Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
Our story
Beth Uriel empowers young men from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing a supportive home, education, and life skills for independence.
Beth Uriel Boys Home empowers young men aged 18 to 24 by providing a safe and supportive environment. Education and Christian values, help them overcome challenges and prepare for independent living.
Beth Uriel Boys Home provides a safe environment for young men aged 18 to 24 in the Western Cape. It addresses significant challenges such as unemployment, low education rates, and family dysfunction. The facility emphasizes Christian values, believing that God can bring lasting change to the lives of its residents. With accommodation for 32 individuals, it offers essential services like meals, personal hygiene, and a supportive study space.
In addition to basic care, Beth Uriel focuses on education by reintegrating residents into school and providing academic support, such as tutoring. The home encourages positive social activities and prepares young men for independent living and job readiness through various programs, aiming to instill hope and purpose in their lives.
The home emphasizes responsibility, hygiene, and life skills, with newcomers starting in a larger room and earning their way to smaller shared rooms based on their behavior.
Beth Uriel Boys Home provides accommodation for who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including refugees, those affected by gang issues, family dysfunction, or who have lived in children’s homes. The primary aim is to offer a safe environment that encourages them to continue their education.
The home features multiple bedrooms, starting with a “big room” where 10-14 boys sleep. Young men are taught the importance of caring for their living spaces and maintaining hygiene. Those who demonstrate responsibility are rewarded by being moved to smaller rooms shared with just 2 or 3 others.
The home teaches the boys to prepare their own meals in the kitchen and encourages them to do so, fostering essential life skills. They are provided with three meals daily, every day of the week.
The program emphasizes the importance of life skills and job readiness for young men preparing for independent living. It focuses on organizing essential paperwork, such as identification documents and birth certificates, which are often missing. Additionally, it aids in setting up bank accounts, creating resumes, and obtaining learners and driver’s licenses.
Young men identify their goals through the Independent Development Plan (IDP) with the help of volunteers or staff, discussing their challenges and aspirations. Basic life skills are taught through daily responsibilities like cleaning, which fosters independence and personal hygiene.
Financial literacy is also a key focus, with a practice of saving 25% of income for emergencies, helping them learn to budget effectively. Cooking skills are developed as family member prepare meals in teams, preparing them for self-sufficiency.
Leadership development is encouraged through the role of Youth Care Workers (YCW), who supervise family members and ensure house rules are followed. These leaders, chosen for their responsibility, gain valuable skills that will assist them in their future endeavors.
Not all the boys in the home have relatives nearby. However, for those who do have family, an important part of helping these young men grow towards independence is reconnecting them with their families, especially if they have been out of touch or separated for some reason. Boys with family in Cape Town are permitted to visit them once a month during their weekend sign-out.
One of the goals of the Individual Development Plan (IDP) is to identify the family members of the boys so we can help strengthen their bonds and maintain communication between the organization and their families. This effort ensures that, after leaving the home, when the boys are deemed ready to be independent, they will have relationships with their families and will not feel alone. They will always remain part of the Beth Uriel family, even after completing the program.
Family also plays a crucial role in fulfilling tribal cultural responsibilities. Some boys come from tribal backgrounds and need to stay connected with their families to transition into manhood. In respect of these cultural responsibilities, Beth Uriel is committed to helping each boy maintain connections with their backgrounds and families.
Danny Diliberto, from Ladles of Love, met with Mr. Melvin, director of Beth Uriel, to discuss strategies for supporting the young men in the program. The collaboration aims to raise awareness and encourage community involvement in empowering these individuals through job training and employment opportunities. Together, they inspire others to invest in the futures of the boys at Beth Uriel, fostering growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Beth Uriel holiday program offers young men a supportive environment during school breaks, with activities such as sports, surfing, and the annual camp. Focusing on physical health, social interaction, and personal growth, the program ensures these young men have enriching holiday experiences, even without family to visit.
The holiday program at Beth Uriel offers a combination of recreation, social interaction, and physical activity designed to support the well-being of the young men living there. Since many of these young men do not have families to visit during the holidays, they stay at the home, while some choose to spend time with family or friends. To ensure the boys remain engaged, a variety of activities are organized, both on and off the property.
A key event during the school holidays is the annual Beth Uriel camp, which nearly all the young men attend. The camp offers sports, social interaction, and opportunities for one-on-one conversations with staff or volunteers. It’s a relaxed and supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and provides a much-needed break, similar to what other families might experience during their holidays.
Other regular activities include weekly trips to Muizenberg for surfing during the summer, swimming, and soccer. Physical activity is strongly emphasized, with exercise sessions—such as soccer or running—taking place regularly throughout the week. These activities are often led by the boys themselves, fostering leadership and teamwork. Overall, sports and exercise are integral to maintaining the physical health and discipline of the young men, reinforcing the importance of both mental and physical well-being at Beth Uriel.