St Laurence’s Children’s Haven is situated in Discovery, Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg. The home was started by a group of ten friends living in the area, approximately 18 years ago. The non-profit is focused on taking care of children who come from ‘broken’ and struggling families. The home caters for children who have been abused or abandoned regardless of their race or creed. The ultimate aim is to reunite them with their parents once it has been established that they are able to provide a safe and healthy home for their children.
The home of safety is managed by Richard and Tilly who have many years of experience as house parents to orphaned and vulnerable children. There are eight staff, which includes four caregivers, a cleaner, cook, gardener and assistant. St Laurence’s currently takes care of 27 children varying in age from six months to eighteen years. Many of the children are siblings and have been at the home for a number of years. There are three living areas, boys on the upper level and the girls share the ground floor. The older children have been allocated their own rooms while younger children enjoy sharing the bigger bedrooms.
The Haven situated on a large property in a tranquil suburban area allows the children to enjoy the freedom of a well-kept garden with many activities. A well-managed routine is followed at the home, children are encouraged to keep up with schoolwork, chores and down time in a safe, secure, loving and nurturing space where they are able to grow and develop.
St Laurence’s Children’s Haven raises money to support their expenses with three annual events as they don’t get any support from government. They rely on donations from the public to the keep operational costs down. Administration and fundraising are undertaken on a completely voluntary basis and money raised goes to taking care of the children.
After visiting the premises and meeting the staff, RADA has committed to assist and offer support where needed. With the help of sponsors, we will continue to assess and assist with the needs of the home, it’s staff and the children.
