Better future for abandoned babies
As with many institutions, Covid-19 has disrupted the baby house in many ways.
Not all children are born into a loving family with the means to take care of a newborn. Some are dealt a bad hand in life and might temporarily end up at a place like the Florida Baby House.
This baby home offers safe accommodation and a loving environment to abandoned, abused and surrendered babies. The baby house was established in 2004 and falls directly under the Mosaïek Congregation’s Embark Foundation. It functions under the auspices of AFM Welfare.
According to house mother, Nicky Viljoen, they can accomodate up to 13 babies ranging in age from birth to two years until a loving, permanent home is found for them.
“We work closely with Abba Specialist Adoption and Social Services, as well as Impilo Child Protection and Adoption Services. Most of the infants are adopted before the age of two, but there are a few who stay a bit longer before having to move to homes for older children. Luckily, we have never had to send one of the babies off to one of these homes as all of them get adopted in time,” she explained.
She went on to say that many of these babies are either returned to their biological family once they are deemed fit to take care of them, or are adopted by eligible parents – many from countries such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden.
“They are given a second chance in life with opportunities, resources and a future. Some parents even return to adopt a second or third child. But until this happens, we try to keep them as happy and healthy as possible,” Nicky said.
As with many institutions, Covid-19 has disrupted the Florida Baby House in many ways.
“Since we rely on donations from the public, things have been a bit tough lately. People usually like to donate a few items and products and spend some time with the babies. But since they can’t spend time with the babies, and because they are struggling themselves, we don’t really get many donations anymore,” she explained.
They are currently in need of any baby products such as formula and diapers, as well as food such as fruits and vegetables.
“We try to give these little ones a life as normal as possible. We also try to keep a strict routine and even take the older children on trips to the shops and zoos, for example. We aim to prepare them for life in the best possible way,” Nicky concluded.
If you would like support this baby home, feel free to visit their Facebook page, Florida Baby House or contact 084 211 7304 for more information.
