New leaps for Durban North Baby Home
Four babies have found a loving haven at the new baby home in Durban North where they will be cared for until they are adopted.
THE pitter-patter of little feet has finally graced the halls of The Durban North Baby Home. Glen Anil couple, Joanne and Bjorn Teunissen, who launched the facility in December last year, have anxiously been waiting for the opportunity to provide a safe and loving haven for orphaned, abandoned or legally surrendered infants until they can be adopted.
In the space of a week, the duo has taken in not one but four babies after receiving approval from Child Welfare.
“On the one hand it feels like we have been waiting forever for the babies to arrive and on the other it also feels like the babies have been here forever,” said an elated Bjorn.
Joanne echoed her husband’s sentiments saying, “There has been so much excitement and positive feedback from the whole community. People from all over have jumped on board, donating time and much-needed items to the home.”
However, among all the excitement, she admitted that they have also been forced to evaluate some realistic facts.
“Every case is different and it has been such a learning curve. The tiny babies have made an easy adjustment, however the older toddlers don’t quite understand what is going on. “They have asked for their mothers and asked why they are here. It has been the hardest and most heartbreaking part for me,” she said.
The Teunissens joined forces with The Peace Agency‘s Justin and Cathy Foxton to open a new baby home after their own adoption.
At the opening last year, Foxton said, “They are the ideal couple for such an initiative, as their adoption came first. They share our passion for adoption and our vision to create a centre of advocacy for adoption. It is also great that they both share a background in education,” he said.
Contact the Foxtons on justin @peaceagency.org.za or Joanne on jo@peaceagency.org.za.
