Good Morning Angels: Woman who escaped abuse with her children thanks “angels” that saved her
Natasha could not stay in her abusive relationship any longer, for her own but also for her children’s sake.
BACKGROUND: Natasha and her two sons fled their home in Durban more than three years ago. Natasha says she could not stay in her abusive relationship any longer, for her own but also for her children’s sake. She left with nothing and stayed with family in Gauteng for a short while. Her husband thought she was coming to Gauteng only to visit but Natasha knew that she could never go back. She found a job that didn’t work out, moved to Pretoria when she found another that turned out to be a dead-end and ultimately ended up on the street, with no support for her and her sons. “We slept under a bush in a veld” … and that’s where Johan and Enillcre Liddle, from The Haven Care Centre in Benoni found them.
They took Natasha and her sons in and gave them a home. They gave them food, security, love, hope and a future. They still live at the centre, where Natasha now works. “Last year, Johan sold his car to cover the water and lights and food bill at the centre - and they don’t even live here themselves” says Natasha. She wants to thank these two Angels for all they have done for her and the other 60 people living at the centre, but doesn’t know how. That’s when her 17-year old son, Willem, suggested that she writes to Good Morning Angels.
REQUEST FROM: Natasha and 17-year-old Willem
REQUEST FOR: Johan and Enillcre Liddle from The Haven Care Centre
ANGEL: The Good Morning Angels Fund NPC
SPONSORING: The GMA Fund will donate R20 000 to Johan and Enillcre on behalf of Natasha and Willem, to thank them for their selfless care at The Haven Care Centre, of so many who have nowhere else to turn.
ORIGINAL REQUEST:
Hi, I was abused physically and mentally. There is a place called Haven Care Centre in Benoni. The owners took my son and I in. They are an amazing couple. I stay at the centre. I can’t afford to give them a gift or anything. I feel they do a lot for us here. And they are so caring. They made me feel secure when I felt down. They are always there, to put a smile on my face. My son suggested we do this and write to Good Morning Angels.
They have hearts of gold. They are my angels. I don’t know how to say thank u... please could you assist. I am still living at Haven Care Centre.
Thank you, it would be appreciated.
Natasha
More about The Haven Care Centre:
The Haven Care Centre was started in 1999 by Betty Crellin (Enillcre’s mom) and her business partner Pem Morgan. Betty has since passed on and Pem retired last year.
Enillcre and her husband Johan took over the running of the centre and has dedicated their lives to providing a safe haven for destitute people and families on an agricultural holding in Benoni North. Currently, 60 residents are housed, clothed, fed and their basic needs attended to. Adult residents are given meaningful employment and are paid a stipend whilst efforts are made to re-integrate them into the mainstream of society. Children are registered with local schools and are transported to and from school daily. School uniforms, lunches and materials are provided for the children and assistance given with homework and extramural activities.
The Haven Care Centre believes in treating all the residents with dignity and consideration.