Restoring Dignity: Renovating the Self-Reliance Room at Baby Box Church in Seoul

By World Forgotten Children Foundation on Dec 5, 2025

On September 8, 2025, World Forgotten Children Foundation (WFCF) agreed to fund a vital renovation project worth approximately USD $4,838.82 for the Jusarang Community Church—home to the “baby box” facility—in Seoul, South Korea. This project was made possible in a large part through a generous donation from the Hyojin Kim Nirav Patel Foundation, specifically designated to support Baby Box Church.

Founded in 1990, Baby Box Church has long been a trusted partner of WFCF (see Supporting Precious Cargo - South Korea, Repairs to “Baby Box” Stairs - South Korea, "Baby Box" Facility Repairs and New Camera Installation - South Korea, and "Baby Box" Facility Repairs to Drainpipe and Roof – South Korea) and a sanctuary for abandoned children and single mothers. In 2010, Pastor Lee Jong-rak introduced the “baby box” after learning of infants being left in unsafe public spaces, such as restrooms or outdoors, where they faced life-threatening conditions. The baby box was created as a secure alternative; it is a heated, padded dropbox where mothers could anonymously leave their babies, ensuring they would be cared for.

Today, the church continues to operate as a shelter and care facility, offering temporary refuge to unwed mothers and newborns. Each year, more than 200 babies are left at the center, where they receive immediate care before being transferred to orphanages to await adoption.

A Building in Need

As the decades pass, the aging infrastructure of the church has required ongoing maintenance. WFCF and its supporters have stepped in over the years to fund various improvements. The latest project focuses on the first-floor self-reliance room, which serves as a critical space where mothers and babies rest, recover, and prepare for their next steps. The room had become unsafe due to mold, lack of water access, and deteriorating walls and corridors.

Project Highlights

The renovation includes:

  • Ceiling mold removal and wallpaper restoration: Mold and odor from the aging ceiling posed health risks. A full ceiling repair and wallpaper replacement will restore a clean, safe environment.
  • Sink installation: The absence of a sink made water access impossible. Installing a sink will provide essential hygiene support for both mothers and infants.
  • Corridor renovation and wall painting: The corridor leading to the self-reliance room was in poor condition, with peeling paint and structural damage. Renovating this area will enhance safety and dignity for those who rely on the space.

A Lasting Impact

This renovation will directly benefit the vulnerable families who depend on Baby Box Church’s services. By improving the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of the self-reliance room, the project reinforces WFCF’s mission to uplift orphaned children with disabilities and underserved communities around the world.

Support WFCF

The mission of WFCF is to support projects that help orphaned children with disabilities in developing countries. Donate today to support underprivileged communities and orphaned children with disabilities in developing countries.

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