What we offer
Gabriella Centre is a Residential and Day Care facility for children and young adults with profound Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy. We provide 24 hour care in a home from home environment along with unlimited patience and unconditional love The Day Care Centre is open from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It remains open over school holidays, closing for only three weeks over the Christmas season and on Public holidays. The Residential section remains open throughout the year. To maintain a comfortable environment, a maximum of 24 children/young adults are enrolled in Day Care, of which 12 of them are also in Residential Care. To ensure they receive all the care and love they deserve, a maximum child/caregiver ratio of 4/1 is provided. Individual programmes are designed by our in-house Physiotherapist and Program Implementer, to ensure each child/young adult receives the correct physiotherapy & intellectual stimulation they require. Our Staff have been trained to follow these individual programmes and understand the importance of correct positioning, exercise and educational stimulation. The weekly programme includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music & movement, creative activities, outdoor play, horse riding and outings. We provide a place to learn and grow, to feel safe and accepted and to be loved unconditionally.
Our Staff
Gabriella Centre was founded in 1998 by Director; Natalie Del Fabbro whom is also the proud mom of Gabriella. “I am able to understand the heartache parents experience when their dreams are shattered with the news that their beautiful child will have a lifetime of challenges ahead of them and there is little they can do to change it. The realization they may never experience the joy of watching their baby learn to crawl, walk, talk or for some, even learn to chew. And later the acceptance that you may never watch them go to school, fall in love or experience the joy of having children of their own. I understand the fears parents have of their child not being respected, protected and loved and the uncertainty of the future. Because of this common bond, I can encourage and inspire parents to not dwell on what could have been, but rather to see their child for who he or she is… and to accept and love them unconditionally. Everyone is entitled to feel sad and angry about this, happening to their child, to their family. It is perfectly natural to mourn the loss of a dream… But don’t stay there too long, your precious child needs you. Try not waste unnecessary time and energy focusing on what your child cannot do and rather become your child’s greatest supporter! Celebrate their life and make it your mission to ensure your child enjoys their life!” Along with Natalie’s team of Nurses, Caregivers, Physiotherapist, Program Implementer and ECD Teacher they are able to assist these parents by giving them peace of mind, knowing they have done the best they can for their children by placing them, be it part time or full time, in the hands of those who really do care. All of the staff members have dedicated their lives to this field and all share a mutual desire to assist these precious children/young adults in reaching their highest potential. It is their goal to provide them with as many opportunities as they can, to live as normal a life as possible.
Our Thoughts
These are beautiful and loving children and young adults, who are trapped in bodies that do not co-operate with what they would like to do. We have made it our mission in life to serve these wonderful people, to be their facilitators, to be their feet, their hands and their voice. To treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Over the years we have watched the children grow and improve. The love overflows at Gabriella Centre and we never give up on them. We persevere, even if it takes a child 5 years to learn one colour or to learn to control a spoon. It is the most amazing experience to watch their faces when they finally achieve something, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to others. Nothing can compare to the joy experienced in watching a child discover the world! If able-bodied people showed the same determination and courage as these children and young adults do, we would achieve great things!
