At WezaCare, we believe that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive, and loving family. We are driven by the mission of transforming how vulnerable children in our communities are supported, with a particular focus on helping them transition from institutional care to nurturing family environments. Our ultimate vision is to create a future where every child is able to grow up surrounded by the stability, love, and care of a family, supported by a community that values them.

WezaCare’s journey began with a profound realization: children thrive when they are nurtured within families, not in institutionalized settings. Our founder, Jonathan Dowell, was deeply moved by witnessing the resilience of children and families affected by separation and institutionalization. As he interacted with caregivers, families, and children in need, he saw the deep emotional and psychological toll that institutional care had on young lives. It became clear to him that the traditional models of care needed to evolve.

In 2015, Jonathan took this insight and began WezaCare with a simple but transformative goal: to create a society where children can grow up in loving, supportive families, rather than in institutions. His journey was shaped by his own experiences with children who longed for a family but were instead placed in care facilities. With an unwavering belief in the potential of family-centered care, Jonathan set out to build an organization that could change the landscape of child care in Kenya and beyond.

Since then, WezaCare has been committed to supporting the transition of children's homes from institutionalized care to family-centered models, giving children the opportunity to experience the bonds and belonging they deserve. We are proud of the strides we have made, but we know that this is only the beginning of a larger, ongoing transformation.

At the heart of WezaCare is our innovative, multi-faceted approach to child welfare, built on three key pillars that guide our work:

Training People: We believe that caregivers, social workers, and practitioners are the backbone of a child's care. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to create and sustain family-based environments. We offer comprehensive training programs that provide caregivers with practical insights into nurturing children, promoting healthy attachments, and understanding the unique needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By empowering those who work directly with children, we ensure that they can create the safe and nurturing environments necessary for children to heal and thrive.

‍Equipping Charities: We know that transitioning from institutional care to family-based care is not just about individual actions but about systemic change. That’s why we focus on supporting charitable organizations, children’s homes, and care facilities, helping them develop sustainable, family-focused programs. We provide resources, guidance, and mentorship to these institutions, enabling them to better prioritize reintegration, support family reunification, and develop long-term strategies for the care of vulnerable children. By empowering organizations, we create a ripple effect that enables many more children to find their way back to families.

‍Nurturing Networks: Child welfare is not a task for any one organization or individual alone; it requires collaboration and strong community support. We believe in building robust, lasting partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to create a network of care for children. These partnerships foster the creation of a comprehensive support system for families, providing the resources, services, and advocacy needed to ensure that children can grow up in safe, nurturing environments. Our community-based approach strengthens the social fabric, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Together, these three pillars create a holistic framework for change—combining training, resources, and community support to build a sustainable system in which children can thrive within families.

WezaCare’s impact is measured by the lives we touch and the communities we strengthen. To date, we have successfully helped over 1,000 children transition from institutions to loving families. Our comprehensive training programs have equipped hundreds of caregivers and social workers with the skills to provide exceptional care, and we have helped dozens of charitable organizations adopt family-centered care models across Kenya.

Every story we hear, every child we help, and every family we reunite is a testament to the transformative power of our mission. One such story is that of Ben, an eight-year-old boy who was reunited with his aunt after being raised in an institution. Ben’s journey—his transition from an institution to a family home, surrounded by the love and support of his extended family and community—captures the essence of what WezaCare is all about. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the importance of family in a child’s life.

Our impact also extends to the communities we work with. By empowering families, caregivers, and institutions, we are helping to build a future where children are not seen as burdens but as integral members of their communities. With each child that transitions into a loving family, and each caregiver who gains the skills to offer proper care, we are creating a ripple effect that strengthens the social fabric of our society. In this way, WezaCare is not just changing individual lives—it’s creating lasting, community-wide transformation.