FAQ'S

We receive many phonecalls from people who have similar questions. So we decided to list a few here for all to read. Although we have tried to list them below, please do not hesitate to contact us if you want more information.

	What is mental handicap or intellectual disability?
	Intellectual Disability is caused by brain damage or poor brain development, which causes people to learn and to develop slower than others. Approximately two percent of the population are intellectually disabled. Intellectual disability may occur at birth or later in life through illness or injury. It is estimated that up to forty percent (40%) of cases of intellectual disability are preventable. Unfortunately intellectual disability cannot be cured, as brain damage is permanent.

	What causes mental handicap?
	There are numerous causes. This can include genetics, drugs and alcohol abuse, child abuse, head injuries, near drowning, epilepsy, birth injuries (like too little oxygen and cerebral palsy), car and motorbike accidents.

	What is the difference between mental illness and mental disability?
	A person who is mentally disabled will never recover. That person's brain has been physically damaged and can never be 'fixed'. The damage is irreversible. A person who has a mental illness, can get better and - with the correct medication - be intergrated back into society.

	Do we look after children only?
	No. We llok after people of all ages. Our youngest child is 4and oldest is 74. Many people who came here were children and have lived here all their lives.

	Are there other Avril Elizabeth Homes?
	No. When the Home originally opened in Kensigton, JHB, we two occupied houses. In the 1980's we moved to Convent in Fishershill and amalgamated all the houses into one Home.

	Do we have a waiting list?
	Yes we do.

	Can we issue receipts in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act?
	Yes- we can issue receipts in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. We applied to SARS and received a PBO number (930 007 621) in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act.

	What does it cost to run the Home?
	We have a budget of approximately R11m that is approved by the Executive Committee. Of this we have to fundraise about 60% as income from fees and subsidies only cover about 40% of the expenditure.

	Do we receive funding from the Lottery?
	Yes, we have received funding from the lottery. We have submitted an application for 2007 and are awaiting a response. We receive subsidies from the Government.

	Do we receive funding from the Government?
	Yes from the Health Department for the severe and profoundly disabled residents at only 20% of the actual cost of care. We also receive from the Department of Social services for the mildly to moderately disabled residents.

	Can you volunteer?
	Yes you can but we do have some very strict criteria which we look at as the safety of our Residents is our first priority.

	How does the Home fit in with BEE?
	We do get queries from some companies who need to score points on their BEE Scorecards and feel that they need to make donations to " BEE qualifying 'organisations " in order to score these points. We then compiled a scorecard and our score is 77% so donations to us will qualify for points on BEE Scorecards

	Do we have people who help us to fundraise?
	Yes we do.

	Are there any projects you can assist with?
	Yes there are. Unfortunately they are not glamourous but they are essential to the effective running of our Home. Please contact us for further details.

	How can you help without making a monetary donation?
	Books We have a second hand bookshop on the premises and also sell at the Rosebank market about 4 times a year. Clothing We use what we receive first to clothe our residents who come from poor backgrounds and what we can't use for them we sell to raise funds for them. Furniture and appliances - we also see what we can use in the Home and then we sell the rest to generate funds. New goods and services - Some people and companies like to donate goods they make or services they provide rather than cash and this is also most welcome. We are able to issue a section 18A for the value of the goods or services donated.

	Is working at the Home more than just a job?
	Definitely! The people that reside here, whether young or old, are special people who bring joy into our lives. They portray the innocence that is lost early on in life. After a while they become an extended family and even when you go on leave they never leave your thoughts!

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