Tuesday, April 08, 2025

Feeding Minds, Healing Souls: Inside Arisen Women’s Work in Mitchell’s Plain

Today on the Morning Cruise at Bush Radio 89.5FM, we had the honour of speaking with three dedicated representatives from Arisen Women, a nonprofit organization based in Mitchell's Plain. Founded in 2002, Arisen Women has been a vital force in tackling some of the most urgent issues facing the community, including poverty, school dropouts, gangsterism, and teenage pregnancy.

We were joined by Gayna Dankes (Program Manager), Chelsea Pretorius (Outreach Coordinator), and Jasmine Daniels (Project Manager of the Kids Team), who shared insights into the foundation’s humble beginnings and remarkable growth. From a small team of just four home-based carers, Arisen Women now employs 170 staff members and serves an astonishing 20,000 beneficiaries each month.

Despite operating from a modest three-bedroom house, the organization has managed to implement a wide range of community development programs. These include psychosocial support groups in schools, extensive after-school activities, healthcare and pregnancy support, youth empowerment programs, and large-scale feeding initiatives. Each day, between 280 to 300 children receive meals and educational support through Arisen Women’s after-school programs.

Jasmine Daniels highlighted the impact of their psychosocial support services, sharing inspiring stories of children who have been able to heal from traumatic experiences thanks to the safe spaces and consistent care provided by the organization. Chelsea Pretorius spoke about her work with the Teenage Girls Club, which focuses on preventing school dropouts and teenage pregnancies by creating supportive networks for young women aged 13 to 17.

In addition to their daily efforts, Arisen Women runs a Friday Community Morning Porridge Initiative, preparing up to 200 liters of porridge for community members. Support from partners such as Food Forward and ShopRite Westgate has been crucial in sustaining these feeding programs.

Yet, the challenges remain significant. Limited space, high demand for services, and the need for increased resources are ongoing concerns. However, the spirit of Arisen Women remains unshaken. Their commitment to serving the community — from ‘womb to tomb’ — is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the profound difference that dedicated individuals can make.

The interview was a moving reminder that when communities are supported and uplifted, real change is possible. We salute the team at Arisen Women for their unwavering dedication to building a safer, healthier, and more empowered Mitchell’s Plain.

Stay connected to Morning Cruise every weekday on Bush Radio 89.5FM for more conversations that inspire and inform.

Address: 4 Hugo Naude Crescent New Woodlands Mitchells Plain, 7785

Website: https://arisenwomen.org.za

Telephone: 021 372 6839

WhatsApp: 082 483 0606 

Email: admin@arisenwomen.org.za 

Written by Qais Dabbakeh

Morning Cruise Presenters: Mkuseli "Khusi" Veto, Camille de Vos, Ryan Growney, and Qais Dabbakeh

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