The Sean Kelly Child and Youth Care Centre, founded by the Association for the Sensory Disabled (ASD) in 2004, provides essential care for children with severe disabilities. The centre, located in Worcester, was established after the passing of Sean Kelly, a young boy who had a severe disability and required round-the-clock care while his parents were at work. Today, the centre, now known as the Sean Kelly Special Care Centre, serves 43 children in need of intensive care and support.
In 2021, the Sean Kelly Group Home was opened to provide 24-hour care for destitute children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities. Officially registered as a Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) by the Department of Social Development in 2017, the Sean Kelly CYCC currently provides a home for 14 multi-disabled children.
A Growing Need for Support
Non-profit organisations like Sean Kelly CYCC face significant challenges in caring for children with severe disabilities. The high cost of care, which is only partially covered by government funding, leaves a financial gap that must be filled through donations. Essential supplies, such as diapers, are a major expense, with some children using up to 50 nappies daily. In addition, the centre employs a dedicated team of caregivers, including childcare workers, a driver, a cook and social workers, which adds further financial strain.
FoodForward SA: A Lifeline for Sean Kelly
As one of FoodForward SA’s 2,500 beneficiary organisations, Sean Kelly receives monthly food donations that help alleviate some of the financial pressure. Leigh-Ann Baaliah, from the Sean Kelly CYCC, explains that the food donations are crucial for the children’s nutrition and help free up funds for other critical needs.
“When FoodForward SA delivers food, it goes directly to the daycare centre, where meals are prepared for the children during the day. In the afternoons, extra food is sent to the children’s home, and on weekends, the centre relies on the donated food to prepare meals,” she says.
This system not only reduces food costs but ensures the children receive healthy, nutritious meals every day without straining the budget.
Your generous donations help us provide nutritious food to organisations like Sean Kelly and others in our BO network. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
