There was a spectrum of emotions ranging from nervousness to sheer joy and excitement as the fourth cluster foster care home, Jacob House, opened its doors to a new family in October 2008. The opening of the home in October, thanks to a generous donation from the Victor Daitz Foundation, marked a significant milestone for iThemba - a further step forward in reaching the vision of having 20 self-sustaining homes on the campus.

Overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills, Jacob House is a modern comfortable four-bedroom home headed by married couple Alan and Portia Weyers. They have embraced six children, ranging from ages 9 to 17, into the home and are determined to provide a warm family life based on a foundation of love and strong values with honesty and respect being foundational pillars. The couple have fostered children in the past and were involved with Childline as volunteers. In this capacity they headed the training of other volunteers and also ran a safe house.

"Portia and I have so much to give," said Alan. "Through this wonderful donation we now have the opportunity to make a difference in six lives. It is God's plan for us."

The Children