Stephanie Booysen is one of those lovely people who knows exactly how to make you feel at home.
She is friendly and accessible, and generous with her smile. She is a ray of light for her friends, fellow residents and colleagues here at Horizon House.
As the oldest of three, she grew up in Brackenfell, went to school in Milnerton at De Grendel High and in 1996 she completed an Educare course at Tygerberg College. She has been a permanent resident at Horizon house since 2002.
One could say that her family is pretty much spread globally. Her father and brother live in Woodstock and Durbanville respectively, her sister and her two teenage kids live in Canada and Stephanie’s mom lives as far as Hawaii. Even though she sees her closer family members fairly regularly and misses those far away, it is no wonder that Horizon House is her home.
Stephanie is a mainstay in the laundry where she works daily. True to her character, she supports and helps the younger girls that works with her. Even though she is an introvert, she is always happy to help, patient, and friendly with those she encounters.
She loves knitting, as those who may have received one of her scarves, can confirm. She will also knit on order. She loves music and swims when she can. One of her dreams is to swim in the Hawaiian ocean. She also loves walking and often walks to town over the weekend with her friend Nathan. Apparently it’s “only” 5km!
Children and animals are dear to her heart, and she is always happy to greet the PAT (Pets As Therapy) dogs that visit Horizon House. She also enjoys being part of the group outings to AWSS (Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch).
Because Stephanie lives with a primary intellectual disability, she is vulnerable, and not able to live and work on her own. Horizon House is her home, an environment where she is able to thrive as a person. Here she is safe, with friends and staff who open their hearts to her and help her to experience a happy, and fulfilling life.
All of this and more is only possible for Stephanie and other residents because of your willingness to open your heart to them. Thank you for your interest, care and involvement. It is special to us.
The other great thing is that you can be involved in so many ways. You can make a donation (monthly or once-off). You can make a bequest in your will. You can attend any one of our functions or buy our products through the course of the year. Add us as a beneficiary on your MySchool card and contribute with no further effort. You can offer your time and your love by volunteering… You can get involved in whichever way you choose.
We really need your support and therefore ask that you will consider contributing in any one of the abovementioned ways. Visit our website www.huishorison.org.za and read all about what we do, and how to become part of it.
We look forward to getting to know you! And all of you who are already dedicated supporters, we sincerely thank you!
We wish you and your loved ones a blessed and enriching Festive Season.
Elza C Bresler
Executive Director
