The loss of their beloved angel sparked a wave of love and compassion, leading Caileen and Clive Flemming on an incredible journey which has seen them transform their home into a haven of hope for abandoned babies left in hospital wards.
Durban, South Africa (28 March 2025) – From the loss of their nine-year-old baby girl in 2009, Caileen Flemming and her husband Clive channelled grief into something truly remarkable.
They became foster parents to a three-year-old little girl who very quickly became part of their family and lived with them for the next eight years.
“This experience touched our hearts in a way we simply had never imagined, and it left a lasting impact on us as a family,” Caileen says.
While they hadn’t been actively involved in the child welfare system since 2017, the need to help the most vulnerable in the country had never left their hearts.
“We decided to re-enter the welfare space with the idea of offering temporary safe care to abandoned babies.
“We signed up as crisis care parents confident that we could comfortably care for two babies at a time. This was the start of what can only be described as the craziest ride of our lives,” recalls Caileen.
In July 2023, they received their first call from a social worker asking whether they could accommodate three 12-week-old baby girls who had been abandoned in a hospital. They nervously agreed.
“I will never forget arriving at the hospital with the social workers to collect our first 3 angels. Words cannot adequately describe the experience. It was surreal and sad and exciting and devastating all at the same time.”
Upon arrival at the public hospital’s maternity ward, Caileen was overwhelmed by just how many abandoned babies needed placements in homes.
From that moment on, she knew that she had to do everything in her power to help these precious angels.
“So, against all sane reasoning (and with absolutely zero experience), my husband and I decided to start our own baby home, meaning that we would be legally allowed to care for up to six babies at a time.”
In November 2023, Journey of Hope Baby Home was officially registered as a non-profit organisation. A safe space for vulnerable babies run by an extraordinary middle-class South African family on a journey to provide hope.
“We had no idea what God had in store for us, but as I look back on the past two years, I am absolutely blown away by all He has helped us achieve,” reflects a grateful Caileen.
Since the first three babies in July 2023, the Journey of Hope Baby Home has had the privilege of loving 13 tiny humans. Each of their journeys has been different, but each little soul has left a lasting impression.
Knowing very well she didn’t have to take on this incredibly huge and financially strenuous responsibility, Caileen says it’s something she just couldn’t turn away from.
“Once you have seen those hospital wards, once you have held such a tiny treasure in your arms knowing they were literally thrown away, there’s just no saying no. Well, not for us anyway!”
The Journey of Hope Baby Home is still in the early stages of establishing a network of supporters and is largely self-funded.
To support its heartfelt cause and give love to babies who so desperately need and deserve it, get in touch with Caileen at caileenflemming@yahoo.com or visit the charity’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
Sources: Caileen Flemming
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