Client Story: Nastya Seeking Safety
Zhytomyr Life Center opened its doors on August 24, 2023. Within the first month of activity, a young woman named Nastya, who was eight months pregnant at the time, sought help at the Life Center. She came in search of free prenatal vitamins that Save a Life International provides to pregnant women in need.
During her consultations, volunteers of the Life Center learned that Nastya’s husband is a drug addict, and periodically has episodes of aggression and violence. Witnessing his behavior, Nastya grew increasingly concerned for her child's safety and future. Volunteers at the Life Center began meeting with Nastya and attempted to convince her husband to seek rehabilitation. However, all efforts appeared to be in vain.
Nastya began attending church services and training sessions at the Zhytomyr Life Center. Just a few days before her due date, her husband attempted to physically harm Nastya. She was forced to seek help and refuge at the Life Center. The team at Zhytomyr Life Center transported her belongings to one of the volunteer's homes and arranged for her to be admitted to a hospital for pregnancy preservation. In the meantime, the director of the Life Center found an apartment for her, and the team swiftly made necessary repairs and provided furniture, a baby carriage, and other household essentials. They also ensured that Nastya had food and all the necessary items for her baby while in the hospital.
The team of the Zhytomyr Life Center organized a baby shower for her, where they gifted her a Baby Box, right at the maternity hospital Nastya was staying in. All the items in the Baby Box were thoughtfully selected for Nastya's newborn, including diapers, baby clothes, hygiene products, baby food, and items for the mother. This gift couldn’t be more timely as Nastya was stepping into the role of a mother and needed support. A few days after the celebration, Nastya gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby.
Today, Nastya resides in Zhytomyr in an apartment that the team at Zhytomyr Life Center found for her. Her mother also moved in with her from a different city, to support her in raising her child. Nastya is now part of the "Learn and Earn" educational program offered by Save a Life International. This program allows young women to earn virtual points by learning about motherhood and childraising, which they can exchange for hygiene products, baby essentials, and food at the end of each month. All of this helps women in crisis situations to get back on their feet and navigate the challenging season of their lives that is motherhood.
Nastya is only able to safely raise her baby in an apartment with her mother due to the generous support of donors and partners of Save a Life International. Baby Boxes provided to women before childbirth are a vital component of postpartum assistance. All these items impact the lives of women, helping them in the first few months after giving birth.
This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to make a real difference in the lives of women like Nastya. Essentials: The Baby Boxes Campaign strives to sponsor 100 Baby Boxes for families in need. Donate to our new campaign this holiday season and bring hope, joy, and the feeling of being supported to mothers in difficult circumstances. Join Save a Life International this Giving Tuesday and have a positive impact on women in need!
