Who we are
We are the parents of a son who is profoundly intellectually disabled and on the autistic spectrum. Our love for our blond-haired, blue-eyed boy, with his mischievous giggle, is immeasurable. At the same time, the challenges he has faced throughout his life have been overwhelming, frightening, and relentless.
From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to protect him fiercely, love him unconditionally, and secure the very best medical care, therapy, and stimulation available to him. This has been a lifelong fight — one we continue every single day.
Since the age of ten, our son has attended a special learning and day-care centre. Thanks to a dedicated team of caregivers and tutors, he has flourished emotionally, even though his cognitive development remains limited. His emotional growth continually reminds us of his humanity, sensitivity, and inherent worth.
He is strong-willed — a quality that has both protected him and placed him at risk. When anxiety overwhelms him, his fight-or-flight response is triggered, sometimes resulting in physical aggression. Because of this, his world must remain highly structured and predictable. Even small changes can cause extreme distress.
As a family, this reality has dramatically limited our lives. Ordinary activities such as holidays, shopping, eating at restaurants, or visiting friends slowly became impossible. When he was younger, we could still manage these situations physically. As he grew older and stronger, we became increasingly confined to our home — isolated, restricted, and emotionally exhausted.
When our son turned 18, we were forced to confront a devastating reality:
What will happen to him when we are no longer alive?
We began searching for residential care facilities. Every suitable facility declined to accept him due to the severity of his disability and behavioural challenges. The few facilities willing to consider placement were in deplorable condition — environments no vulnerable human being should ever endure.
Eventually, professionals informed us that permanent placement would only be possible in a state psychiatric hospital. In South Africa, this is often synonymous with neglect, chronic underfunding, and systemic failure. For us, it felt like a death sentence.
Our fears are not hypothetical.
In 2016, South Africa was devastated by the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where 144 mentally disabled patients died after being transferred from licensed care facilities to unregistered and unsafe homes. They died from starvation, dehydration, exposure to cold, and neglect. Medical professionals have since warned that this tragedy represents only a fraction of a much larger, ongoing crisis in the country’s mental healthcare system.
One mother’s testimony remains etched in our hearts: her child’s autopsy revealed that she had eaten cardboard and paper due to extreme hunger. The thought that this could happen to someone so defenceless and vulnerable is unbearable — yet it is a reality many families face every day.
As we reflected, we realised our family is not alone.
Many of the children and adults at our son’s learning centre — and their parents — face the very same future: fear, uncertainty, and the haunting question of who will protect their children when they no longer can.
There was only one answer.
What will happen to him when we are no longer alive?
We began searching for residential care facilities. Every suitable facility declined to accept him due to the severity of his disability and behavioural challenges. The few facilities willing to consider placement were in deplorable condition — environments no vulnerable human being should ever endure.
Eventually, professionals informed us that permanent placement would only be possible in a state psychiatric hospital. In South Africa, this is often synonymous with neglect, chronic underfunding, and systemic failure. For us, it felt like a death sentence.
Our fears are not hypothetical.
In 2016, South Africa was devastated by the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where 144 mentally disabled patients died after being transferred from licensed care facilities to unregistered and unsafe homes. They died from starvation, dehydration, exposure to cold, and neglect. Medical professionals have since warned that this tragedy represents only a fraction of a much larger, ongoing crisis in the country’s mental healthcare system.
One mother’s testimony remains etched in our hearts: her child’s autopsy revealed that she had eaten cardboard and paper due to extreme hunger. The thought that this could happen to someone so defenceless and vulnerable is unbearable — yet it is a reality many families face every day.
As we reflected, we realised our family is not alone.
Many of the children and adults at our son’s learning centre — and their parents — face the very same future: fear, uncertainty, and the haunting question of who will protect their children when they no longer can.
There was only one answer.
We, the parents, had to create the solution ourselves.
This is how DEO VOLENTE TRUST was born — meaning “God Willing.”
Our mission is to raise sufficient funds to purchase and develop permanent, secure residential homes for intellectually disabled individuals on the autistic spectrum. These homes provide safety, dignity, structure, and lifelong care — from early intervention through adulthood and until the end of life. Places where residents are protected, respected, and loved.
All properties are owned by DEO VOLENTE TRUST, ensuring permanent security. They can never be sold, taken, or repurposed. They will remain home — forever.
In December 2025, we achieved a major milestone by raising enough funds to purchase our very first DEO VOLENTE HOME. This home accommodates 6–8 intellectually disabled and autistic boys and young men.
However, our needs continue to grow. We must secure ongoing funding to:
- Sustain and maintain the existing property
- Employ the best caregivers
- Provide proper stimulation, therapy, and nutrition
Expand the project by purchasing the adjacent property for an activity centre and additional accommodation, allowing us to support more individuals in need
Why your support matters
In countries with limited public healthcare resources, vulnerable individuals often fall through the cracks. Families are left with impossible choices and no safety net.
Your support helps us build a sustainable, ethical alternative — a model of care rooted in dignity, accountability, and compassion.
By supporting DEO VOLENTE TRUST, you are not only funding buildings.
You are protecting lives.
You are giving families peace of mind.
You are ensuring that the most vulnerable are never forgotten.
Deo Volente Trust
Registered Trust: IT000016/2020T
Public Benefit Organisation (PBO): 930072427
Tax-Exempt Status: Section 18A certificates available (South Africa)
Governance
- 6 Trustees
- Includes parents, an independent accountant, and community representatives