ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Who are we? Free State Care in Action is a non-profit organisation with branches in all regions of the Free State and provide welfare services to all people in need. For more than a century a variety of services are provided to people of all ages across the Free State through 83 service points. Be part of the success stories of FCIA through your involvement as a volunteer or sponsor.
Become involved by:
- the management of projects;
- share your knowledge and expertise;
- assist with fundraising;
- support services and projects;
- get involved with service delivery;
- donations and sponsorships.
Free State Care in Action’s strong established infrastructure and loyal corps of volunteers and staff along with the knowledge and experience gained over the past 100 years, enables this organisation to now provide a service and to take the lead at all social service levels.
HISTORY
1908
Free State Care In Action was established by President and Mrs. MT Steyn, as the then Oranje Vroue Vereniging (OVV), on 25 March 1908, on the Onze Rust farm just outside Bloemfontein.
The social disruption, economic impoverishment and drought in the years after the Anglo Boer war caused unbearable distress and suffering, particularly for women and children, and the establishment of the OVV (the first organised association for social services in the Free State) was therefore widely welcomed.
2006
Free State Care In Action/ VrystaatVersorging in Aksie/TlhokomeloTshebetsong Ya Freistata, was announced as the new name of the Oranje Vroue Vereniging during a Gala event on 23 March 2006. The name change was the beginning of a new era for the organisation.
2020
On 31 May 2020 the organisation’s Director and Financial Manager retired. This was the end of an era, but the birth of a bright future. With restructuring, each department now has the opportunity to truly specialize in their field and provide a quality service. The role of the working committees will focus in particular on taking the organisation’s services to the next level.
2021
Free State Care In Action was established in 1908 and it is still relevant after 113 years, as it brings hope to the lives of thousands of people who are in distress. The organisation exercised its’ influence across a broad spectrum with regard to the preservation of cultural and moral values, as well as, the upliftment and development of individuals, families and communities. It also played a leading role in the establishment of numerous services which are often taken for granted today, such as: maternity hospitals, district nursing services. home management tools, nutrition schemes, working classes, clubs etc.
Free State Care in Action manages:
- 16 Social Work Branches
- 15 Unsubsidized branches (Volunteers)
- 8 Subsidized Homes for the Elderly
- 5 Unsubsidized Homes for the Elderly
- 22 Housing Units for the Elderly
- 4 Subsidized Service Centres
- 4 Unsubsidized Service Centres
- 9 Day Care Facilities for Children
- 1 After Care Centre
OUR VISION
A quality sustainable welfare service
OUR MISSION
To Care, Develop and Empower all people in need.
OUR VALUES
In uncertain times, values are crucial.
VALUE |
ACTIONS |
| Integrity | We act with honesty and transparency (we do the right thing). |
| Empathy | Compassion, understanding, kindness and sensitivity should always be apparent in our actions. |
| Excellence | Strive to offer quality services with care and dedication. |
| Communication | Promote open and effective communication and interaction so that everyone can share opinions with confidence. |
| Respect and Esteem | We treat everyone with respect and dignity and respect differences. |
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Objective 1:
Financial sustainability
• Maintenance and development of existing sources of income
• Develop new sources of income
• Optimal use of assets
• Develop and implement best practice management model
• Develop dynamic leadership and management
Objective 2:
Corporative governance and planning
• Develop and implement best practice management model
• Develop dynamic leadership and management
Objective 3:
Marketing
• Visibility of the organization
• Corporative identity
Objective 4:
Quality service
• Establish high quality service quality
• Recruits, develops and retains well equipt staff
Objective 5:
Optimization of volunteers
• Recruits, develops, empowers amd retains volunteers
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
HENRIËTTE WESSELS
CHAIRPERSON: PROVINCIAL BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DOREEN WESSELS
VICE CHAIRPERSON
RIANA BOTHA
PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER
RIA MALAN
DIRECTOR: SOCIAL SERVICES
MELANIE KRAMER
DIRECTOR: ELDERLY CARE
THARINA VERMEULEN
DIRECTOR: FINANCE
CORLIA KARSTEN
SECRETARIAT PROVINCIAL BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
