Kempton Park’s Life Link marks 25 years of supporting women in crisis

Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre celebrated 25 years of supporting pregnant women and girls facing crisis pregnancies with a special anniversary celebration on July 18.

The Kempton Park organisation, founded in 2001 and based at 10 Du Plessis Avenue, Kempton Park Ext 2, provides counselling, support programmes and assistance to women experiencing difficult circumstances.
Founder Sharon Rushton said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the many people who have contributed to the organisation’s journey.

“They have all contributed to the growth and impact of Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre over the years. They are all a piece of the intricate puzzle that is Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre,” she said.

Rushton said the celebration held special meaning as it coincided with her husband’s birthday.

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“He has encouraged me and stood by me all these years, and it was a way to honour him for all he has done,” she said.

The event brought together original board members, counsellors, donors and volunteers who have supported the organisation since its early years.

Rushton encouraged the community to continue supporting women experiencing crisis pregnancies.

“We should never judge; we never truly understand the circumstances that these women come from or find themselves in. If you can help, then help. It may make the difference she and her baby desperately need,” she said.

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She said the organisation has continued to see a steady number of women and babies receiving support through its programmes.

“We have seen a constant flow of mothers and their babies over the last three years and have managed to support over 200 mothers a year on our Single Mom Support Programme alone,” she said.

Life Link has also continued with its skills development initiatives and is working towards opening a sewing school where women can learn skills and potentially generate an income from products they create.

One of the organisation’s major recent developments has been its involvement in legal proceedings regarding the continued operation of Baby Savers.

Rushton said Life Link, together with Baby Savers South Africa, approached the High Court regarding the matter.

“We embarked on legal proceedings to legalise Baby Savers and, through Baby Savers South Africa and the High Court, have received a court order to continue using the Baby Savers until a ruling is made by the High Court,” she said.

Rushton said the organisation has also recently seen fewer women seeking assistance, which she believes may be linked to xenophobic incidents in the community.

Looking back on the past 25 years, Rushton said the organisation has achieved the three phases originally envisioned for the project.

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“The first was a counselling centre, the second was a home for unmarried mothers who were releasing their babies for adoption and the third phase was a baby shelter. Through the various phases, we have managed to touch the lives of hundreds of women and babies,” she said.

Although the organisation does not have an exact figure of the number of people assisted since its establishment, Rushton believes its reach has extended to thousands of lives.

“If we look at the last few years, where we had over 600 appointments per year, our impact and reach has been substantial. Our guess is thousands of lives have been impacted, changed or saved,” she said.

Rushton said some of the organisation’s success stories include mothers who initially felt unable to care for their babies but received support through its programmes.

She said some mothers who had placed their babies in the Baby Saver due to difficult circumstances were later able to reunite with their children.

Rushton said many women continue to face challenges including being abandoned by partners, raising children without financial or emotional support, poverty and absent fathers.

She said community support has played an important role in helping the organisation continue its work.

“Many people in the community refer women in crisis to us, knowing that if we can assist them, we will. We also receive support in the form of knitted items, baby clothing and other donations from churches, old age homes and individuals,” she said.

Rushton said current challenges include awaiting further developments regarding the High Court matter involving Baby Savers and the re-registration of its baby shelter as a Child and Youth Care Centre.

The organisation is seeking donations of baby clothing, nappies, toiletries, feeding equipment and other baby items for children from birth to 12 months. Toiletries for mothers are also needed.

“We welcome volunteers and potential lay counsellors to help the moms in crisis. We are also looking for a volunteer sewing teacher to assist in the sewing centre,” she said.

Businesses can support Life Link through financial donations or by collecting baby items and toiletries as part of corporate social responsibility initiatives. Financial donors may qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate.

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The organisation offers free and confidential services including pregnancy testing, information on pregnancy options, non-diagnostic ultrasounds, options counselling, pre- and post-adoption advice, HIV testing and counselling, the Single Mom Support Programme, Baby Safe (Hole-in-the-Wall) and emotional support.

Rushton said women who approach the centre receive counselling and information about available options before making their own decisions. Women who choose to parent their babies are supported through the Single Mom Support Programme during their child’s first year.

The organisation also provides skills training and monthly business workshops aimed at helping women develop income-generating opportunities and continue their education.

Rushton said her passion for assisting mothers and babies began long before Life Link was established.
“The seed for the organisation was planted back in 1983 when I was still at school. I believe in my heart that God wanted me here. I do everything out of love,” she said.

Through Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre and Jeremiah’s Hope, Rushton said the organisation remains committed to providing support and hope to mothers and babies.

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Looking ahead, she hopes Life Link will continue growing as a place where women feel supported.

“I want Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre to be a place where women are heard, helped and supported.

Our programmes continue to grow and change according to the needs of our clients and their babies. Our goal is also to reopen our baby shelter,” she said.

After 25 years, Rushton said her motivation remains unchanged.

“I feel that this is my life’s calling and I love what I do,” she said.