Our Story
Forever Family Homes was born as a project of the New Beginnings Trust* in 2015, after a trio of hardworking foster families came together in search of mutual support. For over a decade, the founding family homes had been bursting at the seams with beautiful babies in crisis, who had been removed from their biological parents and placed by the state in safety or foster care.
Since then our network has grown to six dedicated families across Nelson Mandela Bay, giving loving homes to up to 40 children in Walmer, Gqebera, Bethelsdorp, Swartkops and Uitenhage.
Each of these rainbow families adds its own special piece of the puzzle, while keeping an eye on the bigger picture of building a better South Africa.
As one of our founding moms, Elmarie van der Merwe, explains:
“I never planned this journey. It found me. I have learned so much along the way and am convinced that if we want to make the world a better place, we have to start with our children and intervene when they are very young. Anything else is a Band-Aid on gaping wounds.
“If we can make it work, others may catch the vision and join the cause. Not everyone can do what we do, but everyone can do something and, if that happens, we CAN turn the tide.
“We often feel overwhelmed but we have miracle stories to tell. We see the light in these little eyes. We see hope and love and belonging. I wish I could make everyone see how every little bit they do helps us to change destinies.”
*Forever Family Homes is currently in the process of registering as a Public Benefit Organisation.
