By Simona Nevieriene | Team leader
Sometimes it takes just a little - just a little care for other person, a little sensitivity of the heart, and people's lives change immeasurably.
A woman in a crisis situation needs to be helped to see her possibilities, to understand that there is at least one person or place where she can talk about all her feelings, all her anxiety, fears and pain. That there is a place where she could feel safe. We try to be such a place.
Here we share the story of a woman whose youth was wounded, but with help, she discovered a “different” life and is happy now.
„My father was a drug addict. I started using alcohol and drugs myself when I was 14. When I was 28, I felt like I was going crazy – the taste of death was right there. My mother kicked me out of the house; I had nowhere to go – I was left with nothing; I felt like a nobody. I slept anywhere. I had to do something. I heard about the DAA (Drug Addicts Anonymous) society, which aims to help others recover from drug addiction. I met a member of the society and fell in love with him. I quickly felt pregnant. I was scared. I felt empty. I was worried about whether the child will be healthy, because I had been using drugs for a long time, how I would support him, etc. I had a lot of debts, a criminal record, and little work experience. My mother was not supportive; She encouraged me to have an abortion, but I wanted a child! I felt that I loved the man I was expecting from. We got married. My friends advised me to contact the „Krizinio neštumo centras“, although I doubted whether they would be able to help me. Here I felt that I was not alone! I was warmly and kindly welcomed by a social worker and psychologist. I calmed down. My daughter is the truest miracle, the fruit of love, a gift from God. With the child, I not only became a mother but also a reborn person. Her presence leads both my husband and me forward and encourages us to improve and strive. Today it seems that we live like in a fairy tale: we share food and clothes with others, we have a home, a wonderful daughter, each other, and a circle of supportive people. I believe that strong people are not those who never make mistakes, but those who get up after stumbling, who try, search, believe, and learn to live.„
We have many similar stories. Of course, they are slightly different, but they have a unifying element - not being afraid to ask for help, not staying alone. In April, we published a book of stories of women who got help at our Center. It is in Lithuanian language, but you can download it and translate it for yourself (Book "Women's confessions")
During the past 4 months we had 113 new people who applied for the help at our Centre - 108 women and 5 men. A total of 458 different consultations were provided to them. These were usually women who sought help in their despair while pregnant, after birth or baby loss.
23 times we got messages about babies born to women who got help at our Centre. It‘s always such a joy!
Help provided:
“Participating in Self-help groups was like a stop for me. It was like a much-needed pause — a place where I didn't have to act or "get ready" before coming. Ten weeks, which were full of sincerity, sensitivity, and a very human presence together. I especially appreciate the opportunity to hear from other mothers — their experiences sometimes reflected my own experiences, sometimes opened up new perspectives. It really helped me feel that I was not alone. That what I was feeling was not something strange or inappropriate — it was just motherhood, the way it is. I am incredibly grateful to Ruta, our group leader, for her professionalism, empathy, and ability to lead delicately. A truly warm, respectful atmosphere was created, where it was safe to speak, be silent, cry, or laugh. I am very glad that this time came when it was needed most.” (testimonial of a woman from a group)
Thank you for you kind heart and help!
With warm regards,
Krizinio neštumo centras team
Links:
By Simona Nevieriene | Team leader
By Simona Nevieriene | Team leader
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