Behind the cuddles, nappies and miracles happening every day at Bella’s Blessings is a constant battle to survive financially… and when that reality became public, Mzansi turned a crisis into a moment of love in action.
Johannesburg, South Africa (14 January 2026) – There are certain homes in South Africa that do far more than provide shelter… they become a lifeline. They take in children who have been abandoned, neglected, or born into circumstances that feel impossible, and they wrap them in routine, safety, therapy, and love until those little hearts learn how to trust again.
Bella’s Blessings is one of those places.
It’s a South African non-profit that provides a safe, loving home for abandoned and special needs babies and toddlers, offering care, therapy, and hope so every child can feel valued, loved, and supported as they work towards reaching their full potential. It’s not a building that closes its doors at 5pm. It’s a home that runs on nappies, night feeds, hospital visits, wheelchairs, school runs… and commitment you don’t get to switch off.
This week, we were tagged in a heartbreaking Facebook post from founder Lauren Matthewson-Woolard, explaining that her husband Greg had undergone cardiac surgery, had not been paid during recovery, and that the organisation had reached an urgent point where they could not cover essential costs, including rent.
“This is not easy for us to share, and we have avoided asking for as long as we possibly could… At this point, we have reached a place where we have not been able to cover all essential costs, and our rent is now urgently due… If you are able to assist in any way — through a contribution, sharing this post, or keeping us in your thoughts — please know that it would mean more than we can put into words.”
The crowdfunding campaign aimed to raise R25,000… and South Africans did what they do best when children are involved: they showed up. Donations flowed in and the total has now reached R30,555.
We interviewed Lauren to understand what life looks like behind the photos. Her honesty was both heavy and hopeful.
Lauren says Greg is slowly improving, but the recovery has been far harder than they expected. He is still in pain most days, his chest remains tight, his muscles spasm as they heal, and rebuilding lung strength has been one of the biggest challenges. Fatigue is constant, and even sleep has been difficult because he has to lie on his back in one position.
Emotionally, it has taken a toll too, especially because unexpected pain and symptoms created anxiety and fear, and because Greg has been physically unable to help in the way he’s used to.
“Not being able to work, drive, lift, or physically assist with the children has been especially difficult for him,” Lauren told us, “particularly because our lives, and our home, revolve around caring for vulnerable children through Bella’s Blessings.”
Lauren explained that financially, the situation has been incredibly stressful.
“We are not on medical aid, a decision we made both for financial reasons and because of the values that sit at the heart of Bella’s Blessings. The children who come through our home rely on the public healthcare system, and it has always been important to us that we navigate the same systems they do. While we have been fortunate to receive support from compassionate doctors over the years, the absence of medical aid has limited access to rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, which has directly impacted Greg’s recovery.”
And because Bella’s Blessings runs from their home, the children’s needs didn’t pause for hospital admissions, long months of waiting for surgery, or the stress of not knowing what comes next. They had to keep going.
On top of that, the cost of care is relentless.
“Greg has also not been paid during his recovery, following multiple salary cuts in the months leading up to surgery, and there is currently no income from his side. At the same time, the costs associated with running Bella’s Blessings — providing food, schooling support, transport, and stability for the children in our care — remain constant. I have had to carry the full responsibility of the household, the children, the logistics of the NPO, and Greg’s emotional support while navigating my own exhaustion”
“This life was never an easy choice. It was a choice I made long before I met Greg, and one he wholeheartedly stepped into when we built our family and our home around caring for vulnerable children. The smiles, milestones, and small miracles we witness daily are what make the strain feel worth it — but the reality is that love alone does not pay the bills.”
Behind the cuddles and milestones is constant financial pressure. Lauren budgets around R2,500 to R3,000 per child per month, excluding education, and nursery school alone can sit at around R5,000 per child per month.
Then there are the core costs that keep the home running:
- Rent: ± R17,000
- Caregivers / staff: R15,000 (without a night team, which they desperately need)
- Groceries and medication: ± R15,000–R17,000
- Vehicles and fuel: ± R18,000–R19,000
- Nappies: ± R2,500–R3,000 (with urgent needs for night nappies, sizes 6 & 7, and small adult nappies)
Formula is currently sponsored, which has been a lifeline, and Dis-Chem has awarded Bella’s Blessings a small monthly contribution towards essentials but therapy and specialised support still remain largely uncovered. Space is also becoming a major issue, with Lauren sharing that they urgently need a bigger home with room for the children to move safely, play and ideally access therapy in a familiar environment.
