At Epicentre, we are deeply proud to work alongside extraordinary people who are making a real difference in their communities. One such inspiring example is a church in Chatsworth that began from almost nothing — just a small group of determined people with a vision to help those in need.
A Vision Born from Determination
The story starts in 1999 when the pastor, a former police captain focused on community policing, and his wife, a former estate agent, decided to leave their jobs to serve their community full-time. They bought a small mobile home with three rooms — originally meant for police officers — and transformed it into a school for young children. That first early childhood development centre welcomed 40 to 50 kids, marking the start of something truly special.
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community
At that time, Chatsworth was experiencing a huge influx of impoverished people from nearby areas who had nowhere to live, putting up informal homes. The church saw the struggles these families and especially young girls faced — many exploited and without hope.
With support from missionary teams who helped build a proper church building, the ministry grew step by step. They established a school, care homes, feeding schemes, and pioneered a unique model called “Cluster Foster Care.” This approach provides small, manageable homes where trained house mothers live with up to six children, caring for them like their own and supporting them with education, health, and emotional needs. This model was the first of its kind to be officially recognised by the government and is now used across the country.
Skills Training and Empowerment for Vulnerable Girls
Today, the church runs a thriving skills centre, offering vulnerable girls aged 15 to 18—and some up to 30—the chance to learn sewing and garment-making skills. With help from local businesses in the fabric industry, these girls complete internships and gain secure employment, helping break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Expanding Services: Gender-Based Violence Centre and Hospice
The church’s work continues to expand with the construction of a gender-based violence centre that will serve the community and help put an end to this very real ongoing issue, as well as a hospice to care for children and babies in need. Each project is a testament to the church’s commitment to healing, safety, and dignity for the community.
Epicentre’s Partnership: Supporting Health and Wellbeing
Epicentre is honoured not only to share this incredible story but also to work directly with the girls themselves. We provide sexual health testing on-site, helping to identify health needs early. This enables the church to ensure that each girl receives the treatment and care she needs to stay healthy and empowered.
How You Can Help: Donations That Make a Difference
What started as a tiny ministry in a mobile home has grown into a powerful beacon of hope. The pastor humbly shares, “God makes a way for us,” and that spirit of faith and resilience is visible everywhere in their work.
We encourage everyone who reads this to support this amazing ministry. Donations of toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, shampoo, deodorant, and lotions are especially valuable. Additionally, food parcels can go a very long way, particularly for the children attending the school. Providing breakfast or lunch for these children helps ensure they are well-nourished and ready to learn each day, making a real difference in their lives.
Epicentre happily drops off donations during our regular visits to the church—at least once a month. Please phone us to arrange a donation drop-off or come visit us at our Hillcrest office to learn more about how we can support this vital work together.
If you want to learn more or find out how to donate, please visit Community Life Centre’s website.
Together, we can stand with Chatsworth’s brave young women and their community, giving them a future full of hope.
Meet The Author
Juliette Zuccarini is a health consultant with a background in Genetics, Physiology, and Psychology, holding an Honours degree in Genetics from Stellenbosch University. She works at Epicentre Health Research, where she leads training and product development focused on functional blood chemistry. Her role involves interpreting blood test data and turning it into practical, patient-friendly health insights.
With experience in both research and lab-based healthcare, Juliette has a talent for translating complex science into accessible, empowering information. Her writing is shaped by her academic foundation and hands-on expertise, making her well-equipped to explain the role that blood-based testing plays in managing women’s health.
