New abandoned baby haven for Glen Anil
Glen Anil has a brand new baby haven called The Durban North Baby Home, started by two couples who joined forces to faciliate adoptions within the area.
ADOPTION has drastically changed the lives of a Glen Anil family. So much so that they have teamed up with The Peace Agency’s Justin and Cathy Foxton to open a new baby home on Pigeonwood Close.
On Saturday, Joanne and Bjorn Teunissen announced that The Durban North Baby Home – a home for abandoned and orphaned children – will officially open its doors on Tuesday 1, December.
The duo could barely contain their excitement as they told the Northglen News of their hopes to start their care at the home with a ‘Christmas baby’.
“Our own adoption was instrumental in this project and inspired us to take on this challenge. We were exposed to the processes and challenges first-hand. We will be able to relate to other adoptive families and guide their adoption processes. Also, we experienced the joy it can bring and we want to pass on that joy to others,” said Joanne.
Her husband, Bjorn, echoed her sentiments, saying, “Our family motto is to help others. We have instilled that principle in our own children. We are passionate about outreach projects and helping the community, especially children.”
Justin praised the couple, saying they were a perfect match for the new home.
“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.
He added that unlike similar facilities that they have been involved with, The Durban North Baby Home will also be able to care for toddlers and special needs babies. “Special needs children are the most vulnerable, but there are very few facilities equipped to care for them. Joanne’s experience with early childhood development (ECD) places her in the prefect position to run the home,” said Justin.
The Foxtons have facilitated the launch of four other baby homes through the NPO.
Contact the Foxtons on justin@peaceagency.org.za or Joanne on jo@peaceagency.org.za.
Related articles
Justin nominated for humanity award
Bridging the gaps within adoption
Baby homes unite for greater good
