Help inspire a life & new beginning
The Open Door Crisis Care Centre (The Open Door) is a non-profit, interdenominational outreach organisation established in 1997 by Thora Mansfield at the request of the local South African Police Services.
Our aim is to sustain a holistic, multifaceted one-stop crisis and trauma centre offering counselling, social services, and support groups.
Being able to make a difference in the lives of hurting people or families in our community is what inspires us to carry on – this is how we define success.
What do we do at The Open Door Crisis Care Centre?
(The Open Door)
Issues of domestic violence and child abuse need no clarification, however, these diabolical acts against humanity leave lives broken, psychologically damaged and with feelings of total hopelessness that frequently lead to suicide.
The Open Door lobbies for advocacy and prevention of secondary abuse on a daily basis, challenging anti-human rights against women and children. The Open Door is a one-stop trauma and crisis centre. We focus our attention on the social issues in our society, offering counseling, social support, and training. Victims of all forms of abuse are accommodated in our registered shelter. This shelter is situated in a quiet suburb with an undisclosed address to ensure the safety of our clients who are frequently at risk from perpetrators.
Areas of focus:
Domestic Violence
Child Abuse & Vulnerable Children
Human Trafficking
Trauma
Dear Thora
The residents of Evelyn House Retirement Home were delighted to receive such a lovely surprise gift of shower foam. The care centre residents particularly enjoyed being showered with it. Little treats always mean so much to those who don’t get spoilt very often. Thank you so much of thinking of us.
I understand that it was Bev Nathras that got you involved with our home and we are most grateful to her.
Richmond enjoys the changing seasons more than you nearer the coast and at the moment we are having glorious sunny days although the mornings are rather chilly. Most days you’ll find one or two sitting in the sun enjoying the warmth like lizards.
With kind regards
The Open Door is Committed to 4 Pillars of Operation.
- Prevention – which involves creating awareness, training and educational programmes with a focus on disadvantaged areas.
- Protection of victims in our shelter,
- Prosecution – through the preparation of equipping victims to become effective witnesses in court and
- Partnership with government agencies and recognized NGO’s to lobby for better service provision by state departments and the South African Police Services including prevention of secondary traumatization of victims through poor and insensitive treatment.
The Open Door has registered shelters with the Department of Social Development for women & children and men & boys. These shelters are also accredited to accommodate victims of human trafficking.
History
The Open Door Crisis Care Centre (The Open Door) has been in existence since 1997 and has soundly established itself as a lead organisation working with abused women, vulnerable children and families focusing both on prevention (e.g. training and awareness) and intervention (e.g. counselling and social services.). Over this period The Open Door has counselled thousands of men, women, and children reaching out to not only the individual in crisis but reaching out to the extended family group.
The Open Door has won many Awards for their work in fighting crimes against women and children, as well as taking a stand against human trafficking.