Samaritan House in Newcastle offers sanctuary to desperate women
There are options for women who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
The heartbreaking discovery of a baby, found dumped among household rubbish in the Muzikayise area of Section 7 in Madadeni, has sparked renewed cries for justice from the community.
SAPS confirmed the baby was declared dead at the scene and has since appealed to the community to assist in the investigation, by coming forward with information that could lead to a suspect.
“The baby’s body was found at around 9am, dumped at Section 7L in an open space,” confirmed Madadeni SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Madlenkosi Nkosi. “Members from the Madadeni Community Service Centre responded to the scene after it was reported to police by members of the community.”
The Newcastle Advertiser met with Portia Miya, who has been running the Samaritan House Pregnancy Crisis Centre for the past three years, to discuss what options are available for women who may feel they have nowhere to turn to in situations like these.
“At Samaritan House, we help women who go through challenges like rape, abuse, domestic violence, financial challenges and more,” explained Miya.
The centre, based at 75 Amiel Road in Amiel Park, provides free accommodation, food and care for pregnant women in desperate need.
“Our centre is strong in faith and we teach each woman in our care how to form a lasting relationship with God. We teach them how to be good mothers and how to take care of themselves and their babies. Many of the women who come to us are incredibly young and are not used to the responsibility of looking after themselves, let alone a newborn, so we aim to nurture them in a way.”
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Miya said Samaritan House offered the following:
- Confidential counselling
- Free pregnancy tests
- Legal advice to assist in securing financial support in terms of child maintenance
- Free shelter and nutritional food
- Free transport from clinics to local hospitals at any time
- If the woman is admitted into hospital to give birth, staff make sure to visit at least twice a day so they will have someone to support them
- Care packs for the mother and newborn
- Counselling and support for those who intend to give up their baby for adoption
- HIV and Aids education
- Parenting and motherhood classes
- A full-time programme on how to manage stress, anger and build self-confidence (this programme runs from Monday to Friday)
“We are very grateful to have the support of local businesses and churches, who provide donations which we use to keep Samaritan House running,” said Miya.
Although the centre has its fair share of financial difficulties, Miya confirmed it would be a safe place for those who need help.
Samaritan House Pregancy Crisis Centre can be reached on 034 326 4680.
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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