Welcome to Sparrow’s Nest, where tiny lives find big love.
At Sparrow’s Nest Place of Safety, we believe in the boundless capacity of the human heart to nurture and care. Founded in Pretoria in 2021, our organisation emerged from a deep-seated need to offer sanctuary to infants who have been abandoned or subjected to abuse. While our journey as a place of safety is relatively new, our founders bring over 15 years of dedicated experience in childcare, having witnessed firsthand the profound impact a loving home can have on a child’s future.
The concept for Sparrow’s Nest was born out of the recognition that traditional shelters were often overwhelmed, leaving many vulnerable infants without the security and care they desperately needed. To bridge this gap, we began by opening our homes to one infant at a time. Over time, our model has expanded, and we have now cared for 16 children across three carefully managed households since opening our doors.
Our mission is to provide more than just temporary refuge; we aim to offer a nurturing environment where each child can flourish. Many of the infants in our care have come from difficult beginnings, where prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs has resulted in around 50% of them needing additional medical support for conditions like reflux, food allergies, or developmental delays. These conditions demand specialised care and an abundance of compassion, both of which are at the heart of what we do.
Sparrow’s Nest operates on the belief that every child deserves a chance to grow up in a safe and loving environment. We rely on the generosity of our sponsors, as we do not receive government funding, to support our mission. Our long-term vision is to expand our operations, but not just by building a larger team—by assembling a village of like-minded individuals who share our passion and moral commitment, and who will provide the same love and care we do, raising these children as their own. Additionally, we strive to ensure that financial constraints will not hinder our ability to continue providing the dedicated care these children deserve.
Join us in our commitment to creating a brighter future for these vulnerable infants. At Sparrow’s Nest, every baby is a cherished individual, deserving of all the love and support we can offer.
At the age of seven, I was first introduced to children in a place of safety, and the emotions I felt that day stayed with me. As I grew older, I realized I had a calling to help children in need, and it became clear that I had to live my passion. This led us to open our home as a place of safety, which eventually evolved into foster care. A few years later, I became a housemother at a children’s home in Centurion, where I cared for 10-11 children at a time. Watching them heal, grow, and thrive in a loving, secure environment was deeply rewarding, knowing I had a hand in giving them the opportunity to just be kids.
After nearly 15 years of this fulfilling work, I decided it was time to retire and focus on myself and my family. However, three years later, I felt a deep void, and I knew the Lord was guiding me back to my true purpose. The need to help abused, abandoned, and neglected babies pressed heavily on my heart, and soon, we opened our home as a place of safety for infants.
Caring for these vulnerable babies—nurturing, loving, and being their “mommy and daddy” for a brief period in their lives—has brought me immense joy. Seeing them develop, reach milestones, and begin to heal from their brokenness is profoundly rewarding. This is my passion and calling and living it fully has been the greatest fulfillment of my life.
My name is Somarié Joubert and I have had the privilege of being involved with vulnerable babies and children for 9 years. My journey started when I volunteered at a place of safety.
When I was 25 years old my husband and I adopted our daughter, Alexis. Certainly, one of the best things that ever happened to us.
Two years ago, another dream of ours came true and we opened our own house and hearts as a Temporary Safe Care Home. I work full time, and I take 2-3 babies in at a time. Alexis is 8 years old now and she is the best big sister!
The babies are 100% part of the family, and we treat them as if they were our very own. I get up every night for them and they go on holiday with us.
When a new baby arrives, we are overjoyed and we celebrate them as if they are our first born! When a baby leaves, we are very emotional. But every baby deserves someone’s heart breaks in a million pieces when they leave.
I can’t think of a bigger honour on this earth than to love and take care of babies in need.
My story began with a simple but profound desire: the yearning to be a parent. In 2016, after discovering that I could not have children of my own, I turned to volunteer at a place of safety. During this time, I found a way to heal, dedicating my time and energy to helping children in need. The experience was transformative, igniting a passion within me to create a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children.
During my volunteer work, I met and fell in love with a little girl who would eventually become my daughter through adoption. Yet, even as I embraced motherhood, the desire to support other children never waned. I knew that I could do more—give more—and so, my journey continued.
In 2020, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the crisis unfolded, places of safety became overwhelmed, with countless children left without a secure place to call home. It was during this challenging time that I made a life-changing decision: to become a place of safety mommy.
Opening my home to these children was not just a response to a crisis but a commitment to a lifelong mission. Many of the children who come to me have experienced unimaginable hardships—left at hospitals, found near roadsides, or born to parents struggling with addiction. My role is to provide them with a sanctuary, a place where they can feel safe, loved, and cared for.
I started my journey in 2024, but in some way, I have been preparing for this moment, since I was 14 years old. I was always babysitting everyone’s children, helped with Sunday school and took every opportunity to play with the babies.
I have always had a love for children and for helping people and wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and help out in the community. The Lord started speaking to me about place of safety and getting involved. I thought this was for a bit later in my life, but He kept speaking louder.
I started to investigate this and found the lovely ladies of Sparrow’s Nest. They soon became like family and helped me every step of the way. In November 2024 I received my first call for a little 1 year old. This has been life changing.
My house has never been so messy, but my heart is full, and my house is filled with lots of laughter and love. I thank the Lord for trusting me with this new journey and all the amazing little babies that is to come. I will continue praying and seeking the Lord for guidance on how to give them the best home, love, care and support while they are placed in my care.
A daily routine is vital for children, especially those who have experienced trauma or instability. Routines provide structure, which helps children feel secure and know what to expect next. Here’s a breakdown of a typical daily routine and its importance:
Knowing what’s next reduces anxiety and fosters emotional balance.
Routines offer predictability, which is essential for children to feel secure, especially for those who have experienced instability.
Consistent meal, play, and nap times contribute to physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
A routine helps manage expectations and reduces behavioral challenges.
Structured time for care, like feeding and play, deepens the connection between caregiver and child.
It’s very important to remember that every child is different and none of our homes have the same routine. These kids become part of our family and will be included in the routine of the family they stay in.
People can offer their time to help care for the babies and children or assist with household tasks. People are welcome to contact any of the house mommies.
Contributions of funds, baby supplies, clothes, food, or medical supplies are invaluable.
Organizing fundraising events or campaigns to support the medical expenses fund and other needs for the children.
Helping raise awareness about the challenges and needs faced by places of safety can lead to more community support.
People are welcome to get in contact with one of the house mommies.
