If you find yourself in a crisis pregnancy, man or woman, then Hope Ithemba Crisis Pregnancy Centre is here to help.
They are situated on the 2nd Floor, Caray House, off 1st Avenue, from 10:00 five days a week.
A crisis according to centre manager, Doriann Venter, can be defined as the emotional trauma someone has experienced due to miscarriages or termination and they find themselves pregnant again and are unable to deal with the emotional and psychological setback.
It can also be when an individual was previously dealing with infertility and must come to terms with the new life that is growing within them.
A crisis pregnancy can be a financial crisis which extends to the expecting mother and her immediate dependents.
There are three options presented to women and their partners who are in a crisis pregnancy. These options are parenting, termination and adoption.
The centre helps the individuals, who they refer to as clients, weigh in on the options available and guide them in making a decision best for them.
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”We are open to people of all races and ages. As long you are experiencing a crisis pregnancy, we are here to help. She doesn’t also have to be pregnant now.
“She could have been pregnant ten years ago and had an abortion and she is struggling to cope with it. Or she has a miscarriage 10 years ago and is struggling to cope with the though of conceiving another child.”
The assistance that Hope Ithemba provides is not cut and dry as there are other services they provide, but they do make it clear that they are not a medical centre nor are they certified counsellors.
Doriann talks about the different programmes offered at the centre for clients and volunteers alike. Clients are rewarded for attending these classes with a points system that allows them to acquire things at the centre’s baby shop.
The premise behind the idea, Doriann says, is not to sell them the items but to give the parents a sense of having earned something and worked for it instead of getting it for free.
Volunteers are entered into programmes that teach them how to deal with clients and their individual needs. They are also taught how to deal with the burden of listening to the sometimes traumatic stories that clients come to talk about.
Also read: Pregnancy centre in need of donations
The centre, equipped with a prayer room, is a Christian-led initiative and facility. They start their day off with morning devotion before going about their daily tasks.
The establishment has two medical rooms complete with sonograms and basic medical supplies in order to help them determine the basic status of mother and baby.
They also have three consultation rooms where they give their clients complete privacy.
There is a need for more volunteers and supplies. Doriann says both mother and baby and even other dependants are always in need of things like food and basic supplies like toiletries. Volunteers can also sign up and dedicate their time to the centre in various ways.
For more information on volunteering or donating contact the centre 011 811 6766.
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