At Iris House Children’s Hospice, our mission is rooted in our unwavering belief that every child is worthy of love, care, and a life defined by safety and affirmation. We strive to create a compassionate and supportive community that extends holistic, loving, and professional respite care, as well as end-of-life care for special needs children and young adults facing life-threatening and life-limiting conditions in the Western Cape.

Our commitment goes beyond the individual, encompassing the entire family. We provide holistic therapies and comprehensive support, recognizing that the well-being of each family member is integral to the overall quality of life.

In tandem with our values, Iris House actively promotes a zero-tolerance policy against Gender-Based Violence and discrimination. We stand united against any form of abuse, 

In alignment with our values, we passionately advocate for the rights of special needs children and young adults across the province, championing their inclusion and dignity.

Furthermore, Iris House is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for our parents and young adults, fostering an environment where families can thrive. We prioritize the continuous training of our care team, parents, foster, and safety parents, SAPS Officers, First Responders and Social Workers to the highest standards. Through education and empowerment, we strive to enhance the quality of life for every special needs child under our care.

Our mission is a testament to our belief that, with love, care, and unwavering support, every child can lead a life filled with dignity, joy, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from the shadows of Gender-Based Violence and discrimination.

At Iris House Children’s Hospice, our values serve as the guiding principles that shape our identity and define the essence of who we are.

We are steadfast in our commitment to be a responsive and innovative organization, placing life-limited and life-threatened children, young people, and their families at the forefront of all our services.

Our values reflect the heart and soul of our organization:

Families First: Every decision, action, and service is centred around the well-being and needs of our life-limited and life-threatened children, young people, and their families.

Responsive: We are committed to being agile and attuned to the evolving needs of those we serve, ensuring that our responses are timely, empathetic, and tailored to individual circumstances.

Professionally: Conducting ourselves with the utmost professionalism is non-negotiable. We approach every interaction, task, and responsibility with a high standard of professionalism, fostering trust and reliability.

Innovative: Embracing a spirit of innovation, we continually seek creative and effective solutions to enhance the quality of care and support we provide to our community.

Diversity: We celebrate the richness of our regional community by embracing diversity in all its forms, recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives each individual brings to our organization.

Compassion: Compassion is the beating heart of Iris House. We approach our work with empathy, kindness, and a deep understanding of the challenges our families face.

Integrity: Demonstrating integrity is foundational to our existence. We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability in everything we do.

Every child is inherently worthy of love, care, and the assurance of feeling safe, wanted, and affirmed throughout their entire lifetime.

Every child, irrespective of their unique needs, deserves ample opportunities and support to unfold their full potential, fostering a future filled with promise and accomplishment.

Every family holds the fundamental right to regular respite “relief” care, ensuring that they can navigate the challenges of caregiving with the necessary support and rejuvenation.

Families of special needs children should not only receive assistance but be empowered with the tools to enhance their lives and nurture the flourishing potential of their child.

Every child deserves to grow up in the most homely environment possible, surrounded by warmth, understanding, and the embrace of a caring community.

Special needs children should be embraced without discrimination or segregation, promoting an inclusive society that values and celebrates diversity.

In addition to our core beliefs, we hold steadfast in the conviction that training for role players supporting disabled women and children, particularly victims of Gender-Based Violence and discrimination, is essential.

Finally, we assert that every dying baby or child deserves to be loved, cherished, and provided with the utmost dignity in their final moments, ensuring a compassionate and serene departure.