Acres of Love

My husband and I have been donors for over 10 years. We began by getting engaged with the emergency surgery of a young girl at Acres of Love and through seeing first hand the level of love, care, commitment and passion each team member has for the children we have become increasingly more involved. We consider the families we have committed to supporting as extended family. It is such an honor to come alongside Acres of Love in helping them to execute their vision in family care for orphaned and abandoned children in South Africa. It is truly a blessing to be involved in this work.

I have personally visited two of the Acres of Love homes in South Africa and am proud to be involved with this organization. I have seen first-hand the care given to the children as well as the efficiency used to run the program and am satisfied that my donations are used well. Acres of Love makes a positive life-long impact on each child!

I visited the children from 2 of the Acres of Love homes and their headquarters in Johannesburg. I was impressed by the respectfulness of the children and how they are thriving spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. I also met 2 housemothers and several other staff and they are dedicated, caring, amazingly capable, and well-trained. Children with special needs are cared for and loved by the entire Acres of Love community and especially by their forever siblings. Acres meets more than the needs of survival--these children are given the opportunity to have a forever family and to follow their passions and develop into future leaders of Africa. Jesus is at the center of this organization, and my visits convinced me to become a lifelong supporter.

Acres of Love changes the lives of orphans in South Africa, it also changes the lives of those associated with the organization. Having the privilege of visiting with the children, I could see the love they have for their house Mommies and the difference that a family, proper nutrition, medical care, and education make. These set the stage for long term success of those children fortunate enough to be rescued by them. I am part of an additional house that will be opening in Capetown. Their priority is the children, they are practical, the money is well spent and it is an organization I am proud to be a part of.

Last April I had the amazing opportunity to visit Acres of Love and learn how this organization changes the lives of so many children in South Africa. Acres of Love touched my heart in so many ways because I was able to see first hand the constant love and support each House Mom had for their children. This organization is unique in the sense that each dollar donated goes towards creating a better life for these children through the availability of medical resources, increased opportunity for their future, and of course love.

In the spring of 2017 I had the opportunity to visit Acres of Love and to observe first hand what an amazing organization it is. I was totally impressed with the difference the loving care, educational opportunities, and the best of physical care no matter what their medical needs are has made in the lives of each one of the children fortunate enough to be placed in one of the 30 "Forever Homes". Watching the interaction between the house mothers and the children brought tears to my eyes as I could see and feel the deep genuine love they have for one another.

I visited Acres of Love in March 2017. I was extremely impressed with the level of care given to the children. Acres does everything with excellence. Each child is treated individually with the best care available for their special needs. The staff is loving and caring and the homes are beautiful.

I had the privilege of visiting Acres of Love in 2016 and was amazed by the quality of care, the loving environments provided for the children and the commitment of everyone involved. Those providing care are wonderful and the children are wonderful too. Through Acres of Love, the next generation of thoughtful, bright, emotionally sound, well educated leaders for South Africa is being raised up.

They are intentional, supportive, and provide a loving family where the children know their worth and are praised and celebrated. They also provide therapy, medical services, and activities to each child in their homes. It is truly a special and unique place.

This organization took care of our daughter that we adopted for her first 7 years of life. We are grateful for the love and support she was shown. Because of the nurturing environment, she is thriving!

I have had the blessing of being involved with Acres of Love for the last seven years and I am continually impressed with the level of care they provide. These children have the same individualized care that you would offer to your own children - schools where they are learning and thriving, excellent medical care and therapies, love and commitment and all that comes with a family. When you visit Acres of Love, you are not visiting an orphanage - you are visiting a family with babies flourishing in loving attention and teenagers who are listening to the latest music and dressed in the latest trends that they begged and pleaded and worked for, just like any other teenager. The forever family model that Acres has created is truly a family. They take children who have been abandoned and stripped of hope, and they give them a childhood, a family, and a future.

By visiting the various homes what has made an impact on me is the cleanliness of these environments. Each garden has a wonderful play area for the children to entertain them. The house mothers are friendly and kind in manner. The children are truly well taken care of.

I had the privilege to visit the beautiful, neat and well run homes for orphaned children in Somerset West South Africa and spent some time with the beautiful children. Here they are loved and cared for by dedicated angels who offer these children a home filled with love and care to stay for as long as they need. This would not be possible without the generous financial support from Herbalife as well as other donors who want to make a difference in these orphans lives.

