WHEN it comes to everyday heroes, the new chief of Catholic charity Pregnancy Crisis cannot go past the single mothers raising their babies in the group’s Brisbane safe house.
The new leader, who cannot be identified for privacy reasons, chose Mother’s Day to shower the mums in the safe house with gifts and cards.
“They don’t have anyone that gives them a Mother’s Day present,” the new CEO said.
The new CEO’s admiration for mothers, particularly vulnerable mums who have come through the safe house, goes beyond a globally celebrated day.
Since starting the role in January, the new CEO has witnessed women, who were once cast-off by friends or family for being pregnant, become strong mothers with the support from the Catholic charity.
They live rent-free, have at their disposal all the essentials to care for their babies, and are only expected to cover the cost of food and personal items.
“They come to us and they’ve often had a lot of challenges, don’t have a lot of family support, they might be a refugee, asylum seeker, people who have sadly suffered domestic violence, so they’re very vulnerable,” PC’s chief said.
“You can see the change, how much they grow and flourish with the right support.
“That’s such a good focus for ministry, because if you can help women and their little ones at the beginning, you can start them off on a positive life.”
“They are, I think, loved – that really is a good word for it.”
Fortunately, the love and support for these single mothers hasn’t waned during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Normally single mothers living in the house who would be asked to find new accommodation by the time their baby turned six months, however the charity has extended stay for all of their mothers if they have no alternatives.
Volunteers are also working around the clock to provide administrative support as well as manage the donations that have continued to come in to the charity.
Many volunteers, however, have been forced to reduce their hours or end them entirely because of the pandemic.
“Some of the people that were very involved, some wonderful older volunteers that we’ve had, very faithful and available, wonderful people, the ones now that are staying home and trying to not mix among the public,” the CEO said.
“I’m hoping after the pandemic we’ll see a younger generation of women who want to support women going through tough times.”
As for future projects within the charity, the new CEO is already gearing up financial support to manage a major renovation of the safe house, which will include revamping the kitchen and bathroom.
“To be able to have some extra funding at this time would be good,” the CEO said.
To donate to Pregnancy Crisis, call 1300 777 777 or email pci777@bigpond.com
