An unexpected pregnancy can be frightening for a young woman with little support and few resources. Suddenly, she finds herself faced with difficult decisions which will have profound consequences for her as well as for the unborn child.
Fortunately, there are people willing to help.
Ramona McManus, president and director of Safe Haven Pregnancy Center, has dedicated most of her time to being there for young women facing the, sometimes scary, uncertainties that come with pregnancy and motherhood.
“We don’t just give them information,” says McManus, “but we walk alongside them and help them navigate toward self-reliance and stability.” Safe Haven presents options so that they can make informed decisions.
On January 27th, representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented McManus with an iMac computer, 2 MacBook’s, and two iPads that will help clients of Safe Haven access information essential to their health and ability to prepare for parenthood.
More donations are in the works as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joins with other Christians to help Safe Haven in its wonderful mission to help some of Guam’s most vulnerable citizens.
“This is a wonderful organization that provides a much-needed service for the community,” said Elder Craig Brooksby, representing the humanitarian outreach efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “It’s a privilege to be able to help them.”
McManus further explained how the donation would aid Safe Haven in providing necessary information about pregnancy and parenting. “Our clients often don’t have access to the internet. The computers and iPads will help provide essential lessons through a well-known program in the Christian community and other online resources.”
Sometimes Safe Haven’s clients are unable or reluctant to visit the facility in person, but they can receive electronic pamphlets containing valuable information. “Then perhaps they can come in when they are ready,” said McManus.
Safe Haven has served over 300 visitors over the past year, engaged 546 participants in pregnancy and parenting education and met the material needs of over 250 babies.
Safe Haven’s “The Haven House of Hope” provides emergency and residential care for homeless pregnant teens with a safe place to come where they can have proper care, counseling, and love they need. A central goal is to make sure these young women are able to finish high school, earn their diplomas, and equip them to navigate life.
All this help would not be possible, of course, without the generous donations and contributions from the community.
Many prayers have been answered as Safe Haven has worked to establish their support facility.
If you would like to help answer those prayers, please contact them at director@safehavenguam.org.