Proud to be associated with this incredible organisation .
The beautiful Acres children are welcomed in to homes and hearts across the globe.

Having seen this organization's exceptional work first hand, during my visit to South Africa, I consider it a great privilege to be able to be a monthly donor to Acres of Love. These children, that the world, and sometimes their own families have thrown away, are rescued. And not just to be in an institution, but to be raised in a family! The goal of Acres is to love and care for these children just the way you and I love and care for our own kids. There are so many committed volunteers in Acres, and the administration is so well managed that nearly every penny donated goes right to the care of the children. I could go on and on. But if you are looking for a worthy cause to give to, you can stop right here!!

Acres of Love rescues hurting, vulnerable children and provides healing and a family to each child! Acres works in the daily trenches of caring for the whole child and transitioning he/she into thriving, well rounded adults. Acres celebrates the uniqueness of every child . It is a privilege to partner with this organization to bring families to children. It is inspiring to participate in something so close to God's heart!

I learned about Acres of Love several years ago when my sister took a trip to South Africa to meet with some of the Forever Families this organization supports. It was life changing for her and it rubbed off on me, too. The children who have been placed in these amazing families would most likely have died without the intervention of this group. They are the orphans which were passed over by the system. But because every life matters, Acres has rescued so many and given them a chance; not just at life, but an abundant life filled with loving care, and nurturing! These children are thriving and will make a difference as they grow into adulthood because of the work done by Acres of Love.

There are very few orphan care nonprofits like Acres of Love, where EVERY need a child may have is addressed. Not in a generic way but based on the individual. Rescuing to just provide the basics is great but rescuing to bring wholeness and healing to the physical, emotional, educational and spirituals needs of each child is amazing. This organization just doesn't just go the extra mile, they will go miles and miles to bring wholeness to a child traumatized by loss, HIV, abuse, and any other needs that presents itself. Truly gold star orphan care, rescuing as if each child was their very own. Rescuing the way God would rescue!!!

They do for one what you wish you could do for all! They transform the lives of orphans and offer them hope, dignity and the knowledge of the love of CHrist.
Getting involved changes your life as well. I had he privilege of traveling to South Africa to meet both the kids we sponsor as well as the organization volunteers and employees.
Acres is the hands and feet of Christ.

I had the privilege of traveling to South Africa to visit the Acres of Love homes and Provision House. I have never seen another organization care SO much for their children, and provide in the way that Acres does. The children who are welcomed into an Acres home become family, and are loved, and provided for in an extraordinary way.

Acres of Love is an organization that offers the most wholistic care for South African orphans. The children are no longer orphans when they arrive at Acres, and each forever home operates as a family. These helpless, hopeless children are soon thriving in their forever homes and are excited for their future.
Acres of Love and its phenomenal care for hurting children changed my life and led my family to adopt twins from South Africa. It is a blessing to be a small part of an organization that is Jesus' hands and feet to the beautiful children of South Africa.

I have been a part of Acres of Love for several years and am still amazed and impressed. Not only do they have a unique way of caring for and saving children but they continue to grow and change to meet the needs of the children. It is rare to donate money to something that you know where every penny is spent. You see the changes in the children and you see how they are healing. Acres unique way of providing Forever Homes for kids offers children the ability to have a home and family similar to ours. It makes them feel and know the safety and love we provide our own children. I have been to South Africa and visited the homes there and know first hand how amazing Acres system and commitment is!!! I have watched a young mentally and physically abused young boy turn into an incredible young man who is attending college. A young man who returns on holidays to be with his Forever Family. Acres of Love is unlike any organization I have seen and I am beyond proud and humbled to be a part of it!

Acres of Love does an amazing job for the children they serve. A well run organization that employs good business practices but ultimately serves with an amazing heart. They never take their focus off their mission and purpose.

We've known the Audagnotti's for years and love their true heart for those in need. Acres does amazing work in South Africa and has reconstructed the concept of how we can help lost children. Given our own family's experience and struggles with siblings with special needs, We give to their special needs fund. Acres provides great love, care and needed medical treatment for children with special needs, AIDS and to battle the effects of abuse. Acres of Love gives kids in South Africa the opportunity to thrive! We absolutely love watching the incredible progress that's being made and the phenomenal stories that come from Acres efforts.

