Ryan’s House

INTRODUCTION

Ryans House is a 90-day safehouse for children and infants, founded by Michelle Cornthwaite. It has been a place of safety where children have passed through, and some have even stayed. Above any institution, it has been a home to those who would otherwise have no prospects or future in this world.

Established in Heidelberg, Western Cape, Ryan’s House opened its doors with a “Baby Shower” and the people of Heidelberg and surrounding towns showed up with gifts, provisions for babies, prayers and a little ‘team’ of gift openers, who all shrieked with joy after each gift was opened on behalf of the babies to come.  
Since that day many little lives have passed through our doors.

MISSION AND VISION

At Ryan’s House, we are driven by unwavering faith in our Creator, compassion for children in need, and a profound commitment to transform the lives of babies needing safety as far as is provisionally possible, by providing them with this loving home, holistic care, and nurturing spiritual guidance.
 
Our mission is to be a beacon of hope and light in a spiritually dry land, where these vulnerable children can experience God’s love and grace. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to:
 
Provide a Loving Home: We strive to create a safe and loving environment in this safe house where children can grow, thrive, and develop to their fullest potential, as long as they are in our care.

  • Holistic Care: We are dedicated to addressing the physical, emotional, and educational needs of each child, ensuring they receive comprehensive care that prepares them for a brighter future.
  • Spiritual Nourishment: Recognizing the spiritual drought in our town and country (if not world), we aim to cultivate faith, values, and a personal relationship with God among our children, instilling in them the principles of love, compassion, and forgiveness.
  • Empowerment: We are committed to equipping our children with the skills and knowledge they need to break the cycle of abuse and poverty and become whole, productive, responsible citizens who contribute positively to their community.
  • Community Outreach: We aspire to extend our love and support to the broader community, sharing God’s blessings and fostering positive change in Heidelberg and the Western Cape.

 
SERVICES

Babies sent to Ryan’s House are usually taken from their parents by the courts, undernourished, damaged and/or abandoned. Michelle feeds, baths, clothes, loves and cares for them as her own.

STATISTICS AND IMPACT

According to publication by Western Cape Government, babies are removed from their homes for a number of reasons, some of which are factors in their continued needs, such as unemployment and poverty, domestic violence/abuse, poor physical and mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, physical and sexual abuse and molestation or other breakdowns in family and other relationships. Even if the impact of Ryan’s House is localised and small, every life counts and we envision making a greater impact as the organisation grows, to be able to save as many more children as we can.

TEAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS

We are affiliated with the Langeberg Christian Fellowship

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Ryan’s House relies solely on donations and gifts by our generous donors. Thank you to each and every person for the sacrifice of your time, financial generosity or physical provisions.
 
We thank God for providing faithfully every month and cannot share in full the size of the miracle it has been, since Michelle has no other income.