Dominican RepublicDominican Republic

Helping moms & babies at DR0505

You are changing the lives of moms and babies. Here’s how.

Mom's & BabiesMom's & Babies
Helping moms & babies at DR0505
Back to All Reports

The Need

Of the 5.2 million children who die around the world each year, 75 per cent die in the first year of life. Babies are at risk of death due to premature birth complications, complications during childbirth, infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. But this is preventable. With training and support, moms in poverty can be empowered to raise healthy and happy babies.

Our Response

Critical care
Your support helps secure access to pre- and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants and medical intervention when necessary.

Home-based care
Mothers are visited in their homes monthly by a Survival specialist, who offers education in prenatal care and early child-rearing as well as one-on-one biblical mentoring.

Group-based learning
At these church-based activities, moms learn skills to earn an income and gain vital knowledge including basic literacy, the importance of breastfeeding and how to prevent malnutrition and disease. These groups combat isolation through a supportive community of mothers who, together, learn about the God who loves them.

Dominican Republic Stats

Average number of children in household 4
Average age of first-time mothers 17
Births attended by skilled health personnel 99
Stunted growth from malnutrition 6

Activities

Child protection: Moms attended child protection training led by a psychologist, where they learned how to identify abuse and how to respond. They drew and cut out the shape of their hands on paper as a symbol of their irreplaceable role in protecting their children from abuse.

Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.

Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.

Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.

Spiritual nurture: On Bible Day, each mom received a Bible so she can read God’s Word for herself, grow in her faith and teach her children about God’s love, forgiveness and faithfulness. During a special meeting, the centre director taught mothers about the true meaning of Christmas. Our prayer is that every mother, child and family member will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Skills training: The church hosted a vocational workshop designed to help mothers develop and launch their own small businesses with the goal of establishing and maintaining a sustainable household income.

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Full-term births 9
Illness subc: Anemia 1
Pregnancies 3
Breastfeeding Moms 3
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 3
Attended births 8
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 5
Normal birth weights 7
Low birth weights 2
Child protection: Moms attended child protection training led by a psychologist, where they learned how to identify abuse and how to respond. They drew and cut out the shape of their hands on paper as a symbol of their irreplaceable role in protecting their children from abuse.
Child protection: Moms attended child protection training led by a psychologist, where they learned how to identify abuse and how to respond. They drew and cut out the shape of their hands on paper as a symbol of their irreplaceable role in protecting their children from abuse.
Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.
Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.
Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.
Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.
Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.
Infant health: A local doctor hosted a parenting talk to educate moms about breastfeeding, infant development, maternal care and good nutrition for both mothers and children. The session addressed common myths, doubts and fears that discourage women from breastfeeding their babies. With the help of an obstetric gynecologist and breastfeeding specialist, many moms were able to clarify their concerns. In the early stimulation room at the centre or during home visits, staff regularly measured babies’ height and weight to evaluate and record their growth and development.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Practical gifts: During home visits, moms shared their most pressing needs with staff implementers, who followed up by delivering essential supplies to Survival families, such as a baby basket for one mom who did not have a layette for her baby who born prematurely, and a baby basket for another pregnant mom on medical leave and unable to walk to the centre. Another family was thankful to receive a delivery of school supplies for their children who will begin attending school.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Group meetings: Moms gathered at the centre each month to learn valuable lessons in how to care for their babies, child growth and development, nutrition and hygiene. During one session, moms identified the values they want to instill in their children to help guide their parenting. Sometimes, volunteers looked after the babies so the moms could fully focus on the lessons. They also enjoyed special celebrations such as a graduation ceremony for children who moved on to the Early Childhood Development program.
Spiritual nurture: On Bible Day, each mom received a Bible so she can read God’s Word for herself, grow in her faith and teach her children about God’s love, forgiveness and faithfulness. During a special meeting, the centre director taught mothers about the true meaning of Christmas. Our prayer is that every mother, child and family member will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Spiritual nurture: On Bible Day, each mom received a Bible so she can read God’s Word for herself, grow in her faith and teach her children about God’s love, forgiveness and faithfulness. During a special meeting, the centre director taught mothers about the true meaning of Christmas. Our prayer is that every mother, child and family member will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Skills training: The church hosted a vocational workshop designed to help mothers develop and launch their own small businesses with the goal of establishing and maintaining a sustainable household income.
Skills training: The church hosted a vocational workshop designed to help mothers develop and launch their own small businesses with the goal of establishing and maintaining a sustainable household income.
Pastor Ivan

ReportA message from a pastor

Peace and grace of the Lord! I am Pastor Ivan of the Southern Christian Congregation and the “Jesus Christ Reigns in Childhood” Child Development Centre (DR0505).

