About Ray's Haven

Who We Are

United in our dedication to the needs of Children & Adults with Special Needs across Nigeria.

Our Foundation

A Dedicated Purpose

Ray's Haven for the Special Needs Children & Adults is a Non-Profit Organisation dedicated in providing rehabilitation services to support both children and adults with special needs. While our work is rooted in providing services, we also champion the rights of persons with disabilities through advocacy. From holding the government accountable for better policy, and getting all stakeholders involved, to speaking out on behalf of those who have experienced prejudice - we use our voice to build a better, more inclusive society. We campaign for a world where no one is left out of life.

We are committed to promoting inclusivity and improving the lives of individuals with special needs, aligning our efforts with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through our programs and initiatives, we actively contribute to SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, by providing access to specialized healthcare services and promoting mental and physical well-being among children and adults with special needs. Additionally, our focus on fostering an inclusive environment and reducing inequalities corresponds to SDG 10 - Reduced Inequality. We advocate for equal opportunities, empowerment, and social inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to thrive. Furthermore, our initiatives in creating accessible spaces and promoting inclusive communities resonate with SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, as we strive to build environments that are accessible, safe, and supportive for individuals with special needs. Lastly, our commitment to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions aligns with SDG 16, as we work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society where the rights and dignity of every individual are respected and upheld.

Our Method

Our Approach

What Makes Us Standout?

We adopt a holistic approach by working with families, the community, and healthcare providers to ensure that we provide adequate rehabilitation services of any sort. We work in partnership with all stakeholders involved, including disability rights advocates, disabled people associations, and mental health awareness organizations to educate society on the essence of inclusion and mental health management.

Persons with disabilities in Africa precisely, are often excluded from education, healthcare, and work. As a result, many lead depressed, short, and isolated lives. With the right support, they can communicate, access quality education and healthcare, manage their mental health, and become independent. Rather than being excluded, they can thrive and live life to their full potential.

Everything we do supports individuals to express themselves, to develop their skills and confidence, to make choices, and to live a full life. Our focus on EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) is not only recognized in the lives we have touched but it is valued in the differences in each of our volunteers. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

We endeavour to create an inclusive culture that nurtures talent and allows every individual regardless of disability, gender or ethnicity the opportunity to flourish and reach their potential.

01. Our Mission

Our mission is to provide rehabilitation services for people with physical, emotional or learning difficulties who require specialized accommodation to thrive in their community.

02. Our Vision

Our vision is of a society in which all people with disability are equal and active members of society; one where equality and inclusion exists.

03. Our Thematic Areas

Rehabilitation
Disability Rights Advocacy
Mental Health Awareness
Inclusion

04. Our Values

"We" Mantra

We Rehabilitate all
We champion inclusion
We are advocacy-based
We value individuals
We work in partnership
We uphold principles

Our Actions

What We Do

01.

— We Promote

Promote inclusion in schools by launching campaigns against discrimination and stigmatization.

02.

— We Advocate

Organizing advocacy programs like stakeholders deliberation on key issues affecting people with disability and other vulnerable groups.

03.

— We Organize Events

Hosting events such as fundraising campaigns, arts & creativity workshops, sports activities, empowerment programs, social media webinars, and visits to rehabilitation centres, remand homes, special education schools, orphanages, hospitals, and prisons.

04.

— We Educate

Organizing community-based rehabilitation programs and sensitization workshops on causes, prevention, and management of disability/lifelong illnesses.

05.

— We Provide Care

Providing care & relief materials, and assistive aid technology for mobility, sensory, and educational support.

06.

— We Provide 24/7 Counseling

Providing counseling services to our employees and volunteers at no cost. Additionally, we offer referral and placement services when necessary.

07.

— We Host

The 'Project Mind Conscious' platform for mental health awareness through the formation of mental health support groups in schools, rehabilitation centres, and workplaces. The essence of this is to educate society on proper ways of adapting to lifestyle changes for the betterment of psychological well-being.

Our Founder

Meet The Founder

Visionary Leader

Rachel Affiong Umoh

Rachel Affiong Umoh, fondly called LadyRay, is an inspiring individual who is making a positive impact on the lives of others. She is a Nigerian by descent but currently resides in the United Kingdom.

As a Rehabilitation Practitioner and Mental Health Advocate, Rachel is dedicated to providing support and coaching for individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. Through writing of articles and poems, she combines her artistic talents with advocacy to raise awareness about mental health management, disability rights, and inclusion. Her foundation, Ray's Haven for the Special Needs Children & Adults, reflects her incredible passion for improving the lives of those with special needs in Africa by providing support systems for their rehabilitation and psychological wellbeing.

Having worked in a special education needs school, LadyRay has gained valuable insights and hands-on experience supporting and counselling individuals with diverse needs, including learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and developmental disorders. This experience has honed her ability to effectively assess their psychological needs, develop appropriate intervention plans, and implement strategies that promote their mental well-being and overall development.

Her role as a special education counsellor has also allowed her to work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create an inclusive and supportive environment for students. She collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized education plans, conducted group therapy sessions, and provided one-on-one counselling to address the unique challenges faced by students.

LadyRay's experience in special education, her involvement as an assistant psychologist with a women's rights NGO initiative, and having worked with women of diverse backgrounds, including survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse have deepened her understanding and skillsets with regards to the intersectionality of mental health and social issues and the importance of trauma-informed care and empowerment for marginalised populations.

LadyRay's ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone feels included and no one is left behind.

Our People