Pam Green became a viral sensation last year when she helped a beggar named Joseph Phukubje get a job. It was a move that inspired the 35-year-old Joburger to start the commendable initiative, Second Chances. But now, after running out of funds, Pam needs your help!
When I was three-years-old my nursery school teacher asked us all what we wanted to be when we grew up. I responded: “I want to be the person who helps the men who draw the lines in the road”. I have been teased about it ever since, but even then, I knew I wanted to help those who struggled. Volunteer work has always fed my soul. It makes me feel purposeful!
Before starting my NPO I had worked in corporate for eight years. I was in telecoms and, prior to that, I was a Grade 2 primary school teacher for Johannesburg Girls Primary. I loved my job, but I always knew that giving back and helping people was the type of work I wanted to do.
I will never forget that day last year when I got my ‘light bulb moment’. I was on my way to a meeting and turned down a wrong road. That’s how I landed up at the robot Joseph was standing at. I initially drove away, but about two seconds later turned around to go and speak to him.
He was begging for a job and had his documents with him. I was so impressed that I wanted to try help. I remember thinking to myself: “Imagine if a ton of people shared this, and he got a job and became successful and could do motivational talks to people.
For two months Joseph had employment. He was earning an income, he had emotional support, and we arranged accommodation, furniture and appliances for him. We sent him to rehab for his drug addiction.
Sadly, we are no longer in touch. He returned to the streets a few months later, and I haven’t been able to find him or contact him since. I hope that all of this planted a seed in him and he will remember that he has the potential to be anyone he wants to be.
I set out to create a second chance for Joseph, and my encounter with him enabled me to create the initiative, Second Chances.
Second Chances focuses on sustainable change. We run job creation projects – for example, Twice As New which turns second hand clothing into income generating opportunities for unemployed people in Gauteng.
The NPO is a unique approach to social development and upliftment, as we run off social media. This is the first non-profit of its kind in SA, and we are creating the real power of social media, by not only helping the people in need, but also creating awareness, and educating hundreds of thousands of people on the journey of life transformations.
We run monthly feeding project events, recovery coaching for drug addicts and alcoholics, assist people in finding employment as well as helping individuals by highlighting their story and needs through our Facebook page.
However, because Second Chances is just a start-up, it’s not bringing in enough money to be sustainable. We need about R80 000 a month to continue helping those who were unemployed and addicted to drugs.
We are appealing for help with funding to cover our operational expenses, our projects, as well as enable us to expand, create new jobs within the organisation and, as a result, help even more people.
To-date, there have been some incredible success stories. Shawn was a street addict when we met him. We funded his rehab and supplied him with all his needs while there. We then assisted in getting him skilled as a dog groomer, and he is now working at a company called Pimp my Pup.
Rosinah came to us. She had sacrificed all she had financially to do admin, computer and receptionist certifications. Although she was getting interviews, she was unsuccessful because she didn’t look the part. She simply could not afford smart clothing, and her simple t-shirt was the best she had.
We donated a brand new, corporate-appropriate wardrobe and sent out her story and CV to companies. Shortly afterwards, Rosinah was hired at Sephaku Cement, where she continues to work as their front of house receptionist. The most incredible part of this story is that Rosinah now helps us create second chances for other people.
Unfortunately, helping the disadvantaged also comes with its shortfalls. A big part of the work I do is creating awareness and educating people on wise compassion. Most people are unaware that the vast majority of our street beggars are addicts, and that the money given to them is actually used for drugs and not housing.
We recently had a case where two of our followers both met the same beggar on separate occasions. Within a couple of days, he spun them a story of needing rent money amongst other things and they each donated hundreds of rands to pay for his rent. The following day when we went to meet him, he was still homeless and sleeping in the park, asking for rent money.
If I could give any advice to fellow South Africans when it comes to being cautious when giving back it’s that you should constantly ask questions such as where do you stay, what type of work can you do. Ask for specifics, supporting educational documents, ID documents and work visas.
I very rarely hand over money, but offer to help in a sustainable way, that quickly separates those just wanting quick money to those who are ready to accept help in turning their lives around.
Having said all this, I personally would rather be duped and give to nine conmen and know I helped one genuine person in need, than help no one and miss those destitute people.
*To help Pam and her incredible cause, you can donate through their website, secondchances.org.za, or sign up for a monthly debit order form. For more details or debit order forms, email helpme@secondchances.org.za.
*Images: supplied