity to bring hope to more lives. Together, we are building pathways for men to rediscover dignity, purpose, and belonging.

As we look ahead, we invite you our friends, churches, and community partners to continue journeying with us. Every prayer, visit, and contribution helps nurture this garden of transformation.

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” – Psalm 92:13

21/10/2025

🌍 From Adversity to Opportunity – Raain’s Story of Hope🇱🇾

Once walking the road of recovery, today Raain is walking confidently in purpose now serving as a Maths Teacher in Libya. 📚✈️

His journey reminds us that no matter where you start, with faith, guidance, and perseverance, transformation is possible. 🙏✨

We at Helderberg Omgee Halfway House celebrate this incredible milestone proof that hope truly changes lives. 💚

15/10/2025

✈️ Safe Travels, Raain! 🇱🇾

Our Helderberg Omgee family wishes Raain a blessed and safe journey as he travels to Libya! 🌍
Your dedication and heart for service continue to inspire us all. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see the amazing impact you’ll make. 🙌

Travel safely and know your Omgee family is cheering you on every step of the way! 💚

14/10/2025

🖨️ Printer Needed for Our Office 🖨️
We at Helderberg Omgee Halfway House are reaching out to our community for support. Our office printer has stopped working, and we’re in need of a reliable printer (new or gently used) to assist with our daily operations, reports, and residents’ program materials.

Your contribution big or small will go a long way in helping us continue serving men in recovery and rebuilding lives with dignity and purpose.

If you or your company can assist, please contact us via Messenger or email info@helderbergomgee.org)
074-7859979

Together, we can make a difference one page at a time! 💙

09/10/2025

🌍✨ From Adversity to Opportunity!✨🌍

We are so proud of Raain Bailile, one of our residents, whose journey is a true testimony that change is possible. 🙌

From facing life’s challenges to now stepping into a new chapter as a Mathematics Teacher in Libya , Raain’s story reminds us that with faith, support, and perseverance, God can turn any life around. 💪📖

At Helderberg Omgee Halfway House, we celebrate every story of hope and transformation and Raain’s success is proof that God is movingin powerful ways through the lives of our residents. 🌱💫

Congratulations, Raain! Your journey inspires us all. ❤️

01/10/2025

The Garden of Hope project driven by purpose

24/09/2025

🌱 Garden of Hope 🌱

In his short documentary, Future Dube our Garden Coordinator, shares how the Garden of Hope gives residents in recovery more than just food it gives them purpose, growth, and hope after addiction. 💚

Every seed planted reminds them that new life is always possible. 🌻✨