The attached article was published yesterday, 21st April 2010 in The Chronicle.
This article implies that there has been no support to the moms and babies who visit the Retreat Maternity Clinic, and it ignores the fact that the Zoe Project has been operational there for the last 7 years.
We have been working for the past 7 years at the Retreat Maternity Clinic supplying the following services to the patients/clients there:
Mom and Baby packs [consisting of panties, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, facecloths, soap, roll-on deodorant, a snack and cooldrink for the mom; and Baby grows, vests, nappies, baby products, baby blankets, hats, booties, toys, etc]
A Dry-goods pantry [supplying food for the moms who deliver there as well as for the Kangaroo moms]
A pregnancy workshop for moms-to-be
Psychological and emotional support for the patients with trained counselors
The services of a pro-bono psychologist
Assistance in adoptions and follow-through with adoptions
Assistance with placing women [with or without children] in safe houses where domestic violence takes place
Assistance to moms who are in emergency situations with their children [short and long term]
Staff team-building events
Registration of births
I have brought it to your attention because the article assumes that the people mentioned in it has just realized this need and that nothing has been done about it.
They have started a fundraising drive based on established functions of the Zoe Project at the Retreat MOU and is assuming that it is their "brainchild".
Please rest assured, that we have no intention of withdrawing our continued support to those clients at the clinic, or of withdrawing our support for the staff who work at the clinic.
We will continue to do our work because we realize that the need is great, and our project has worked successfully for the last 7 years.
I thank you for your wonderful and loyal support thus far and know that we have your continued support.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any queries regarding this matter or any other matter about the Zoe Project.
Lots of love as always
Norah
2 comments:
I hope if they do provide service overlap, perhaps they can help reduce the number of women that have to use the adoption option...
I hope one day you say, "Wow we've helped the moms so much, they don't have to place their babies any more!"
: )
We concentrate more on assisting the moms and babies - adoption is their decision. We only assist when they require help in this field, so this isn't our primary reason for being there. Keeping the family together is the goal, unfortunately, not everyone we help want to keep their children.
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