OWN CORRESPONDENT
YALE is an organisation which caters for intellectually-disabled people in the community.
The burglary happened some time between December 16 and 25 and was only discovered when a staff member driving past on Christmas day noticed that the sliding doors were open.
“Just about everything we own was stolen. This includes cutlery, crockery, tools used by the residents for work such as hammers and scissors, two computers, a hi-fi system, cash and two vehicles, including a delivery truck.
“The thieves knew what they were doing. They broke through a cage we had built around our electricity meter boxes outside the property to switch off the power. The alarm did go off and our security company reacted but found everything to be in order.
“The thieves returned later and jumped over the electric fence. They cut through a thick bolt which locked the sliding doors,” she said.
What they didn’t steal, they trashed.
“The turned every draw and cupboard upside down and inside out. The place was a complete mess. We had to clean up very quickly so that our residents returned to order. We did not want to traumatise them,” she said.
YALE was started 28 years ago by Blumenthal when she realised that there was no place for her daughter. She started a support group which soon turned into a proper facility.
YALE offers them a home, as well as employment, but more importantly, give its residents an opportunity to socialise with their peer and maintain their dignity.
The residents do work such as packing, sorting, mail shots and assembly of goods, she said.
In August 1990 a house was purchased in Rouxville where some of the residents live.
“This gives them their independence. Eight people live there with limited supervision. They learn to live independently with their peers, without judgement and stigma,” said Blumenthal.
The real business which sustains the home is the making of high-quality pet food. The home gets meat from the abattoir and cooks it up with vegetables and other ingredients. They supply chain stores and vets.
YALE is appealing for assistance and is asking for contributions of tools, cutlery, crockery and computers.
Anyone able to assist can contact the home on (011) 640-5005 or (011) 640-1530 or e-mail yale@telkomsa.net. Their website is www.yalecentre.co.za
