Life is about choices you make
Life Choices networks with other non-propfit organisations based in Gauteng to better serve their clients' needs.
The new branch of Life Choices opened its doors at 140 Albert Street, Rosettenville, on November 3.
This NPO is the haven for pregnant women and women with children, to come and be empowered, encouraged and equipped through their challenging life experiences.
Its director, Monique Nezar, said they work in conjunction with Pregnancy Help Network where they help women who have unplanned pregnancies to make good choices whether to keep the baby for adoption, continue parenting or to abort.
“We make sure that we give every woman an option in a safe and friendly environment. Although we are not a clinic and cannot give medical services, we allow women to do the right decisions for themselves,” she said.
Sessions offered by Life Choices
The organisation has three main sessions:
• Antennal sessions that are designed to give each expectant mother the relevant information needed during and after pregnancy.
• Child development sessions which are aimed at their beneficiaries with children up to the ages of one year old.
They equip them with skills on how to stimulate their babies through exercises that help with development.
• Counselling services are aimed at ensuring that each and every beneficiary who is faced with an unplanned pregnancy has the support that is needed during such a crucial time, has the correct information to make an informed decision, and knows the services that are available to them going forward.
Life Choices has been operating in Benoni for seven years and Nezar mentioned that they have been assisting girls as young as 13 years old to women in their 40s.
“Our services don’t conform to demographics, we work with anybody irrespective of age, colour, creed or religion. And they are free and confidential.
“Once you come to us, you get a scheduled appointment and we’ve seen that is it encouraging for our beneficiaries to see other women who are going through the same situation. Although everyone has a unique story, we cater for every individual,” explained Nezar.
More programmes
The organisation offers other programmes as well, including a sexual health programme called Undiluted.
This is a nine-week programme where they go to a particular school once a week for one hour. There they help learners understand more about sexually transmitted diseases and also to set healthy boundaries among themselves.
They also provide advice to learners to make sound decisions.
Another programme is called Legacy Dads where fathers are encouraged to be a supporting structure to their partners.
Life Choices also hosts workshops that equip their clients for pregnancy, raising children and life.
They provide clothing, toiletries and baby items to their beneficiaries who are invested in bettering their lives and also offer to counsel women who have experienced an unexpected pregnancy and women who have experienced a loss through abortion, miscarriage and stillbirth.
Nelly Selete, who is the centre manager in Benoni, urges the community to make use of the Life Choices.
“We are here to help. We know that people have problems and that is why we build families and relationships.
“Counselling might be expensive for some but we offer it for free. We do this because we have a heart for people. We also have the love, skills and passion to offer this service,” she said.
The Rosettenville centre manager, Rebecca Masekela, shared the same sentiments and also encourage men to accompany their partners to share their stories.
“Through the options we provide, we will be with you all the way, you will never walk alone.”
For more information contact them on 069 325 5418 alternatively visit them on Facebook or Instagram.
