Thank you for visiting …For Good Hope! We are excited to welcome you into our community of healthcare practitioners, their patients, carers, parents, teachers, au pairs, as well as friends and family of individuals with disabilities/ therapeutic needs who just want to learn more.
Let me introduce the voice behind this website, Instagram posts and stories, emails and every other form of correspondence with …For Good Hope! This is me – Claudia Menezes. I was born and bred in Durban, did my entire schooling at St. Henry’s Marist College, and then attended UKZN Westville Campus for my Occupational Therapy Degree. I then carried out my Community Service at Christ the King Hospital in Ixopo where my love for rural was discovered! Thereafter, I had a gap year where I worked, volunteered and travelled in the UK and spent months planning the ins and outs of my little Non-Profit Organisation (See more about this in the “About” section).
Fast forward a few years later, and I now live in the KZN Midlands (Dargle/Impendle area) with my my partner, Gareth, who is a Beef Farmer. I was one of the many who met a farmer during Comm. Serve and the rest is history! We have two little Dachshunds, Lilly and Rolo, who definitely make working from home interesting. Skype/ Zoom meetings sometimes involve some barking and jingly toys in the background (apologies in advance!). Gareth, Lilly and Rolo play such a huge role in supporting me and keeping me sane throughout all the new lessons that I learn along the way with regards to running a business.
My relationship with Occupational Therapy:
I am a VERY passionate Occupational Therapist; and I may be biased but I really do think it is the most unique and holistic profession. Everyone has their own story. The beginning of mine doesn’t begin in a hospital, school or facility. It has begun in a studio! I’ve definitely been looked down upon because of this but I fully believe this is my calling and it’s all about finding what is right for you.
I have a passion for Indirect Therapy (has this ever been said by another OT before!?). Let me explain: Firstly, I’m not so sure I had a choice in the matter; as we live roughly 45 minutes (including 18kms of dirt road) from any form of civilisation and I hate driving! The pain of only seeing clients/ patients once in a while is definitely worth the pleasure of living the lifestyle that we live.
“Consulting Accessibility Specialist”
Secondly, my ultimate career related dream would be a Consulting Accessibility Specialist; so hopefully …For Good Hope leads me closer towards the bigger picture. I am not entirely sure if that job title is a real thing or if I have made that up in my head; but I would absolutely love if I could accomplish it anyway!
I firmly believe that one of the most amazing and unique aspects of Occupational Therapy are Assistive Devices, and therapy wouldn’t be complete without considering whether a client would benefit from one. Assistive Devices can successfully provide a balance between optimising and making the most of the abilities that the client already possesses, whilst maximising their independence; and ultimately their quality of life. In my opinion, consulting with us regarding an Assistive Device or custom made product is only a small component of the amount of Indirect Therapy that should be taking place alongside Direct Therapy. The combination and balance of Direct and Indirect Therapy truly makes for a great recipe for success.
At For Good Hope, we are proud to be making a difference in the niche of Assistive Devices. However, this is only one area of the four areas of an OT’s role in Accessibility! In 2022, I will be furthering my studies by completing a four-part course which will take roughly 2 years. I will be specialising in Accessibility in relation to the Built Environment. My studies will cover Universal Design as well as Environmental Design and Modifications in relation to Accessibility.
So far, …For Good Hope has been such an incredible part of my life. It has made me the best me and fills my proverbial cup every single day. In saying that, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. They unfortunately don’t teach you Digital Marketing, Web Design and Overlocking in an OT Degree! But every failure or mistake is a learning opportunity and my story has loads more blank pages to fill.
I have always loved the quote:
“If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”
And we’re doing just that!
Thank you for joining us in this journey of growth. We definitely don’t know everything and we are definitely going to make mistakes along the way; but thank you for supporting local and thank you for supporting a cause! Stick with us through the process as we create meaningful products and provide Accessibility to those that need it most! If you have any products in particular which you would like us to add to our range, please let us know via email: info@forgoodhope.co.za
It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.
~ Unknown