It’s a new year, and maybe this is the time to finally follow through on that dream of doing something meaningful for others. How often do we catch ourselves saying, “If I had more time… if I were younger, older… if I had more money or space, I’d do that thing I’ve always wanted to do.” But what if those are just excuses?

If you’ve been dreaming of making the world a little better for children, this is for you. There are so many ways to get involved, and maybe this will inspire you to take that first step. If you’re in our area (Ugu District in KZN, South Africa), we’d love to share more details about how you can help.

Do you have a heart for children who’ve faced tough times and can’t stay with their families? Some of them need a loving, temporary place to call home — just for a little while, until social workers figure out what’s next for them. Becoming a Temporary Safe Care (TSC) parent could be your way to make a difference.

We recently trained a new group of TSC parents, and it was incredible to see how eager they were to give children a safe and loving space, even if just for a short time. Those who’d already cared for children shared their stories, and the new ones soaked up every bit of advice. It’s not always easy, but with the right support, it’s so worth it. And for the child, it means everything.

Maybe you’ve thought about something more long-term? Becoming a foster parent means opening your home to children who need a stable, loving environment while they can’t live with their own families. You could be the safe, healing haven they need — someone who shows them that adults and families can be trusted. And when the time comes for them to return to their families (if that’s possible), you’ll be there to support them through the transition.

Of course, opening your home to children isn’t for everyone. It takes time, dedication, and going through a thorough screening process. Not everyone will qualify in the end, and that’s okay. There are still so many ways to make a difference:

• Give financially: Whether it’s a monthly donation or a once-off contribution, your support can make a huge impact. Every little bit helps us continue our work with children and families at risk. Click here if you would like to support us. 
• Donate items: New or gently used clothes and other items can mean so much to families in need. Find trusted organisations near you and give what you can and they will distribute it to the ones in need — it really makes a difference.
• Pray for us: This might be the last thing I mention, but it’s certainly not the least important. Our work is carried by the prayers of people near and far, and we’re endlessly grateful for every one of them.

So, what do you say? Maybe this is the year to stop dreaming and start doing. Take that first step — however small — and see the difference you can make in the life of a child.