About Rainbow of Hope
“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.” Martin Luther King
Rainbow of Hope, lovingly known as Rainbow House, operates as a place of safety for vulnerable children in Cape Town, South Africa. The home was established in October 2007, and since then has obtained its NPO (Non-Profit Organisation) and PBO (Public Benefit Organisation) status.
As a safe home, Rainbow House is a sanctuary where neglected, vulnerable children receive physical, emotional and educational support and care.
The name Rainbow of Hope was chosen for the proverbial “pot of gold” at the end of the Rainbow as we believe that no child crosses the threshold of Rainbow of Hope by chance. Their paths are ordained to enter our lives by a power greater than us! Here at Rainbow of Hope they are offered the opportunity for a future they would otherwise never have known. We were called to serve those who have no voice. Rainbow of Hope, a hope for the hopeless, to be part of that is PRICELESS!
Despite being a care home we believe strongly that “God helps those who help themselves.” Eziah 9:10 We foster a resourceful attitude in our children and our home. We manage a second hand store to pay for water and electricity and we are always thinking of new and unique ways to create opportunities, raise funds, partner with other organisations and maintain our network of valuable supporters.
The home provides training to staff and volunteers who care for the children’s needs. For those prospective parents who are considering fostering or adopting, Rainbow House provides workshops in conjunction with other NGO’s (Non-Government Organisation) in order to prepare and equip them with the skills and understanding required to care and support the child once they leave the house.
Currently the facility can provide care for up to 12 children who are primarily cared for by General Director, Alison Alexander. The range of facilities available to the children are well utilised – occupational therapy, medical care, psychological support from qualified practitioners as well as healthy exercise, musical stimulation and art therapy are among the wide range of resources available to ensure the downward spiral is curbed and reversed.
We’ve been awarded Children’s NPO of the Year 2021!
How can you help?
General Director: Alison Alexander
Alison Alexander is the guardian and primary care giver at Rainbow of Hope. She began her career as a pre-primary school teacher but her passion to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children saw her taking a different path and opening her own home to those of the community who so desperately needed her. Rainbow of Hope opened years later after her own home could no longer accommodate the ever number of children in need. Alison’s passion, empathy and die-hard determination have been the reason for many young lives being turned around forever.
- In 2009 Alison received R25K at the Feather Awards in Johannesburg from the Female Tribe and First for Women Insurance Brokers
- In Johannesburg. She was nominated Awe Inspiring Woman.
- In 2010 she was presented with the Impact Award from the Baptist Union.
- In 2011 Alison was nominated for the Lions ‘Hero of the Year’ Award.
- In 2012 she won their Louis Volks Humanitarian Award for her incredible accomplishments.
- In 2017 she won the Hero of the Month award from Pick n Pay.
- In 2019/2020 Lion of the year from President Jaques Mostert
- In 2020/2021 Lion of the year from President Clive Fox
- In 2021 Sweet Fragrance nominated Alison as their August woman of the month.
- In 2021 Lilac Photography nominated Alison as their August woman of the month.
- December 2021 Progressive Louis Volks. Humanitarian Award
Visit Our Treasure Trove – Pop Up Shop
We now have a POP-UP SHOP every Friday from 10am to 6pm and every Saturday, from 10am till 2pm for browsing. Quality products at bargain prices. We welcome donations of ANY KIND. What the children don’t need and what doesn’t sell in the shop is given to other charities or families in need.
Profit generated at the shop pays for electricity, water, telephone and stipends for staff.
Please contact Zoe on 066 350 2737 if you have any questions.
Mission
The mission of Rainbow House is to equip disadvantaged children with the tools, skills and education as well as the emotional support to see them growing up as well rounded and positive-minded individuals, ready to play an active and constructive role in the community of tomorrow.
Vision
To establish stable and functional residential homes for children at risk in the western Cape without fostering institutionalised life and care. We aim to reach, teach and enrich the lives of children at risk to ensure the downward spiral is curbed and reversed. We envision a society where youth are empowered and successfully integrated into our social structures.