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Shelter for "Stoller" Mums with Children
Through poverty, unemployment, luck of support and rejection many mothers with babies and young children have nowhere, but the streets, to turn to.
The cold, abuse, hunger, humiliation, all the severe hardships of street life cannot match the constant fear That the child you love may he removed from you.
This is a real fear at no service exists to help these to help families.
Facts about these Stroller Mums:
- They seldom willingly choose a life on the streets. Tragic circumstances precede. They are Isolated, alone and have a history of abuse and rejection.
- Once on the street they cannot easily escape. They have on day-care for babies and are often exploited because they are so desperate.
- Abuse. rape and assault Is rife. They are totally vulnerable.
- They are often forced into regular drinking for acceptance into "street" subculture and as a coping mechanism under such conditions.
- They do their best for their children. They attend clinics. Keep their child clean, see that he/she Is properly and adequately clothed and fed. like any "normal" mother. Bottles are sterilized when at their char jobs or at the night shelters. Older children attend school.
- They have low self esteem. They believe they have failed. They are depressed. They are treated as the scum of the earth. They are blamed. Their children are often removed and they are declared unfit parents. They eventually lose all self-respect and hope. Alcohol becomes their only reprieve.
- They are not without potential. Some were receptionists, nurses, cashiers, waitresses, etc, before tragedy struck and they only had the street to go to.
What do we do?
We run a shelter for Stroller Mums in order to:
- Meet their immediate and most basic needs; food, shelter, protection and health care.
- Encourage, motivate and equip them to take responsibility for their lives and develop the courage and determination to do what they most to bring about positive change.
- Guide and support them at they move towards independence.
St. Anne's Homes is already offering services to desperate mothers with children, needs your help in raising the funds for a comprehensive shelter and rehabilitation service.
We Offer:
- Emergency shelter: to those not ready to come to the full programme.
- Length of stay: 6-8 months ie. determined & monitored per case.
- Empowerment Programme: Eg. Training courses, Life Skills Programme.
- Therapeutic Healing Programme: Counselling, Group Therapy, Health/Family Planning
- Child Care Programme: Creche, Health monitoring and care, Child Care Educational Programme to Mothers.
- Outreach development work: we make contact & keep in touch with those still living on the street.
- Employment Allocation Programme: Assistance in finding permanent employment.
- We link them with their family in rural areas.
- Children already removed get a chance to visit their moms for week-ends and/or holidays.
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