It's been almost 20 years since I met the Audagnotti's and learned about Acres of Love. They shared with me how they rescue, care and nurture children in South Africa. Since then I have seen them grow into a world class organization that helps a tremendous amount children grow into young adults that have a bright future. They have continually evolved to make sure they are growing and helping more children each year. Ryan & Gerda have never wavered from their commitment to the children of Africa who need their help. Anyone involved in their origination should be very proud of their work.

I have first hand experienced what Acres of Love does for children in Africa. I had an unique opportunity to see actual operations in Africa. I was thoroughly impressed by how well they not only physically care for children but also emotional care for these kids. Acres is a great organization that I am happy to donate to month after month.

I've traveled to South Africa numerous times to visit Acres of Love and they always exceed my expectations as a donor. The attention to detail and level of care for the children living in their Forever Family homes is phenomenal. Acres of Love is a team of very passionate people who are committed to rescuing children and changing the standard of orphan care in South Africa. I'm proud to be involved and love how transparent they are.

Our family has been involved with the founders of Acres of Love for over 14 years. Acres and the team put faith into action by serving the least of these....the children that society casts aside. Acres loves and cares for these children as if they were their own and they are! Acres care for the children goes beyond survival. These children are growing to become leaders in their communities. I believe the acres children (viewed as orphans) will play a key role in changing a generation and culture in South Africa.

Being part of a foundation that comes along many ministries and missionaries, I have never witnessed the level of skill, organization and intentional focus that the team at Acres delivers to their children. Leveraging God's resources and to make a direct impact on His children and Kingdom is a true blessing for all partners at Acres of Love.

Acres of Love is different from any other non-profits that I'm acquainted with or support. Most non-profits that work with impoverished children focus on feeding and/or education, making survival the primary goal of their mission. Of course, this wonderful. However, Acres does so much more, focusing on supporting the whole person, phyically, spiritually, emotionally and socially. I believe that the Acres kids will be whole adults that are leaders in society and who break the cycles of poverty in their lives.

This is an excellent charity. They are 100% dedicated to meeting the specific needs of each child they care for. It is remarkable to see how in just a few short weeks of rescuing a child; you see their little lives transform and the light in their eyes renewed.

Acres of Love is truly a unique organization and it’s hard to describe in words the impact they make in the lives of the children of South Africa on a daily basis. They rescue children who have endured some of the most horrific and unimaginable situations and restore their dignity by providing unconditional love, first-class medical care, and the most invaluable; a place to call home. Very few organizations have leadership who saw a problem, created a solution and succeeded with visible results in such a short amount of time. Their model has yielded tremendous results over the past 20 years and their approach in solving the orphan crisis in South Africa is innovative and effective. As a donor, I have full confidence knowing that my treasure is being well invested in creating opportunities for those who once had none. I am proud to be a part of the Acres of Love family!

Our nonprofit has supported Acres of Love with a monthly financial gift for over 15 years, ever since I heard a radio spot talking about their work in South Africa. Over this time, it has been nothing short of amazing to watch them grow to where they are today. They have always been very transparent in their financial reporting and willingness to take financial partners to South Africa to see first-hand what they are doing. We have personally met Ryan and Gerda, and can say without reservation that they are "the real deal." We have always had 100% confidence that our money was going to good use and making a difference and we have recommended Acres to friends and colleagues without hesitation since the very beginning. You would be hard-pressed to find another organization helping the aids orphans of South Africa who are being more effective and who are operating with a higher level of excellence and integrity. We whole-heartedly endorse them.

I was fortunate to be able to go to South Africa & personally see the incredible outcome Acres of Love achieves with these children through LOVE & devotion. Each child's needs are met whether it be through education, medical or occupational therapy or all of them. The mommies treat each child as he or she were their own. Every child needs a family and Acres of Love provides these children with a true family. It is such a blessing for me to be part of this family.

Acres of Love is a great organization. They treat their kids with the same care and love that my kids receive. My wife and I have visited their headquarters in South Africa and we have met with the founders in Southern California. The more we learn about the organization and the people that run it, the more impresses we are. Praise God for their work.

I was lucky enough to travel to South Africa to witness firsthand how Acres of Love operates. I love that 100% of my donations benefit the children of these homes. The model for care that they've set in place is unlike any other I've seen. All areas of these children's lives are taken into consideration (physical, mental, social).

