Swallows Nest baby shelter provides an emotionally and intellectually enriching environment for abandoned, neglected, abused and special needs babies.
Swallows nest started running from February this year.
It is located in Benoni, in the home of Charmaine and Kent McQueen.
Charmaine and Kent have four children. Eight years ago Charmaine received a very specific word from the Lord.
The word was that the Lord would give them a baby that was left for dead and for them to nurture that baby to life.
The McQueen realised and understood that there would be many babies not just one.
Through circumstances involving friends adopting a baby through Barnswallow, the McQueen’s met Rene Testa.
The meeting was the first of many threads that had knitted their hearts to the birth of Swallows Nest.
Swallows Nest is passionate about caring for and rehabilitating abused and abandoned babies.
Their policy on nutritional excellence helps all babies overcome development delays.
They aim to give orphans mostly premature, HIV-positive, alcohol-infected and malnourished an opportunity to bond emotionally with a primary caregiver.
“The babies immediate needs are not only to be fed, clothed, cared for, but to be loved, cherished and gently guided into a positive, hopeful future where they can contribute significantly to their own communities and society as a whole,” said Charmaine.
The babies are placed for adoption and they work together with registered social workers to enable the process goes fast and efficiently with their forever parents and families.
Besides the day to day caring at the Nest home, the McQueen’s do outreach programmes to underprivileged areas countrywide on a regular basis.
However, the home does require some assistance with nappies, wipes, formula and supplements for special needs babies.
If you would like to contribute in anyway or adopt a baby contact Charmaine on e-mail at charms@barnswallowbabies.org or 082 390 1705.