Hearts of Hope in Wendywood provides more than shelter for vulnerable children
What began as a volunteer initiative in 1997, has grown into Hearts of Hope, a haven for orphaned and vulnerable children, and a place they can call home.
In the heart of Wendywood, Hearts of Hope has become a sanctuary for orphaned and vulnerable children, providing safety and the opportunity to thrive, despite the challenges they have faced.
Founded in 1997 as a volunteer initiative serving children in an inner-city children’s home, Hearts of Hope has grown steadily over the years.
In 2003, the non-profit organisation purchased its first property in Wendywood and officially registered as a children’s home, caring for just six children, according to CEO and co-founder Deborah van Dongen.
She added that, today, the organisation operates from three properties, and provides a loving home to 52 children who have been placed in its care by the children’s court.
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“They will come to us for various reasons, having been abandoned perhaps by family, removed because of abuse, or neglected, they are deemed to be in need of care and protection.
“They are divided into various housing units and are cared for by the most amazing house moms who are qualified child youth care workers, employed by Hearts of Hope.
“One of our differentiating factors in the way in which we operate is the depth of care. Our focus is not on the volumes and numbers of children that we look after but really the depth of care that each particular child needs.”
She said each child receives comprehensive support through a dedicated care team, which includes a care worker, house mother, and social worker. She added that medical care is one of the biggest expenses within the organisation.
“Part of it is from malnutrition, where the children have come from dire circumstances and have not been given the nutrition that they need. Many of our children are on chronic medication, largely for asthma and eczema.”
In addition to healthcare, Hearts of Hope has its own early childhood development centre on the premises.
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With 19 children currently at a local primary school, younger children benefit from specialised support designed to prepare them for formal schooling.
Professional child and youth care worker Portia Maketa said building trusting relationships is essential to helping the children heal and develop.
“If you want to be a child and youth care worker, first thing that you must have is love for children. You also need to build children through the four quandras, which is independence, socially, economically, and spiritually.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Deborah van Dongen, CEO and co-founder of Hearts of Hope, shares how the children’s home gives each child a dedicated care team: a care worker, house mom, and social worker, plus the love they need to thrive. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #caxtonlocalmedia #newsupdate #Localnews #Communitynews #southafricatiktok🇿🇦🇿🇦 #johannesburg #Sandton #2026 ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North
Maketa described Hearts of Hope as a supportive environment for both staff and children.
“The moms here support each other, encourage you, and teach you. I love the kids. They love me, and I enjoy every second with them.”
Van Dongen added that the organisation is run through funding from the department of social development, as well as funds generated through the fundraising initiatives and community support.
Details: contact Van Dongen on 082 458 2677 or email at info@heartsofhope.co.za
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