The initial welfare needs of the SAVF identified were poverty, unemployment, unmarried motherhood, general upliftment of women, and the best interests of children and the elderly.
These needs are addressed through various activities, projects and delivery of services.
Material assistance and moral support to needy granted.
Currently, job creation projects, especially the empowerment of women are a priority and an important part of the SAVF operations.
Mrs Henriëtta Armstrong's contact with a family whose daughter had a child out of wedlock, whose increased awareness and the plight of unwed mothers, led to the establishment of a rescue home in Pretoria on 26 October 1905. The Armstrong Berning home for unmarried mothers had undergone many changes throughout the years but is still operational in Riviera, Pretoria.
The SAVF is one of the institutions that implements high quality elderly care services in its homes for the frail, elderly, housing projects for the elderly, care centers, home help schemes and elderly clubs.
Mrs. Solomon had a strong emphasis on the educational task of the SAVF, which included instruction in various native tongues. An educational committee was established to support the creation and maintenance of National Christian schools.
In 1910 the SAVF begin the first full homecraft school in the Transvaal. Girls that never went beyond standard four, could further there education and training in the general household.
As early as 1918, the need for health services was identified and health clinics and maternity homes were established. As the Provincial Administration itself moved to the delivery of comprehensive health services, the health services of the SAVF was also transferred to them.
In 1919 the SAVF in cooperation with the Dutch Reformed Church, attempted to provide low income earning girls who came to the cities looking for work, good housing.
The first step was to build a house in Park Street, Pretoria solely for the purpose. As the demand increased, on 1 February 1929 the Christian home for girls came into being. meanwhile other sites were created in Pretoria and surrounding areas.
In the early twenties, the SAVF became increasingly aware that the family care services were performed on more professional and experienced level
The 1934 People's Congress had called on the Government as well as private charities to appoint educated work forces in the welfare sector.
These representations are repeated during the National Conference on Social Work in 1936 in Johannesburg. This led to the establishment of the Department of Social Welfare in 1937 and with its financial support, private charities like the SAVF could continue delivering their professional service.
Representation made by the Chief Executive of the SAVF to the University of Pretoria led the university to begin the training of social workers.
Arising from service delivery to needy families and children in need of care, the SAVF orphanages arose. The homes, namely, the Children's Shelter in Klerksdorp (1953) and Lushof Children's Home (1967) in the Western Transvaal were erected by the SAVF.
In 1994, the Rethabile Children's Home near Klerksdorp started and two years later joined the Town Clerk Children's Shelter under the name Rethabile Klerksdorp Children's Home. The Belfast Children's Home, in April 1996, opened its doors in an old dormitory building in the village
Because some unwed mothers stayed at the Armstrong Berning home for some time with their babies stayed and eventually provide accommodation and a dedicate children's area, and more facilities for children parties.
This led to the establishment and official opening of the Little Team Nursery School at the home on 11 April 1940.
This was the first registered African nursery school in the Transvaal. This small beginning would eventually spread to a large-scale SAVF daycare schools, preschools, after-school centers and informal play groups.
The SAVF was actively involved in the establishment of the Child Guidance Clinic at the University of Pretoria in 1928.