The Bienvenu Shelter in Johannesburg offers a safe and secure environment for migrant and refugee women and their children, primarily from various African countries. Residents typically stay at the shelter for up to three months, depending on their individual needs.
Sister Marivane Chiesa, Director of the shelter, explains: “We provide safe and secure accommodation, educational assistance in the form of early learning development programmes, empowerment programmes in the form of skills training and an outreach programme, to serve the most vulnerable people within the local community.”
With a dedicated team of 30 staff members and volunteers, Bienvenu Shelter works towards its mission of helping women and children improve their lives. The shelter provides ongoing, support, nutritious meals, daily essentials, and help in accessing health, legal services, education, as well as psychological and social support.
Sister Chiesa says the goal is to motivate women to become self-sustainable and better their lives. “We offer holistic support to help women regain their dignity, become self-reliant, and reintegrate into society.
“We provide English language classes to enhance communication skills, aiding their integration process. We also offer training in sewing, baking and beauty (make-up and nails), as well as business workshops to help them generate an income after leaving the shelter.”
Upon exiting, mothers and children are supported through Bienvenu’s outreach programme. This includes the distribution of food parcels, blankets, transportation to clinics and hospitals, and, above all, emotional support.
“We listen, care, and make sure they feel supported even after leaving our shelter,” Sister Chiesa says.
Partnership with FoodForward SA
In 2024, Bienvenu Shelter provided safe and secure accommodation to 163 women and their children, offering three nutritious meals a day, along with snacks. Their baby room and crèche supported 92 children, providing them with three meals daily and two snacks. Through the outreach programme, 11,811 families directly benefited, while 58,304 individuals were assisted indirectly with food parcels.
Thanks to their partnership with FoodForward SA, Bienvenu Shelter is able to provide fresh and non-perishable food to women, children, and the local community. These donations ensure that the most vulnerable individuals receive healthy, nutritious meals.
“The food parcels not only support residents who have exited the shelter, but they also help vulnerable families in the local community. Knowing they can count on us for food alleviates stress and gives them the dignity to focus on other necessities for their families,” says Sister Chiesa.
Your donation to FoodForward SA provides essential food relief to those in need, supporting communities across the country. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps deliver nutritious meals to families who need it most.