Crisis Pregnancy Counseling
The heart of the services of Choices is the crisis pregnancy and post abortion counseling. Over the years the center has reached more than 11 000 women. The team of trained volunteers consists of 25 counselors. Our counselors receive ongoing training together with other pregnancy centers in the Western Cape.
Choices Schools Education Program
An initiative of the Choices Pregnancy Centre is to help prevent teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV and STD’s. The aim of the schools program is to present facts to pupils in a sensitive way, so that they can:
Make healthy decisions about their relationships and develop self-esteem, self-respect and self-understanding.
Recognize the physical, emotional and moral risks of casual sexual behavior.
Appreciate that sex is a special and enjoyable gift, within the bounds of marriage.
The manual used in teaching is recommended by Africa Cares for Life and recognized by the Education Department. Our interactive school lessons are presented by 7 extensively trained multicultural volunteers. Schools receiving the choices lesson are the following schools of the Helderberg region: Beaumont, De Hoop, Somerset West and Gordons Bay Primary, Somerset College, International School, Rhenish, Hottentots Holland, Parel Vallei and Boland College. Our program is in such high demand that we are fully booked for 2009. Currently we have 6 presenters in training that will be joining us as fully qualified presenters in 2010.
Kanga Moms
Choices has 2 safe families or “Kangaroo Moms”. Once a baby is born it is released into the care of a Kanga Mom, who will look after the baby until the adoption is finalized, this usually takes around 60 days.
We work together with social workers throughout the adoption process of the women we provide for in the residential unit.
Choices Residential Unit
Our residential unit, run by a house mother, is a safe haven for women who have chosen adoption and are in need of a place to stay. During their stay the women receive preparation classes, counseling, support and special skills training (i.e. basic computer skills and sowing). After giving birth the women may stay an additional two weeks to receive post-adoption support and counseling. Since the availability of the residential unit more women are choosing adoption over abortion than ever before at Choices and many women have benefited from this home.
Skills Development Program
We at Choices aim to make a difference in the lives of women in our community by improving skills and increasing the prospect of job opportunities.
We provide 6 weekly Computer Literacy courses throughout the year as well as *Cashiering courses.
We are in need of computers and cash registers to maintain and meet the growing need of our community.
Please contact us if you can help in any way!
* When available.