We feel both fortunate and deeply committed to have a centre with such reach and social impact as the Survival program. We are very grateful to receive each contribution from you as you support these young lives that are growing and being formed in Christ and His Word, understanding that these financial contributions are like seeds of hope for all the women in our community who have experienced traumatic emotional and social crises.

Brothers and sisters, you should know that your valuable contributions and investments are not falling into emptiness. Rather, they are intentionally impacting every way in which a pregnant mom can be received, supported and cared for—spiritually, socio-emotionally, physically, vocationally, morally and within the family.

Thanks to your donations, our Survival program has now been able to establish itself at the heart of every home that has opened its doors to us. We are accompanying every pregnant woman and Survival mom with her child in arms, helping her feel more secure and confident. We are here to walk alongside her, guide her, provide for her and help her realize her dreams—all thanks to the seeds of hope you sow in this fertile ground, which yields visible and tangible fruits in our community.

We are fully focused on integrating the Survival moms into our church, so they feel cared for, loved and protected. We are supporting young girls who have embraced motherhood at a young age, averaging 16 to 17 years old. Our clear goal is that each young mother feels she has transitioned to a better quality of life, receiving love, dedication and purpose in Christ through our accompaniment.

Brothers and sisters, we sincerely thank you for your heartfelt and immense love. We bless you with favour from above.

Sincerely,

Pastor Ivan
Nelly

ReportA message from those your gift helped

Hello, dear brothers and sisters. God bless you. I am Nelly, the mother of Nashly. I have been part of the Survival program since the beginning of my pregnancy. I am very grateful for everything you have done for my baby and me so far.

Thank you for being there for us. During the most difficult moments, when my daughter was sick and I didn’t know what to do, you were there for us, providing medication and follow-up care at my home.

I have learned many good things in the Survival program that have been very helpful in my life. For example, in one of the talks on breastfeeding, I learned how to breastfeed my baby better and the importance of nutrition for my daughter.

You are a great blessing to us.

Many blessings!

Nelly
Oscar

ReportA message from a partnership facilitator

May God’s peace fill your life and family. I want to thank you for your tremendous support of the Survival program. Your help has been a great blessing to so many mothers and children who have been reached through our development program.

Through the Survival program, the lives of many mothers have been transformed in spiritual, socio-emotional, physical and cognitive areas. Our Compassion centre, located in the San José neighbourhood—one of the most vulnerable areas of our city—has been working to empower impoverished mothers and single mothers who previously had no aspirations for personal development.

Our Survival program launched on July 7, 2017, with 15 pregnant mothers and one program coordinator. Since then, the program has benefited more than 150 families in our community. These families have shown growth in their personal lives and in their families’ economic well-being. Currently, the centre has 21 children enrolled in the early childhood home-based program, 15 in the Survival program and two Survival and Early Childhood Program coordinators.

I would like to highlight some of the impacts on the families participating in the Survival program. Mothers who had not completed their basic education returned to school and are now high school graduates. Mothers have graduated with technical or university degrees in fields such as teaching, beauty and nail styling, baking and crafts and have secured permanent employment. Mothers have also improved health practices for themselves and their children and many are now professing faith in Jesus Christ and are regularly attending church.

We can attest with certainty that the church is pleased with the results achieved through the Survival program in partnership with Compassion, and the community has shown great gratitude for it. We thank the Lord and you for serving as an instrument of hope and change. It is my prayer that God will pour out rich blessings upon your lives, and that you may continue to be a blessing to so many families in need.

Oscar