Kids Haven began as a shelter for street children in Benoni in 1992. The founder, Moira Simpson, was spurred into action by the plight of the street children she was meeting and needed to act to protect them and care for them. Initially surviving on handouts, she wrote to Nelson Mandela in 1994 to share the news about Kids Haven and ask for his help. The then Department of Social Welfare assisted Kids Haven to begin getting moderate social welfare funding from the State. In 2000, under the direction of the Board, Kids Haven registered as a non-profit company and public benefit organisation further cementing the formal structure of Kids Haven and laying a foundation for long-term sustainability.

Today, Kids Haven operates a registered Child and Youth Care Centre, which receives a subsidy of 60% from the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The Gauteng Department of Basic Education provides 50% of the funding for the registered Kids Haven community preschool. Kids Haven meets regularly with officials from these departments who monitor service delivery. Kids Haven is constantly building connections to extend the state funding support for all activities delivered by the organisation, particularly those in family care and youth care.

All other activities, programmes and expenses incurred in programme delivery are sourced through a wide range of funding sources, including foundations, trusts, companies, and caring individuals.

Kids Haven, under guidance from the Board-appointed Finance sub-committee, maintains a close watch on expenditure and adheres to the Finance Policy, operating procedures and adherence to the budget to ensure all activities can be maintained and quality care provided to all. Kids Haven is audited annually.

Kids Haven Income Generation

Kids Haven welcomes donations of second-hand goods as well as some new items. We prioritise the needs of the children living at Kids Haven and sell any extra second-hand items not required by the children’s home in the Kids Haven charity shop. The shop also provides goods to women and men who run their own micro-businesses, buying and selling products. In this way, Kids Haven raises funds for its activities while also supporting families in improving their ability to care for their children.

Volunteering

Kids Haven welcomes volunteers, including company volunteer days, and children needing to earn hours for community service.