Baby homes unite for greater good

THE uMhlanga and La Lucia Baby Homes have amalgamated to free up Justin and Cathy Foxton, who will focus on creating more awareness for the establishment of new homes.

It has been the Foxtons’ vision, since the opening of the uMhlanga Baby Home in 2010, to establish and run a baby home to show others how to open and run their own homes.

“Over the last three years we have helped establish other homes in Durban North, Prestondale, Glenwood and La Lucia,” said Justin.

It was his idea that these homes opened under the wing of a non-profit organisation he established, The Peace Agency.

“Our vision is to share information and give support to residents who start their own homes. For many it’s a big step to take, but they aren’t always sure how to implement the idea of creating a baby home,” Justin added.

Justin said the Baby Home’s mission was always infant adoption, adding that they aimed to have babies adopted into their new homes before they’re 12 months old.

“For the last year we have been looking for a couple to merge with, as the administration side of running the home became too much. So it was a natural process for us to join with Skip and Sheila Collins from the La Lucia Baby Home,” he said.

The Baby Home also plans to open homes in Hammardale (just passed Hillcrest) and in Ballito.

The uMhlanga Baby Home will now fall under the La Lucia Baby Home, with six carers and can take up to six babies. The administration will now be dealt with at what was formerly known as the uMhlanga Baby Home.

Justin urged residents, who are willing, to open more baby homes in the area, adding those who wish to do so can choose how many children, and what age, they would like to care for. The maximum amount of children such baby homes can accommodate is six, but Justin said one of the baby homes only takes one baby at a time. “When the baby is adopted, the home takes another one, and so it goes on,” he added.

“For us it would be lovely to eventually also have a dedicated home for babies with special needs,” Justin said.

Residents who would like to find out more about the adoption process, or about starting a home, can contact Justin at justin@peaceagency.org.za or visit www.facebook.com/TheLaLuciaBabyHouse

The La Lucia Baby Home also appealed for donations of baby formula, specially Infacare 1,2 and 3.