Two Homes. One Mission.
For over a century, COACH has provided safe, therapeutic, and nurturing homes for children who need it most. Each of our homes serves a unique community of young people — but both are guided by the same unwavering commitment to their healing and future.
The children in our care have been placed with us by the Children’s Court — young people who have experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment, and who need far more than a roof over their heads. Our two homes offer structured, therapeutic, family-centred environments where children are safe, supported, and given every opportunity to grow.
Both homes fall under COACH — the Coalition of Anglican Children’s Homes — and are staffed by qualified social workers, child and youth care workers, and educators who are dedicated to each child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing.
ST. GEORGE’S HOME
St. George’s Home has been caring for young people in the Johannesburg area since 1915, making it one of the oldest children’s homes in South Africa. What began as a refuge for destitute boys has evolved into a dynamic, therapeutic programme for young people between the ages of 14 and 21 who face learning disabilities and barriers to mainstream education.
At St. George’s, we understand that many of our young people arrive having spent years falling behind in school — not because they lack potential, but because mainstream education was never designed to meet their needs. Our Social Worker begins by providing counselling and therapy that helps each young person accept themselves, restore their self-esteem, and rediscover their inner strengths.
Through our accredited ABET Education Programme, vocational training, and the Life Campus, young people are equipped with the literacy, skills, and confidence they need to become independent, productive members of their communities. For those transitioning to adulthood, our six-month Exit Programme prepares them for the practical realities of adult life — from opening a bank account to presenting for a job interview.
Ages served
14 – 21 years
Focus
Learning disabilities, literacy, life skills & vocational training
Location
Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni
St. Nicolas Home
St. Nicolas Home was founded in 1965 by Brian Gannon in response to the deep needs of children and families in Westbury and the surrounding areas of Sophiatown — a community marked by poverty, neglect, and instability. Today, St. Nicolas provides therapeutic residential care for children between the ages of 4 and 18 who have been found to need care and protection under the Children’s Act.
Our children arrive having experienced some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. At St. Nicolas, they find a safe, structured, and empowering environment where their physical, emotional, educational, and social needs are met by a dedicated team of professionals. Therapy is at the heart of what we do — helping each child overcome emotional barriers, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and rediscover their capacity for connection and trust.
St. Nicolas is not a traditional orphanage. Wherever possible, we work intensively with the families of the children in our care — helping to heal broken relationships, strengthen parenting skills, and create the conditions for safe reunification. Where that isn’t possible, we recruit, train, and support foster care families so every child has the chance to grow up in a home, not an institution.
Ages served
4 – 18 years
Focus
Therapeutic care, family reunification & emotional healing
Location
Sophiatown, Johannesburg
What Both Homes Share
Safety First
Every child in our care lives in a safe, structured environment where their protection is our highest priority.
Therapeutic Care
Qualified social workers and child and youth care workers provide ongoing therapy and emotional support to every child.
Education & Skills
From school support to vocational training, we ensure every young person has access to education and a path forward.
Family & Community
We work with families and communities — not just children — because lasting healing happens in relationship.