Moira Simpson, a board member of Kids Haven who recently retired, met with the members of the Trefoil Guild to talk to them about how she started the NPO.
“Kids Haven opened in 1992 to serve the homeless/street children and children in crisis in the Ekurhuleni region, and beyond. Children living on the street are some of the most marginalised and unprotected in the world,” she said.
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“Back then I met with a wonderful group of women who have been and still are leaders in the community of Benoni.
“Many of these ladies have followed the Kids Haven story from the beginning in 1992, and some are still involved in a voluntary capacity.”
The majority of the women in this group meet at Kids Haven on a weekly basis, as volunteers, to assist with the sorting of donations.
“Everything we need for the children is stored separately.
“Since 1992, we have never had to buy clothing and most household goods for our children, except for school uniform.
“With the volunteers help in recording what books we have, we are able to sell books online and they also assist with markets,” she explained.
Moira and the Trefoil Guild were able to reminisce that in their capacity as teachers, occupational therapists, the girl guides association, and members of the community, children they referred to Kids Haven for assistance ended up being very responsible young adults, and families that were able to survive with the support of Kids Haven.
“Some also remembered the difficult early days when many people in the community were against Kids Haven for working with what they called ‘murderers and rapists’ on the streets of Benoni,” she said.
Much was spoken about the three pillars of support – Pre-care, In-care and After-care.
Also spoken about was the children admitted to In-care at Kids Haven.
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“All of our work focuses on supporting behaviour change, and providing the foundation required for good social development.
“This means having a safe place to live; committed, loving and attentive adults who model right behaviour and care for children; and inclusion in school, sport and fun activities as a child which develops character,” she explained.
On the day of the talk Moira, explained that Pre-care consists of diversion away from the streets, outreach, drop-in help, the Kids Haven Pre-school, prevention, early intervention, and community support.
“After-care consists of regular ongoing support when the child is back in the community for a year, or longer if required, and after that occasional care continues indefinitely.
“All the programmes are aimed at meeting the needs of the children that live at Kids Haven,” she concluded.