The family model of care developed by Acres of Love helps the whole child thrive: body, mind, soul and spirit.

The love and nurture lavished on these amazing children is overwhelmingly beautiful. Each time I have witnessed firsthand the beauty of Acres of Love Forever Families, I return home encouraged to be a better mom to my children like the Acres Mommies are to theirs.

Acres of Love is solving the crisis of orphan care one life at a time and I am honored to give my time, energy and resources to further their efforts.

Acres of Love is full of LOVE. From the moment a child becomes part of a Acres home family,
they are loved. Their needs are met from medical, emotional and physical. They are nurture, feed
and clothed. But the greatest gift they received is Loved. Plus a feeling of security, hope and a future.
They are taught responsibilities, respect and hope. They learn of a Heavenly Father that loves them
like no other. They is no other places like Acres that cares for these children. I consider it a blessing to have a small parrt by supporting this awesome family called Acres of Love.

Acres of Love is an amazing organization that provides the most loving, secure and safe environment for children that have been orphaned or abandoned. I have seen lives changed because of their commitment to these kids. I gladly share my time and treasures with Acres as I know they are concerned about each child as an individual and strive to meet their needs accordingly. I look forward to visiting and seeing first hand the growth and confidence that takes place due to the staffs' consistent and loving care.

I am happy to donate both time and treasure to this most worthy organization. Nearly every penny I give goes directly to caring for the precious children that Acres rescues and raises. The organization has the best volunteers and staff. I have personally been to South Africa, seen the day to day operations, and met the children and families of Acres of Love. I have been actively involved in ongoing work to support them for over six years now. You simply cannot find a charity that does more good or is more lovingly and efficiently run than Acres. It is just the best around!!

We first got involved with Acres of Love after hearing their co-founder talk about the AIDS orphans in South Africa. As he shared his heart, he said that these children are beloved by God and deserve every opportunity his own children have. That's why they are committed to treating each of these special children as an individual and not institutionalizing them. The homes are amazing! Each child is loved and cared for by the house parents as they would their own (and, in some cases, alongside their own). We have had the privilege of supporting Acres of Love for the last 10 years and have visited the children 4 times in that time. They are so joyful and well-adjusted, you would never suspect the horrible circumstances from which they were rescued. Now they have a future and a hope... and we are committed to supporting them for the duration, and encourage you to do the same.

We have been involved with Acres of Love for 10 years - an absolute honor and privilege. The excellence and care is the very best - from administration and volunteers to house parents and assistants. We know that the children, their care, and the resources used are stewarded with excellence and compassion. This is the finest orphan care program we have come across and we know these children are receiving genuine love and being equipped for successful adult lives. We continually are amazed and are always thankful to be one of many helping make a difference in these children's lives and the great work being done in South Africa. We thank God for Acres of Love and the all the staff and volunteers who are so faithful in this excellent work.

My wife and I have been involved with Acres of Love for eight years now and I can honestly say it has changed our lives forever in the most positive way. It started as something simple by attending a few meetings to figure out how to get involved and to find ways to give back. Eight years later we have become emissaries for the organization, traveled to South Africa many times, and even adopted a child from South Africa as a result how much the organization has impacted us. The orphan crisis is bigger than you can imagine but Acres of Love is an organization that makes it accessible to make a tangible impact in very personal ways with the children.

I am so impressed with the amazing way Acres of Love cares for, loves completely and nurtures these children. Unlike most institutional orphan care organizations, they are providing homes and families for these children to live with and receive the love of a family, the care of a family, to not just survive but thrive and become all they are meant to be. My first visit to South Africa to see Acres of Love in action was in 2005. Over the years I have seen the homes and the children who arrive lost and sick become healthy and happy due to the team's extraordinary care and I am passionate about supporting the work they do in South Africa. The Acres of Love leadership, staff and volunteers are not only well trained but feel their role within the organization is not just a job but a true Calling. They love these children and are passionate about giving them the very best ...and it shows on every little smiling face.

Since 2007, my family has been involved with Acres of Love. As a volunteer, donor, and now a team member, I am amazed at the way the organization offers particularizing and loving care to EACH child in our 27 Forever Homes. We have been involved with two Acres of Love Forever Homes, and it has been an incredible journey to be able to watch children, once orphaned, grow up in stable, long-term families. We are so grateful for Acres of Love and their passion to see EACH child belong in a family.

