About Us — Tiny Feet Baby Safehouse
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Registered NPO · Western Cape

A safe start for every
tiny life

Tiny Feet Baby Safehouse is a dedicated NGO committed to the well-being of vulnerable infants in the Western Cape — providing a safe haven and the love every baby deserves.

16+babies cared for
2018founded
0–12months old
100%love, always
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Hannell Schonken, founder
Hannell Schonken
Founder
From the founder

Words from the heart

“I’ve always had a passion for babies and to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Being a safe place enables me to do just that.”
“Being a mother myself, I can’t stand the fact that hundreds of babies are abandoned every year. Sharing our home and love with the warm little bodies that God puts on our path brings us endless joy and is a blessing in our lives.”
“A piece of my heart goes with each little human when they go live with their forever families — but seeing the absolute pleasure on the new parent’s face makes it all worthwhile.”
“My biggest supporters are my family. They share my passion, support me without fail, and love these babies without reservation.”
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More than a safehouse

Baby care at Tiny Feet

Full infant care

We provide complete daily care for babies from newborns up to a year old — feeding, bathing, medical support, and everything in between. Our babies receive the same attention we would give our own children.

We cater to the social, physical, and material needs of every infant in our care, ensuring no baby goes without warmth, nourishment, or comfort.

🩺 Physical & medical care
Love at Tiny Feet

Unconditional love

Many of our babies have experienced trauma, abandonment, or instability from their very first moments. We work hard to mend the emotional deficit — surrounding them with warmth, touch, and consistency.

We strive to be a place where every baby feels a sense of belonging — held, known, and deeply loved.

💛 Emotional healing
Family at Tiny Feet

A real family environment

Tiny Feet operates from a home — not an institution. Hannell, Herman, and their four boys welcome each baby as their own, ensuring every infant experiences what a loving family feels like.

This family-centred approach is at the core of who we are. Babies leave us having known what it means to be truly welcomed.

🏡 Home-based care
Community impact

Wider community impact

Beyond our place of safety, Tiny Feet runs community projects — feeding children in local schools, distributing newborn hospital welcome packs, and running seasonal campaigns to support families in need.

Our mission extends beyond our walls to the broader community around us in the Western Cape.

🌍 Community projects

What drives everything we do

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Safety

Every baby in our care is in a secure, loving environment — protected from harm and nurtured toward health.

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Unconditional love

We give each baby the same love we give our own children — freely, consistently, and without reservation.

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Growth

We stimulate healthy development — physical, emotional, and social — so babies leave us stronger than they arrived.

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Community

We rely on donors, volunteers, and supporters who share our passion. Together, we create lasting change.

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Home, not institution

Care happens in a real family home — warm, personal, and human. Babies feel the difference.

Hope

Every baby we care for is a life transformed. We hold hope for each one — and for the families who will love them forever.

How Tiny Feet grew

2018

The journey begins

Hannell Schonken becomes a dedicated TPS Mommy, starting her calling at Abba House — caring for her first vulnerable infants.

2021

Joining Starfish Babies

Hannell expands her work by joining Starfish Babies, deepening her experience and commitment to infant care in South Africa.

2022

Tiny Feet is born

The Schonken family relocates to the Western Cape and opens Tiny Feet Baby Safehouse — a registered NPO dedicated to vulnerable newborns.

2023

Growing the mission

New projects launch — Newborn Hospital Welcome Packs, the Cereal & Sandwich Project, and the Christmas campaign — expanding Tiny Feet’s impact.

Today

Still going strong

16+ babies cared for and counting. Every tiny life that passes through our door is a testament to what love and community can do.

Be part of something beautiful

Volunteer your time, donate what you can, or simply spread the word. Every tiny act changes a tiny life.