A chance encounter with a widow and her two young children on a rainy day led Dianne Lehy to establish Greensleeves, a community initiative supporting vulnerable families and children. The woman, who was seeking shelter at Lehy's gate, had been surviving on just R150 a month. This sparked Lehy's decision to provide long-term assistance beyond emergency shelter. Lehy approached the woman and offered help, marking the beginning of Greensleeves.
With the assistance of lawyer Russell Lindy, Greensleeves eventually registered as a non-profit organisation. Lehy's vision for the organisation expanded to include education, aiming to break the cycle of poverty. She wanted to provide children with opportunities to succeed, and this led to the establishment of Fig Tree Independent School eight years ago. The school provides quality education for children in Greensleeves' care.
Today, Greensleeves operates 15 foster homes and the Fig Tree Independent School. The organisation's feeding programme remains a crucial part of its work, providing hot meals to children in local communities. Lehy is motivated by the sight of children walking long distances for soup and bread, and she continues to be driven by their needs. Her focus is now on teaching older children to take responsibility for the feeding programme.
Lehy's approach to community support is centred around promoting self-reliance. She is mentoring older children to take ownership of the feeding scheme, encouraging them to work together to achieve their goals. Lehy believes that it takes a village to raise a child, and her initiative reflects this philosophy. By empowering children and families, Greensleeves aims to create a more sustainable and supportive community.
Greensleeves' growth from a small community initiative to a registered non-profit organisation is a testament to Lehy's dedication and vision. The organisation's expansion into education and feeding programmes has had a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families. Lehy's work has also highlighted the importance of community support and the need for sustainable solutions to address poverty.
Lehy's personal journey with Greensleeves began with a simple act of kindness, taking in a widow and her two children on a rainy day. This act sparked a chain of events that has led to the establishment of a thriving community organisation. Lehy's story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the impact that one person can have on their community.
As Greensleeves continues to grow and evolve, Lehy's focus remains on providing support to vulnerable children and families. The organisation's work is a reminder of the importance of community support and the need for sustainable solutions to address poverty. By empowering children and families, Greensleeves aims to create a brighter future for generations to come.
Key points
- Greensleeves provides hot meals, schooling and community support to vulnerable families and children.
- Dianne Lehy was inspired to establish Greensleeves after taking in a rain-soaked widow and two babies at her gate.
- The organisation operates 15 foster homes and Fig Tree Independent School, and provides feeding programmes to children in local communities.
