At the heart of Hope iThemba Crisis Pregnancy Centre are the volunteers, a group of women who have committed themselves to restoring hope and helping change the lives of women who find themselves facing an unexpected or crisis pregnancy.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, the ladies talked about how the women who visit the centre often arrive feeling alone, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future but leave feeling heard and encouraged.

Started in 2008, Hope iThemba offers ultrasound checks, counselling and a learning programme where participants can earn points to buy baby supplies.

“We work with the mommies from day one until day 1000; we might not get them from the moment they find out they are pregnant but the programme carries on until the 1000th day,” one of the volunteers, Beth Smit said.

The centre has a programme called Earn While You Learn which equips expecting parents with skills and knowledge while they earn points.

“We have got a literacy program, a parenting programme and a business programme where we are trying to give a variation of skills and things to do that are interesting,” she said.

Smit described the growth they have witnessed in the mothers who have joined the programme.

“They start building a relationship with you, they start feeling confident and sharing with you,” she said.

“It’s also very nice for the communities to be aware that, especially mothers who have children who are still under two years old, they still can come to Hope and receive this type of help as well in order to stand on their own two feet,” another volunteer, Alexis Nyamayi said.

The centre has a baby shop where participants can use their points to shop with dignity.

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“They do their classes, bank their points and then they come and shop. And it gives them a wonderful sense of responsibility and ownership that they can go and buy their own clothes and choose their own things,” Smit said.

She shared some success stories including mothers who have gone on to find work or start small businesses.

“And then we’ve got our gardening project that will be happening soon. There’s about 60 polystyrene cups coming with plants. On Fridays they will learn how to garden,” Smit shared.

Besides the practical side of things, the volunteers of iThemba Hope undergo training where they are equipped to provide counselling sessions.

“The mothers come from different situations and we are there to listen to them without judgement. The coaching helps us understand them more and in turn makes them feel heard and seen,” Nyamayi said.

She added that the programme also helps participants grow spiritually.

“Through the bible studies, you can help people grow spiritually and discover their purpose. The principles from the bible help them realize that they can actually depend on the Lord,” she said.

They appealed to the community for assistance in any way possible, whether through donations of essential baby supplies, clothing for toddlers and parents or food supplies.

Anyone who would like to support them can call 011 811 6766.