But Bella’s Blessings keeps going. The organisation was shaped by Chloe, a foster child Lauren cared for before Greg came into their lives. Chloe passed away in 2018, but Lauren says she remains part of their home, their decisions and the miracles they witness.
“I like to think Chloe has a hand in every decision we make and is behind the scenes whenever a little miracle happens.”
“Even now, each of our babies notices her photo on my bedroom wall and, as they grow older, ask about her. She remains very much a part of our home, watching over us in a guardian angel role.”
Lauren believes Chloe would be proud of what they’ve built, but would also be the one urging them to keep expanding the dream, to grow the care they offer and to reach more children.
Right now, Bella’s Blessings cares for six children, ranging from 5 months to 6 years old, with 4 of them living with special needs. Two require wheelchairs. And despite the complexity, the house is filled with energy, laughter and moments that make the strain feel worth it.
“Every child in our care brings a story, a need, and a triumph. From teaching new skills to witnessing breakthroughs in mobility, speech, and confidence, we see every day why this work is worth it.”
There’s Thomas (6), the “big brother” with cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, whose belly laugh lifts everyone. There’s Olivia Grace (4), once told she may never sit, walk or speak, now walking, climbing, running and singing. There’s Izzy, born with cerebral palsy, with cortical visual impairment, now making gains that are celebrated step by step, and whose sister was also welcomed into the home after being abandoned shortly after birth. And there’s Ethan (born 2025), a joyful little one now being monitored for a heart murmur.
“And to hear the words ‘I love you’ out of the mouths of our little ones,” Lauren told us, “nothing will ever beat that.”
Lauren admits she posted the appeal as a last attempt in a desperate moment, not expecting much to happen… and then the community response overwhelmed her.
“I’ve cried so many tears… real, ugly, heartfelt tears… I closed my eyes on Sunday and felt, for the first time in a long time, that I could breathe.”
She says that it has been hard to explain the relief and gratitude, and she suspects even our landlord shed happy tears as well, having watched her stress over every detail.
But above everything else, Lauren wanted to thank South Africa for all the help.
“Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Your love, generosity, and belief in what we do make all the difference. Every contribution, whether it’s time, skills, pre-loved items, monthly support, or a donation, is a lifeline that allows these children to thrive, laugh, learn, and feel safe. You are not just supporting Bella’s Blessings; you are part of the miracle of giving these children a childhood, hope, and a future. Because of you, we can continue to do the impossible, and I hope you know the impact of what you are helping create goes far beyond what words can capture.”
She spoke about grocery deliveries arriving, people offering volunteer help, medical teams celebrating the children’s milestones alongside them and social workers who have become family.
One message she’ll never forget came from a social worker.
“On behalf of social workers, I would like to extend my gratitude to you… You make our job easy when everyone else is rejecting special babies… In my years of experience, I have never met such a strong woman like you…”
Lauren says that the crowdfunding success has been proof that their community is behind them.
“It shows that people believe in Bella’s Blessings, in the children, and in the work we do. It’s a reminder that while the challenges are real and the journey is hard, we are never truly carrying this alone. With support, encouragement, and love, we can continue to help these children grow, thrive, and know that they are cherished… and that is why we keep going every single day.”
Now that the rent emergency has breathing room, the next urgent needs remain the basics that keep children safe and thriving: nappies, groceries, clothing, medical supplies, transport support, and therapy and education sponsorship. Sustainable support, like monthly giving, helps them plan and breathe.
Bella’s Blessings is registered with the Department of Social Development and listed with CIPC, with a valid organisational bank account, and they are actively working towards Section 18A approval, welcoming professional assistance with that process.
This story is heavy because it’s real. But the good news is just as real.
A family who has spent years holding other people’s children through the hardest beginnings has been held by a country that refuses to look away. A campaign aimed at R25,000 is now sitting at R30,555, and that number represents far more than rent… it represents community, relief and the reminder that Lauren and Greg are not carrying this alone.
Most importantly, it means six little lives remain safe, secure, and deeply loved… exactly where they belong, with foster parents, who will continue to fight to care for these little lives.
”You are loved beyond measure, every single one of you. Even on the hardest days, you remind us why we never give up. Keep smiling, keep exploring, and keep dreaming… we will always fight to make sure you have the opportunities, safety, and joy every child deserves. Chloe’s spirit is with us every day, and so is ours, cheering you on as you grow, discover, and shine. You are our little miracles, and we are so proud of every step you take, every laugh, and every milestone you achieve.”
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