our mission

Rehema Home (meaning: “Mercy” in Swahili) is dedicated to the long-term care of abandoned and orphaned children, regardless of their health status, who have no family to care for them.

about rehema home

It was the overcrowding and horrendous conditions of the government homes that galvanized Irvin and Ruth Schwandt to provide proper, loving care for Kenya’s abandoned and orphaned children until they reach 18 years old or are adopted. In 1998, Rehema Home was born.

Rehema Home does not promote itself locally, but will admit all babies and children with out prejudice.  This allows all children to lead lives within a healthy, loving, family environment, regardless whether or not they’re sick. Each child can remain in the home as long as they require care. There are currently 60 children at Rehema Home, ranging in age from one to sixteen years of age.

Due to the vital medical attention needed for fragile immune systems, there are careworkers who work in rotation, caring for the children day and night.  Rehema Home also employs one nurse and additional household staff to care for the kids. There are qualified Kenyan teachers who teach on site, and the kids receive a stronger education than most of the Kenyan public schools have the ability to offer.

These children come to Rehema not trusting anyone as a result of their tumultuous past experiences. In some cases, they’ve been abused or even tortured. They’ve been left alone and unloved.

When any of the kids are sick, they pray for each other. When anyone needs help, they will help each other. When a child falls down, they will pick each other up.

These are the most rewarding experiences. The tenacity and love in these children's hearts, even after coming from broken and battered homes or no homes at all, remind those around them to embrace every one of life’s moments.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.
I was a stranger and you took me in.”
Matthew 25:35 (New International Version)