Toevlug has come a long way since its inception, marking significant milestones and receiving prestigious accolades along the way.
- 2002/2003: Toevlug celebrated its 25th anniversary and became part of the Badisa family. This year also saw Toevlug receive a Best Practice Award from the Minister of Social Development.
- 2003/2004: The centre began welcoming students from Uwkanda (Growth through Rural Health) in Occupational Therapy, Medicine, and Dietetics.
- 2005: The facilities were enhanced with the addition of a swimming pool and relaxation area for patients.
- 2005/2006: Toevlug admitted its first group of youths aged 13 to 18, addressing a significant practical need. The centre’s registration capacity increased from 50 to 70 to meet growing demand.
- 2009: Toevlug was admitting approximately 612 inpatients and 144 youths annually.
- 2014/2015: The quality of service delivery was increased as the first two staff members completed the new PG Dip in Addiction Care offered by the University of Stellenbosch. Subsequently, all therapeutic staff at Toevlug completed this diploma.
- 2014/2015: Toevlug opened its own toxicology laboratory, capable of testing for up to 17 different prohibited substances with a single urine sample, meeting a critical need for accurate and rapid testing.
- 2015: The centre received funding from the Department of Social Services for the treatment of outpatients for the first time. This service expanded to Beaufort West in 2016/17 and to Stilbaai in 2021/22. However, funding cuts in 2024 drastically reduced subsidies for outpatients.
- 2015/2016: A consultation group for substance dependence was established, strengthening the relationship between Toevlug and Badisa’s child protection arm. Quarterly meetings between Badisa social workers and Toevlug therapists aimed to enhance knowledge and cooperation for better patient and community service.
- 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patient admissions were halted, necessitating a swift adaptation of service delivery. Zoom support groups were launched to provide online services.
- 2021/2022: Toevlug focused on alternative income sources post-pandemic. The Refuge Shop was established, and employer programs were further expanded.
- 2023: Hendrienne Poole was elected as Toevlug’s first female chairman, marking another milestone in the cente’s history.
