KNYSNA NEWS - According to Families SA Knysna's official AGM reports we are 21 years old this year, serving the Garden Route area. But when we sent out an invite to the founding member Pastor James van Heerden who stays in New Zealand now, he sent an interesting article that appeared in the Knysna-Plett Herald on 7 March 1991, appealing to the public to volunteer their time. 

This makes us an extra six years old! So we really are 21 with 6 years extra experience totalling 27 years and still going strong thanks to all our supporters.

Says Pastor James, "In fact, Famsa has been serving Knysna for quite a while longer than 21 years. I first approached Marna Kleynhans who was the director of Famsa in George in 1988 and started seeing referred clients in an unofficial capacity. Having completed the Unisa MGC course in 1989 and Famsa block 1 and 2 in 1990, I officially registered as a Famsa counsellor in 1991 and together with Liz Tait began operating as Famsa in Knysna – initially in a very small office at the old Child Welfare building and then later in Thesen House."

We have attempted to reach as many people as possible who were part of our history in any way to attend our celebration on 21 September. This is our final attempt through the media.

We intend to celebrate in style: we have the Forestview venue at Simola Hotel and the theme is "Denim, lace and glitter", and Shaza Greeff will provide the music for the evening. The celebration promises to be fun with good company, food, music and laughter. Cost: R200 per person.

Avoid disappointment and contact the office to book your seat. Please let us know how you were involved and send us a special message to Knysna@famsa.org.za / 044 382 5129.

Famsa continues to serve the community – to enhance relationships and emotional wellbeing through counselling and training to better equip individuals, families and communities.

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