Our family's incredible journey with Acres of Love began some 15 years ago when there was 1 home and 8 children. What struck us most was the dedication and commitment of the Founders. Each child has always been considered individually, and afforded care in accordance with his/her need.
The family concept, which Acres of Love is based on, means that belonging and creating relationships is of paramount importance. Volunteers are properly screened in order to protect the children, and staff are encouraged, trained and guided constantly, so that each child has the opportunity to grow into the best that they can be.
During our time and involvement, some 12 years ago, we adopted our youngest daughter from this incredible home.
it is a pleasure and a privilege to remain involved and share in these awesome children's journeys as they grow and develop into the people God planned them to be.
To bear witness to the miraculous growth of this organisation is a total joy.
We treasure our role as we share in these beautiful homes and always come away knowing that we have learnt,gained and appreciated so much with every interaction

KathB

I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity over the past 14 years to interact with, and to care for and love, the truly amazing children at Acres of Love. These are very special children, with an infinite capacity to love and be loved, and I believe that we actually gain more from each interaction with these children than we ourselves put in. It is a wonderfully uplifting experience each week to be able to spend time with our Acres of Love children, and to watch each and every one of them grow and develop as human beings, sharing a special bond and demonstrating that, in the right caring environment, even the most traumatised can rise above life’s challenges, and in doing so, become an inspiration to us all, representing as they do a true triumph of the human spirit. God bless them all.

When I first started working with Acres of Love, we only had the one Forever home in South Africa. It is truly wonderful to reflect on the fact that we now have 25 homes in the Johannesburg area alone, along with a number in Cape Town. Acres of Love as an organisation is exceptionally well-run, with the management team and staff performing their functions with due care and attention to detail. They also care for the children with love, patience and understanding, embodying the Acres of Love ethos of holistically caring for the children’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual development.

I have had the privilege of being involved with Acres of Love since it was founded in 1998. It has been amazing to watch the organization grow from the first home back then to now with 25 Forever Homes in the Johannesburg region. The founders, staff and volunteers have a passion to rescue and care for vulnerable infants and children and that drive, mixed with an entrepreneurial approach, has created a dynamic and well-run organization that attracts donors who look for measurable outcomes in non-profits. The premise for their high standard of care is to give each child what we would want and expect for our own children; consequently, each child receives the very best medical, educational and therapy-related resources to help them thrive and excel. Acres of Love exemplifies the very best of what a non-profit organization can accomplish with vision, dedication and perseverance.

I have been working alongside Acres of Love for 7 years. I have had the privilege of traveling to South Africa 5 times and have spent ample time in the Acres of Love Forever Homes with the children and the House parents. I have worked personally with many of the staff, both in the United States and in South Africa. I have been intimately involved with all levels of this organization.
I can say with 100% confidence that Acres of Love is a brilliantly run organization. It is fiscally responsible and sets the standard of orphan care. It has a clear vision of caring for vulnerable children and treating them as if they were their our own. The people that work for and with Acres of Love are totally committed to the best interest of each child and work tirelessly to provide hope, love and care to every single child they have the privilege of caring for.
My husband and our 3 children will continue to support Acres of Love with our time, treasure and talent and feel honored to be a part of the amazing work that it does. This organization has literally changed the trajectory of our family and we are forever thankful to God for the opportunity to help with this cause.

After having the opportunity to visit about one-third of the Acres of Love homes in South Africa - talk to the house parents and helpers, as well as spend time with the medical and counseling staff I am impressed by the care and love for each child in these special homes, yet equally I am impressed by the tight structure.

Acres of Love has a very personal soft touch with each child, they take the stink out of the poverty and are raising up future leaders of this nation so touched by HIV.

I feel every penny donated is appreciated and invested very wisely.

There are millions of orphans in South Africa living in poverty, abandoned, and abused. There are many institutional orphanages in South Africa that provide no love or family environment for these children. Acres of Love provides homes for these children - typically 10 in each - with house parents, medical care, schooling, and the experience of growing up part of a family. The money you put into Acres goes to help the children. Hundreds of children have been saved through Acres - emotionally, socially, and physically (as many children come to Acres HIV positive but receive anti-retroviral medication). Helping Acres means forever changing the lives of innocent and helpless children in South Africa.