How One TCJ Alumnus Is Bringing Hope to HIV-Affected Kids in South Africa
The HIV Crisis and Child-Led Homes in South Africa
In South Africa, it is estimated that up to 30,000 thousand children are growing up in child-led homes due to the HIV crisis. Meaning, they live without any adult supervision at all: left to fend for themselves.
But just outside of the city of Durban, you will find a pocket of hope. Here, a group of dedicated individuals are creating a different reality. In this place, HIV-affected children who are abandoned or orphaned are growing up in a tiny village of nurturing and stable homes. More than that, they are experiencing the transformative power of love and hope!
This “village” is funded by the South Africa Children’s Resiliency Project (SACRP) and has been operating for 20 years. This is long enough to raise an entire generation! Several children who began their time at the project as toddlers are now adults, some going on to college, others making their way in life.
The Vision for a Foster Care Village
TCJ alumnus Dr. Bob Graham and his wife, Joanna, founded The Children’s Resiliency Project in 2005.
But the story starts about 10 years earlier when Dr. Graham made his first mission trip to South Africa. He describes it as “…a mission trip turned full-blown effort to educate South Africans about the medical issues they were dealing with, mainly AIDS.”
Then, in 1998, he returned with a research team. Their goal was to confirm the epicenter of the AIDS crisis, and confirm it they did, in the city of Durban.
Confronting Reality
It was through these trips that Dr. Graham first encountered the sobering reality that over 500,000 homes in South Africa are child-led. Meaning, there are no adults in the home because the children have been abandoned or orphaned.
When facing an overwhelming number like this, one may be tempted to think there is no hope. However, Dr. Graham and his wife saw it as an opportunity. They believed that even if they could only change the lives of 40 children, it was still worth the challenge.
A Village of Hope
In 2005, Dr. Graham wrapped up his 15th year on staff at University Christian School and prepared to move across the Atlantic to an area just west of Durban, South Africa. He had spent 6 years working out a plan that had recently been approved by the South African government. This plan was the blueprint for a pioneering idea: a cluster foster care project. Today, this 501c3 public charity is still thriving and making a difference in the lives of HIV affected children!
Similar to a children’s village, the compound features multiple homes and shared recreational facilities. In each 3-bedroom home, a local foster mothers cares for six children. The mothers are women local South American women who have a heart for adoption or foster care but lack the financial resources to do so independently.
From Abandonment to Thriving Adulthood
The Project focuses on finding and helping the most vulnerable children (SACRP identifies these as children who are 5 years of age or younger) and raising them to adulthood. The impact and success rate has been remarkable. Dr. Graham explains that the goal is not to build an orphanage but to provide homes for kids who have no hope.
“We don’t want to just feed and shelter them. We want to improve their quality of life. The goal is to spend a lifetime reaching them with the gospel, discipling them, and educating them. We’ve been operating for almost 20 years. We started by taking in children who were three and four years old. About half of them are now attending colleges. So, it’s not perfect, but it’s working!”
A Second Generation
The oldest children have begun to launch out and begin their own adult lives. As this happens, beds are once again become available in the homes. The mothers have asked for the opportunity to continue their foster roles by bringing in more children. As of fall of 2025, they have done exactly that. With several young children now accepted (all around the age of 4 or 5) the cycle begins anew.
This is a step of faith for Dr. Graham and all those involved in the project.
With a chuckle he says, “I’m no spring chicken. We are happy to take them in, but Joanna and I may not be around to see them through to graduation… we do believe (and are praying) that God will raise up others who are qualified to continue the Project.”
Expanding Impact
The mothers are committed to raising the children no matter what the future may hold. Believing God to provide, The Children’s Resiliency Project moves forward. Not only that, but Dr. Graham is seeing the work perpetuate itself through other organizations who have witnessed the success of this project.
“We’ve influenced other organizations to consider trying to develop foster care programs that provide families for these children. That is what we are most proud of and grateful for – that is what we this project continuing to do for future generations.”
How to Get Involved
Dr. Graham is passionate about addressing the need in South Africa. However, he says that groups affected by HIV are found in every country, every ethnicity. For anyone interested in getting involved, he suggests doing some research and asking God for wisdom. Getting involved through the Children’s Resiliency Project is as easy as giving. This can be done personally or through your local church, or in collaboration with your business or organization.
The Influence of TCJ
Dr. Graham is thankful for the role TCJ has played in his life. He says Trinity provided an environment that solidified his foundational beliefs and faith.
“This college was so important in setting the foundation of what I believe. Most of what I’m doing and the philosophies that I have were embedded while on this campus. I’m thankful that God placed me at Trinity because it has been instrumental in everything that I do in my life.”
About Dr. Bob Graham
Dr. Graham is the founder and Executive Director of the Children’s Resiliency Project since 2005. He earned his B.S. degree in Education from Trinity College of Jacksonville. He also earned both a Master and Doctor of Education degree from University of North Florida. Dr. Graham is married to Joanna (Coordinator for the Children’s Resiliency Project), and together they have three children: Jessica, Julie, and Jordan.
100% of the funds raised by The Children’s Resiliency Project go directly toward funding the homes and the needs of the children. Dr. Graham and his family raise their own support separate from the SACRP organization.
