Shepherd’s Keep Homes for Abandoned Aids Babies

Shepherd's Keep was founded in 1998 by our parents, Colin and Cheryl in response to the deadly HIV scourge that was decimating the population and leaving babies orphaned and infected with HIV themselves. Our parents love children and Mom had foster children all through our childhood.  Later on in life, they were heartbroken when asked to care for a baby in need for a few days and this ultimately led to Mom deciding to make a difference on a bigger scale and she devoted her life to tiny little bundles who arrived in a shocking state.  Her kindness and respect for every baby is a legacy that lives on inside of every child adopted into the wonderful families around the world. Situated on the Bluff in Durban, we are surrounded by industry and vulnerable communities like Wentworth, Clairwood and Chatsworth where unemployment, drug addiction and other complex challenges fuel the number of vulnerable babies and children.  Social crisis have led to more babies being abandoned, surrendered and abused than ever before and our hands are full. Drug withdrawals, HIV, TB and injuries from abuse or neglect and attempted late-term abortions are faced everyday.  In the late 2000's, because of the ARV program, AIDS was no longer common in babies, however, this has sadly changed and we are again treating HIV positive babies with TB.  We provide therapy for mobility and development challenges and an outreach for desperate and vulnerable women who just need a helping hand. Our financial challenges are very real.  We don't receive any government funding and fundraise every month to cover the cost of staff, baby consumables, utilities and everything else that is needed to care for babies.  We are desperately looking for monthly commitments from donors who will help us to carry on with our work.  Every cent counts, no matter how little, if you are able to commit to a monthly pledge as an investment into a child's life, this would help us tremendously.  As you can imagine, the cost of caring for a sick child is exorbitant, the number of nappies and amount of formula used everyday is mind-boggling and our biggest stress is funding, but when we look back at what has been accomplished...the number of babies who are now in their late twenties who are happy, loved, successful, attending top universities globally and just wonderful people...this is the evidence that nurture trumps nature every time.  We could really use your help and would really love to meet you.

Our Ethos:

• Unconditional love for abandoned babies
• Integrity within the organisation’s operation
• Excellence of care and dedication of staff
• Commitment to continued upliftment of abandoned babies and our community

 Our Purpose:

• To ensure that every baby is restored, fostered, or adopted, and if possible, reunified with the biological family.
• To mentor and provide staff with training to improve their skills and impact.
• To help trainee caregivers who complete their practical hours at Shepherd’s Keep.
• To assist vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with babies.
• To allow learners to complete community service at Shepherd’s Keep.