Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand"
At THE POTTERS HAVEN we are dedicated to providing shelter and loving care to abused, abandoned, disabled & special needs babies and children. Our mission is to offer a safe and nurturing environment where these vulnerable children can heal and thrive and live out their God given purpose. Ou home is in Springs, Gauteng. Our current capacity besides the permanent children in the home, and the overnighters we take in during emergency situations, give us a maximum capacity of 35 children we can care for.
As you may be aware, child abuse and abandonment are a very pressing concern in our society. Every day we witness the heartbreaking effects of neglect and mistreatment of innocent children who have nowhere else to go or no one else to trust. At THE POTTERS HAVEN we strive to make a meaningful difference in their lives by offering not only physical shelter and a loving home, but also emotional support, trauma counselling, education, healthcare, and social development programs. We provide school enrolment, educational programs, health benefits, development programs and community association within boundaries as this is a house of safety.
However, fulfilling, our mission requires considerable financial resources and despite our best efforts it often exceeds our current funding capacity. We unfortunately lost most of our regular donors during the Covid period and are struggling to get back up to standard. To provide quality care and expanding our programs, we are reaching out to individuals and organisations that have corporate social initiatives/responsibilities towards fellow humans in our country for financial assistance. We believe that true transformation comes when opportunities are extended to all, regardless of race, background, or circumstances. By supporting children such as those in our care, you would not only be meeting an immediate need but also investing in a purpose-driven generation that can help steward South Africa towards a better tomorrow.
We firmly believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive environment where they can flourish and dream big for the future. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of these children that has already been through so much, and break the cycle of abuse, neglect and gender based violence.
We ask you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider our request for financial assistance. Take hands with us and together we can make a difference in the lives of our abused, abandoned, disabled and special needs babies and children and give them the hope and future they deserve.
The reasons we ask for cash donations now is because we have set monthly expenses that need to be covered, and we are not near making ends meet at the moment. Any donation whatsoever is greatly appreciated. I am reaching out to humbly request your consideration of partnering with us in the vital work we do.
Currently the home is in dire need of the following for these children.
1. We desperately require cash flow for our monthly expenses in excess of R125k/month, and any contribution towards that, even small, or on a monthly basis would be of great benefit to us.
2. Fuel expenses getting the kids to school and back, doctors and shopping on a daily basis rises almost by the month. We also need to consider expensive service and maintenance on our vehicles which is very expensive.
3. Casual as well as school clothing and shoes for the children is always a big expense, we really can do with help in that area.
4. Electricity (We have a pre-paid meter) but we consume a considerable amount of R20k+ monthly. We also have a very high water account.
5. We have a chemist bill running up between R35k - R45k per month on a regular basis because the children are on different prescriptions and some wheelchairs bound ones on adult nappies.
6. Stationery and school items for all the different schools add up to a considerable amount each month. The stationery lists for the different schools differ also, so we always run short on most items. We also need a good printer for our children's tasks for school.
7. Food and toiletries, which is a basic necessity, we have to supply ourselves as we do not have donors assisting us in this area.
8. Our fundraising office in Centurion is in desperate need of a Windows 11 Compatible laptop and smart mobile phone for the purpose of raising funds for our home. We are totally dependent on donations from goodhearted donors.
9. We need help with repair work such as a leaking roof as well as cupboards for clothing and linen. The carpets are in bad shape and needs to be removed and replaced with tiles.
10. We rent the property at a very low price of approximately R6k/month, but we have to cover the rent ourselves each month.
We invite you to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider making a donation that will directly impact both the children in our home. Your contribution can help ensure that no child is left behind, and that everyone is given the chance to thrive, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Instead of asking a company for a large amount, we aim to get different companies sponsoring us with services, maintenance, and any amount they can afford on a monthly basis. Any amount towards our monthly goal, whether a monthly donation or a once-off donation, would be highly appreciated. Any donation to us is 100% tax deductible, please help us if you can. It is really a win/win situation here for both the giver and receiver. We are fully BBBEE compliant, are a SARS Public Benefit Organisation with our own registration number (We can deliver S18A certificates immediately after a donation/service) and have been a registered NPO for many years. Do not hesitate to contact me should you require more information; we are really seriously in dire need of your help.
Please hear my prayer, we desperately need your help.
A LEGACY OF LOVE AND DEDICATION: THE STORY OF THE POTTERS HAVEN
In the heart of Springs, Gauteng, stands a home that defies the statistics of heartbreak. For almost 30 years, The Potters Haven has served as a sanctuary for those the world too often forgets: the abused, the abandoned, the disabled, special needs children, and those living with HIV.
What began as a quiet personal mission by Marlene and Andrew Minnie has blossomed into a lifelong calling. Driven by an unwavering belief that every child deserves a family, the Minnies opened their own home and their hearts, eventually registering as an official NPO in July 2012 as the need in the community continued to grow.
MORE THAN A SHELTER: A FAMILY.
The Potters Haven is not a cold institution, it is a vibrant multi-racial home where the only thing that matters, is the wellbeing of the child. Over the decades, Marlene and Andrew have unconditionally rescued nearly 200 children, raising them as their own. Today the Home accommodates up to 35 children at any given time, ranging from tiny infants to those with complex special needs. In a system where doing good often goes unrecognized and red tape can feel insurmountable, The Potters Haven remains a lighthouse of hope.
THE REALITY OF OUR STRUGGLE.
Despite the life-changing work happening within our walls, the journey is not easy. We operate in a landscape where recognition is hard to come by, and corporate support is difficult to secure. We are currently 100% dependent on the generosity of individuals and private donors to keep our doors open.
Every meal, every medical check-up for our HIV+ children, and every specialised therapy session for our children with disabilities is funded by people who believe in our mission. Without a steady stream of donations, the future of these children hangs in a delicate balance.
HOW YOU CAN HELP.
To continue providing a safe haven for the vulnerable, we need partners. We lost most of our donors during the Covid epidemic. We are looking for individuals and businesses who see the value in good being done and wants to be a part of a legacy that has spanned over the last three decades. Let us salute these two beautiful individuals that started this mission and take hands with them to support their babies and children. You are not just donating to a charity, you are providing a bed, a family and a future to a child who has nowhere else to go. Will you help us continue to turn brokenness into hope?
The Potters Haven is dedicated to caring for South Africa's most vulnerable children. We believe in the potential of every child and strive to provide them with the security, love, and support they need to thrive. Learn more about our journey and the impact we're making in the community.
Springs, Gauteng,
0000 Springs, GP - South Africa
+27 71 569 8094