House of Thembiso (Promise in Xhosa) is a Place of Safety or Halfway Home for babies up to the age of 12 months. It specifically caters for special needs babies that are HIV positive or have any other physical or mental disability. The babies are cared for here until they are placed with suitable adoptive or foster parents.

About 

Thembiso started in February 2007 out of a desire by both Doxa Deo Langeberg and Durbanville Baptist Churches to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. 

This joint venture between the two churches falls under the guidance of the uMephi organization (the Child Welfare arm of the AFM church in South Africa). uMephi has been operating in South Africa for 70 years and runs or supports over 70 projects ranging from Special Needs Homes for babies and children to Community Foster Care Homes for orphans. 

To date (July 2015) 158 children have been taken care of in Thembiso, and 152 was either adopted Nationally, Internationally, placed in foster care or back in their family. The other 6 are still at Thembiso.

Facts about House of Thembiso

Admissions – 158 Babies
Re-united with family – 24 Babies
Foster care – 2 Babies
Adoption – 121 Babies
Babies moved to other care homes – 5
Babies at Thembiso at the moment – 6
Nappies, formula milk and wet wipes is our greatest need

The house itself has been provided by uMephi while the monthly running expenses and all other needs including salaries and improvements to the property are met from various sources including regular and once off donations (in cash, kind and services) from church members and other people in the community as well as from companies. In addition a small amount is received per child from social welfare and overseas adoptions.

Visit House of Thembiso Website: http://www.thembiso.co.za