Supporting Women through Crisis Pregnancy

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Time is flying by! As we enter the final quarter of 2024, we're excited to share our progress report detailing the strides we've made from June to September. Your generous support has been instrumental in driving the success of our initiatives.

Here are some key statistics:

• Total Beneficiaries in the Program:
• PP: 60
• BTB: 83
• Total: 143
  
  
• Total Children in the Program:
• PP: 58
• BTB: 80
• Total: 138 

Since the last reporting period, our Phnom Penh and Battambang Program Offices have welcomed 12 new beneficiaries. This brings our total number of new entrants for the year to 29. Currently, we are supporting a total of 143 women and girls, including the underaged, rape survivors, victims of trafficking, and those abandoned by their partners. Through timely intervention and collaboration with healthcare providers, all of our beneficiaries have received essential antenatal care.

During this reporting period, 15 healthy babies were born, increasing our total number of newborns to 33. As of now, there are 138 children and babies in our program, and we anticipate five more births in the coming months.

Through our partnership with the Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC), we continued to raise awareness about reproductive health, rights, contraception, and available resources. We also collaborated with Little Learners Daycare to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our young beneficiaries.

Currently, four beneficiaries have returned to school, while eight are enrolled in vocational training programs including culinary arts, sewing, cosmetology, baking, and barista training. These programs, offered in partnership with NGOs in Phnom Penh and Battambang, equip beneficiaries with the skills they need to achieve economic independence. Additionally, 23 beneficiaries are engaged in small home-based businesses, such as livestock, poultry, vegetable sales, and neigbourhood food stands. These initiatives aim to empower beneficiaries to generate income and achieve independence. As a result, 23 women and their families have reported increased income, allowing them to support themselves without relying on external assistance. Furthermore, 43 beneficiaries have secured employment in various sectors, including factories, beauty salons, and private companies.

To ensure the well-being of children in our program, our social workers and midwives conducted regular home visits with the support of partner NGOs and local authorities. 

For this reporting period, we'd like to highlight one story of adversity and resilience. Mony's story, below, is an example of how our support can empower women and girls overcome adversity and build a better future for herself. Her success is not only a personal victory but also a reminder of the positive impact our work is having on vulnerable women and children across Cambodia. Your generous support has made it possible for us to provide these life-changing services and help vulnerable women and girls like Mony thrive.

Mony, not her real name, faced many challenges in her young life. From the early loss of her father and sibling to the abuse she endured at the hands of her uncle, she faced challenges that would have broken many. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.

When her uncle's abuse led to her pregnancy, Mony found herself trapped in a cycle of fear and despair. With the support of Mother's Heart, she found the courage to break free from her abuser and seek justice.

Through our programs, Mony received essential medical care, legal assistance, and counseling. After she gave birth, she was offered to enroll in a vocational training program, equipping her with the skills she needed to build a better future.

Initially, Mony hesitated to join the vocational training program (culinary training), swayed by the pressure from her family and neighbors to prioritize immediate income, even if it meant enduring the hardships of working in a chili farm. However, with the support and guidance of Mother's Heart's social workers, she realized the long-term benefits of acquiring new skills and pursuing a more sustainable livelihood.

At Mother's Heart, Mony felt genuinely cared for and understood, without judgment or prejudice. The organization's commitment to her well-being and the well-being of her child was evident in the comprehensive support we provided. From ensuring her safety to assisting with her child's care, Mother's Heart and our partner-NGOs played a crucial role in her recovery and empowerment.

Today, Mony is a resilient young woman who not only cares for her child but also pursues her dreams. She's halfway through her culinary training and, due to her exceptional performance, has been given a part-time job at the training center's restaurant. She's learning and earning at the same time. Now, instead of dreading the unknown future, she looks forward to a new day, one step closer to her dreams. 

Mony is an example of the transformative impact of support. Your generosity has empowered her to overcome adversity and build a better life. Thank you for helping her build a better life. 

Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thanks to your unwavering support, Mother's Heart continues to make a significant difference in the lives of the women and girls in crisis pregnancy. This report highlights the progress achieved between January and May 2024. 

We welcomed a total of 128 women and girls into our program during this period, with 17 entering the first five months of the year. Our impact extends to their children as well, with 121 children benefiting from our program, including 18 newborns who received a safe and nurturing start in life. 

37% of the program's beneficiaries are girls under 17 years old. This statistic sheds light on the unique challenges young girls face, making Mother's Heart's services more critical.  In addition, records between January to May, show a 160% increase in beneficiaries with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities compared to last year. In 2024, 26 women and girls with disabilities received help from Mother's Heart, up from 10 in the previous year. This surge highlights the growing need for specialised services to address the specific challenges faced by mothers and girls with disabilities, particularly during pregnancy. 

At Mother's Heart, we know statistics are important, but the true impact lies in the lives we touch. Theary's story (not her real name) exemplifies how our program empowers young women facing crisis pregnancies.

Theary, a house cleaner turned factory worker in Phnom Penh, found herself alone and pregnant. Abandoned by her boyfriend and ostracized by her family, she felt isolated and desperate. Thankfully, a partner NGO alerted Mother's Heart, and Theary received the support she needed.

We provided Theary with:

• Crisis pregnancy counseling and emotional support
• Essential antenatal care, delivery, and post natal care
• Proper nutrition for her and her baby's health
• A baby basket with everything needed for the first three months

Under the watchful care of our social worker and midwife, Theary delivered a healthy baby boy. Despite the lack of family support, she expressed deep gratitude for feeling loved and cared for by Mother's Heart.

However, Theary yearned for her family, especially her mother. During counseling, she expressed a desire to reconnect. This proved challenging due to societal stigma surrounding single mothers in Cambodia. Theary's mother initially refused contact, believing her daughter had brought shame upon the family.

Our social worker persevered. For several months, they worked closely with Theary's aunt, acting as a bridge between her and her mother. They shared updates about Theary's progress, her baby's milestones, and her unwavering determination to be a good mother. Their efforts paid off. Theary's mother slowly began to engage, showing interest in her grandson. A turning point came when she expressed concern for Theary's well-being, acknowledging the difficulties of single parenthood. This marked the beginning of their reconciliation.

Today, Theary thrives with a secure job in Phnom Penh. Her son enjoys the loving care of his grandparents back in their hometown. Theary visits regularly, cherishing their time together.

Theary's story is a testament to Mother's Heart's impact. In the first five months of 2024 alone, 17 women and girls entered our program and 18 babies were born.  Mother's Heart offers not just immediate relief, but also long-term support for rebuilding families. Stories like Theary’s insipire us to continue our mission, and we are grateful for your support in making this possible. Thank you for your belief in our mission. 

Team Mother's Heart

P.S. If you haven't read it yet, our 2023 Annual Report is available online. You can access it through the link below.

Links:

• Mother's Heart 2023 Annual Report