It was the beginning of the new millennium and in the city of Johannesburg, as it was worldwide, the church was celebrating the Jubilee. In the pastoral service carried out at the Pastoral care for Migrants and Refugee Department in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, along with the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters saw the need of so many Refugee women and their children fleeing conflict and persecution seeking a better life. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, they had nowhere to turn and no means of a safe and secure space for refugee women – especially when there were children with them in serious situations of need.

On March 23, 2001, thanks to a set of positive factors and shared solidarity, ideas, resources, services, and love, emerged in a peripheral neighbourhood of the city of Johannesburg, a home for Refugee Women and Children named Bienvenu Shelter for Refugee Women and their Children.

The name of the Shelter is a tribute to the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family, Pierre-Bienvenu Noailles, who donated the building located in the suburbs of Johannesburg where the work began.

This beginning was only possible with the joint work, working hand in hand with donors, friends and partners organizations, from local and international services, whom dedicated their time, commitment and material support to this important mission of “Assisting Women and their Children to better their lives’.