Place of Safety (Mercy House)
At any given time, Mercy House serves as a sanctuary for up to six babies or children. These children are placed in our care by court order, usually due to neglect, abandonment or abuse. Social workers desperately need a safe place to house children for a short period of time until suitable alternative living conditions are found. At Mercy House they will receive the love, attention and stability they so urgently need during this time.
There is a permanent House mother on site to care for these vulnerable children, as well as a team of volunteers to assist in caring, stimulation play or homework. They are all working together to provide a safe and loving home for children whilst they wait to be placed with foster parents or for placement at a children’s home.
Since April 2010, we have housed 93 children, offering them a warm bed, nutritious meals, and love and care they lacked in their previous circumstances.
The journey of our First Safe houses ...
Our first place of safety was opened in April 2010 in Ikageng, Extension 11, Potchefstroom. It consisted of a three bedroomed house, with a living area, kitchen and bathroom. This was a dream that came true and we were very proud of our safe house. We had the privilege to use this facility until the end of 2017, when the opportunity came to move to a new location.
By July 2018 the move was completed and we could occupy our newly built second home, still located in Ikageng. Though a small, two roomed house with minimum facilities, we could expand the total floor area of the house and plant a garden by this time.
Moving closer to town
During August 2021 we decided to move closer to town and were able to buy our own property close to Potchefstroom Public Hospital. This meant that we were able to accommodate all races at our home, as well as be closer to school, social welfare offices and better facilities.
Some paint added the finishing touches to a house where we had separate boys’ and girls’ rooms and a big living area and garden! We had the grand opening of the Safe house and the Baby Safe on Jan 2022!
Running of our House of Safety
By the beginning of 2025, it became evident that placing children in our Place of Safety had become increasingly challenging due to evolving requirements and procedures implemented by the Department of Social Development.
After much deliberation the Management Committee decided to change the day-to-day operations and activities with the aim of reaching more children and having more time and finances available. This was the start of the “Independent Living Programme”