ABOUT ITHEMBA HOPE CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTREHope Ithemba Crisis Pregnancy Centre opened its doors midway through 2008. Our vision from the outset has been to meet mothers in crisis pregnancies with warmth and love, and to help alleviate some of the natural tensions which arise at times such as these.
When facing these questions, an increasing number of mothers end up opting for abortion, believing that there is just no other way.
Hope Ithemba Crisis Pregnancy Centre is passionate about pointing out the fact that indeed, there are other options. A team of trained counsellors are on hand, Monday to Thursday between 10am and 4pm, and Fridays 10am to 1pm to meet with these mothers to love them, to guide them and to assist them in the decisions they make, and to assure them that whatever that decision may be, they will have the support and care they need along the way.
In addition to pregnancy counseling, an increasing number of mothers are finding themselves with a crisis not as obvious, but potentially more devastating than their pregnancies: HIV/ AIDS.
Statistically, one in three mothers in South Africa are HIV positive. Many of these will not know until it is too late. Hope Ithemba Crisis Pregnancy Centre also offers free HIV/ AIDS testing, as well as the necessary counseling that may be required thereafter. There is a very good chance that if a mother who is HIV positive begins anti-retroviral medication before the fourteenth week of her pregnancy, she will avoid the transmission of HIV on to her unborn child. As a crisis centre, we are deeply committed to this.
For those who keep their babies, a supply of baby clothes, nappies, milk formula, and baby cereals are provided, without charge, as the centre is able. Mothers from more impoverished backgrounds are able to choose from a supply of second hand clothing for themselves, and as the centre is able, receive basic foodstuffs such maize meal, fruit and vegetables. Second hand cots and prams, baby chairs and blankets are also given away as they are available.
An adult education facility, specifically aimed at pregnant mothers, is also on hand. This is facilitated by audio-visual material to assist in providing some basic information on the nurture and care of a new born child.
A media centre, equipped with computers, printer and an assortment of software programs has been set up as a means of providing some fundamental skills that may prove useful, and open up avenues of employment for those mothers who are unemployed.
As the years advance and the needs of mothers in crisis prevail, it is our expectation and desire that crisis pregnancies be turned into blessings, that anxieties be turned into joy, that fears be turned into treasures and that one time, momentary concerns be turned into unending, lifelong delight.