Children's House of Hope

This residential facility was built in four weeks by the Rotary Club of Australia through donations of building materials, supplies, equipment and labor. Once completed the building, furnishings and supplies were donated to the Samoa Victim’s Support Group with whom MLJ Adoptions works closely in placing children in need of forever homes.

The Children’s House of Hope will be the new residential facility for children age 12 and under who are abused, neglected and/or abandoned and who end up in the care of the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) because they have nowhere else to turn. The home will accommodate 30+ children and staff and provides a fully stocked commercial kitchen, playground equipment, bedrooms, bathrooms and an open area full of couches a television, books and toys.

The Samoa Victim Support Group is a non-governmental agency established in 2006 and relies entirely upon contributions for its continued success. SVSG operates from offices donated through the Samoan government and the added benefit of the new home will improve the ability to house children age 12 and under. SVSG’s initial mission was to assist victims of abuse and neglect, however, in most recent years it has seen an increase of children arriving at their doors in need of assistance. SVSG not only provides shelter to the victims, but also provides counseling and assistance to prosecute perpetrators of abuse.

Attending the opening of this facility was one of the highlights of my trip to Samoa! Not only was I able to visit with shelter staff but also with the children residing at the shelter. I was also able to connect and talk with many individuals who donate much needed time and supplies to the shelter to assist them with their goals of helping victims in need and in desperate situations. This facility will offer a warm, loving and comfortable environment and a place to call home.