Centurion place of safety grateful for 20 years

Dove’s Nest, a place of safety for abandoned and abused children in Centurion, will be celebrating its 20th birthday next year.

The centre is a registered NPO with house mother and owner Isilde Felix providing each and every child with an abundance of love and care.

It is registered at the Department of Social Development as a temporary safe care unit. She has been rendering this service in the community for many years.

Dove’s Nest opened its doors back in 2001, and will be celebrating 20 years of fostering children in the community in March 2021.

Nina de Caires from Child Welfare Tshwane has nothing but praise for “woman of steel and a heart of gold” Isilde.

“We have been working together for many years,” said De Caires.

“We’ve witnessed some truly heartbreaking situations together, hundreds of children have considered Isilde their first mommy, and have grown here into healthy, beautiful little beings when they are either adopted or live here until 18.”

Isilde houses many children at one time, with six teenage girls who live there permanently.

“They are a blessing because they really help me with the babies on a daily basis,” said Isilde.

One of the biggest challenges that Isilde faces is letting go of a child or baby who has been in her care for some time, and who is being adopted.

“The adoption process can take anything from three months onwards,” Nina explained to Rekord.

“Every situation is different; every family and their requirements, processes and screening process differs, but it’s always hard to give a little baby away that you’ve cared for, hugged, cuddled, fed and raised. The children here are extremely content. They laugh, they play and they live in a real household filled with routines, and manners.”

Isilde said Dove’s Nest had a relatively stable lockdown period.

“You know with kids: they get bored, they didn’t want to do their homework, which was challenging. But we had food to eat and we had electricity; so we were fine and are so fortunate to have survived and be safe during lockdown.”

The festive season, however, brings some new challenges.

Isilde said Dove’s Nest celebrates Christmas just like any other family home.

“We celebrate with a beautiful Christmas tree and a delicious meal. We also wrap presents and have the children open the gifts.”

Isilde said although she never asks for favours or “hand-me-outs”, 2020 had taken its toll financially.

“We have children from all ages, from about birth to 18. We would really appreciate the community’s assistance with donations this festive season,” she said.

If you’re looking to support an NPO in Centurion this year, take a look at the wish list for Dove’s Nest:

.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram