Written by Adrian King, Joey’s Babies Program Manager
Joey’s Babies celebrates its 39th anniversary this year, reflecting on its humble beginnings and significant growth. It all started in an old, neglected building at the corner of Attekwa and Miller Street, where Sister Rachael Brinkhuis and Hendrika Jordaan dared to dream big. In 1985, they launched a soup kitchen under a pepper tree in the Barakse neighborhood. Initially, the soup kitchen operated one day a week, but as the need for nutrition grew, it expanded to three days a week.
During soup distributions, children were engaged with Bible stories and games, and their numbers steadily increased. The necessity for a proper building became evident, especially on rainy days. Thanks to the late councilor Neels Spandiel, the municipal building at Attekwa and Miller Street was made available to the women.
Sister Rachael Moos, affectionately known as Aunt Barbie, joined the team and generously bought food for the 35 children from a shop then called Duggies. Mrs. Joey Paulsen, a social worker and the wife of the Uniting Reformed Church George minister, played a pivotal role during this period. She provided the children with stationery and games, quickly becoming an integral and supportive part of the movement.
After the learners and educators moved to the new Hibernia Primary School, the old school building on the church grounds became available. In October 1989, Mr. Clarence Gelderbloem, then headmaster of Hibernia Uniting Reformed Church Primary, approved the use of a classroom by Joey’s Babies, accommodating 50 children. Mrs. Joey Paulsen played a crucial role in securing sponsorships, with World Vision providing monthly financial support to meet the children’s basic needs. When opening a bank account with FNB, the name “Joey’s Babies” was suggested, honouring Mrs. Paulsen’s contributions, and it was enthusiastically adopted.
Joey’s Babies initially operated as a program under MGOJaESO (Moria Community Development and Self-Help Organisation), affiliated with the Synodal Commission for Diaconal Services of the Uniting Reformed Church SA Regional Synod (Cape). The late Uncle Awie Jacobs served as chairman throughout MGOJaESO’s existence and was instrumental in Joey’s Babies’ success, alongside Brother Fred Louis, who helped restore the old school building.
Following MGOJaESO’s disbandment, Joey’s Babies became a program of Badisa. Throughout its history, many individuals have made significant contributions. Notable administrators include Audy Hendricks and his successor, Althes Hendricks. The late Brother Adonis Lodewyk, affectionately known as Oom Lood, played a phenomenal role as a supervisor, securing R240,000 from the Lotto, which funded the purchase of the first van for transporting children.
In 2024, Joey’s Babies proudly serves 111 kindergarteners and 62 aftercare learners and provides employment for 13 staff members. Guided by the spirit of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Joey’s Babies continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the community.
