Brendon Christian Jarvis - “Brendi”

Born 1996-08-16

Brendon was abandoned in a State hospital at birth. When we found him he was four months old; tiny and underweight with a cleft lip and palate. In spite of all this, he had these bright, sparkling eyes and an obviously fierce spirit of survival. After several surgeries Brendon’s cleft is barely noticeable and his speech is much improved, much to his delight. When something naughty has been done, all eyes turn to Brendon. He is so inquisitive and such a carefree spirit! Brendon is very good with his hands and is developing skills in metalwork and carpentry. Brendon’s greatest wish is to travel around a game reserve in a motorhome!

James Christian Jarvis - “Jamesy”

Born 31-07-2001

James’ birth mother struggled for four months after his birth to make a life for them both. Sadly she eventually decided to leave him at TLC and although she said she would only need our help for a few months, she never returned. James was adopted by Pippa and is enjoying Grade 4 at the local Primary school. He is a serious boy but isn’t too difficult to tease into a smile. James loves music and is never far from some piece of technology or another. He is very fashion conscious and takes good care of himself when grooming. James loves soccer and would love to attend a big soccer match at a stadium.

Kieran Christian Jarvis

Born 1999-05-27

Kieran and his identical twin Jesse were born at 27 weeks. Their mother was discharged from the hospital but never returned to collect her children. After 3 months the boys were transferred to TLC and it was discovered the Kieran suffered from a serious, lifelong heart condition. The two were adopted by Thea. Kieran has loves reading and also enjoys playing on his computer. He is home-schooled due to his condition. Kieran has a gift when it comes to finding lost items (our very own St Anthony) as a result he nurtures a desire to travel to the Holy City of Rome!

Matthew

Born 1999-07-24

Matthew’s mother left him in the Johannesburg Hospital and he came to TLC when he was just three days old. Matthew was adopted by Pippa and has been provisionally accepted on scholarship to St David’s Marist school in Inanda. Besides being great at academics, Matthew is a lovely, caring big brother to his many younger siblings. He was voted the “gentleman” of his school year and this aspect of his character can be easily seen when he is with people. Matthew loves wildlife and is an avid reader of National Geographic. A dream of his would be to go on a photographic tour of some beautiful, wild places.

Murphy Christine Jarvis – “Muffet”

Born 2001-03-10

Murphy was born very premature, surviving a medical procedure at only 26 weeks. Her birth mother was unable to care for her and she came to TLC. We were told she was HIV positive only to find out eighteen months later that the initial test was incorrect. Murphy needed a little more time to get into the swing of mainstream schooling but she is now well settled. Murphy is a sweetheart and has never given us a day of trouble. She is thoughtful and easy to please, never complaining and always ready to help. Murphy says she would love to travel and see new and interesting parts of the world and her favourite trip so far was to the seaside!

Thabang Christian Jarvis

Born 1998-01-03

Thabang was removed from his mothers care after she was incarcerated. He spent three years in foster care and was transferred to TLC when he was almost four years old. The foster family had decided to emigrate and Thabang could not go with them. He has overcome many emotional challenges and is showing significant improvement in his academic performance. Although being older than most children in his grade he is applying himself well and is a great asset on the sportsfield. He is a great athlete, excelling at cross country, but his passion is soccer. In 2011 he was scouted to join a local competitive soccer club and hopes to achieve great heights.

Benjamin Christian Jarvis - “Benni”

Abandoned at the Germiston Hospital at birth

Benni was already seven and a half months old before we found him and a lot of damage had been done by then. He has classic symptoms of a child left in a cot for too long, unstimulated and unloved. He often bangs his head on his bed or chair, rocks to and fro and shakes his head. In December 2007 Benjamin was badly burned in an accident at TLC, leaving his face permanently scarred. Benjamin is sensitive and needs a lot of love and attention, yet there is strength of character about him, and a latent intelligence that needs recognition so that it can be coaxed into its full potential. Benjamin’s greatest wish is to learn to drive every vehicle known to man!

Itumeleng Christian Jarvis - “Tommy”

Born 1993-08-28, HIV positive since infancy, Albino

Tommy was abandoned as an infant at a “shebeen”. Due to his albinism he was shunned by the locals and left by himself in the yard with its dog. Tommy survived by eating scraps, dog food and faeces and drinking from puddles and half empty alcohol containers. After 3 months a passerby who knew of TLC found him and brought him to the home. Tommy had to be treated for sunburn and a longstanding infection of intestinal worms. Charismatic Tommy was adopted by Thea. Over the years he has responded well to Anti-Retroviral therapies and lives a full and happy life. Tommy's greatest wish is to be the mentor that his younger brothers need.