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
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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

Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.

Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.

Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.

Physical health: Moms learned the importance of vaccinations to prevent serious illness and were given the vaccination schedule for their babies. Babies’ height and weight were measured regularly to ensure their healthy growth and to prevent malnutrition. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups with a doctor. Those who needed it received medicine, formula, supplements and referrals to specialists.

Spiritual nurture: Staff offered prayer, devotionals and scripture reading during home visits and group sessions. Mothers were each gifted a Bible and learned how to spiritually nurture their children by reading the Bible to them and telling children Bible stories. One mother confessed Christ as her Saviour duing a home visit and some parents dedicated their babies to God during a special ceremony at the church.

Income generation: Moms learned valuable skills such as how to do acrylic nails so they could earn income for their families. The implementer cared for the babies in the stimulation room while their moms received the training and practised their skills

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Full-term births 10
Illness: Non-Communicable Diseases 2
Illness: Gastrointestinal Diseases 1
Pregnancies 5
Illness: Infections 2
Illness subc: Respiratory Tract Infection 1
Breastfeeding Moms 4
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 2
Attended births 8
Premature births 1
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 2
Normal birth weights 11
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Nutrition: Program staff worked to educate caregivers on providing adequate, age-appropirate nutrition for their babies and young children. Moms learned how to make nutrient-dense foods with protein, minerals and vitamins needed for their children’s development. They also learned about the importance of breastfeeding when possible. Moms also received monthly food baskets so they could prepare nutritious meals for their families. Moms were so thankful as some could not afford food for their children.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant mothers received regular prenatal support to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Medical staff examined pregnant moms and helped them identify contractions. Program staff also educated mothers about high-risk pregnancies and what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and during postpartum. New moms received baby baskets filled with items moms would need to care for their babies.
Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.
Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.
Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.
Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.
Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.
Early development: Staff taught moms about early childhood development and stimulation to promote a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Caregivers learned to play stimulating games and age-appropriate activities with their babies both in the stimulation room at the centre and at home. Moms also learned the importance of communicating with their babies using positive language and praise. Staff monitored babies and tracked their development.
Physical health: Moms learned the importance of vaccinations to prevent serious illness and were given the vaccination schedule for their babies. Babies’ height and weight were measured regularly to ensure their healthy growth and to prevent malnutrition. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups with a doctor. Those who needed it received medicine, formula, supplements and referrals to specialists.
Physical health: Moms learned the importance of vaccinations to prevent serious illness and were given the vaccination schedule for their babies. Babies’ height and weight were measured regularly to ensure their healthy growth and to prevent malnutrition. Moms and babies also received regular medical checkups with a doctor. Those who needed it received medicine, formula, supplements and referrals to specialists.
Spiritual nurture: Staff offered prayer, devotionals and scripture reading during home visits and group sessions. Mothers were each gifted a Bible and learned how to spiritually nurture their children by reading the Bible to them and telling children Bible stories. One mother confessed Christ as her Saviour duing a home visit and some parents dedicated their babies to God during a special ceremony at the church.
Spiritual nurture: Staff offered prayer, devotionals and scripture reading during home visits and group sessions. Mothers were each gifted a Bible and learned how to spiritually nurture their children by reading the Bible to them and telling children Bible stories. One mother confessed Christ as her Saviour duing a home visit and some parents dedicated their babies to God during a special ceremony at the church.
Spiritual nurture: Staff offered prayer, devotionals and scripture reading during home visits and group sessions. Mothers were each gifted a Bible and learned how to spiritually nurture their children by reading the Bible to them and telling children Bible stories. One mother confessed Christ as her Saviour duing a home visit and some parents dedicated their babies to God during a special ceremony at the church.
Spiritual nurture: Staff offered prayer, devotionals and scripture reading during home visits and group sessions. Mothers were each gifted a Bible and learned how to spiritually nurture their children by reading the Bible to them and telling children Bible stories. One mother confessed Christ as her Saviour duing a home visit and some parents dedicated their babies to God during a special ceremony at the church.
Income generation: Moms learned valuable skills such as how to do acrylic nails so they could earn income for their families. The implementer cared for the babies in the stimulation room while their moms received the training and practised their skills
Income generation: Moms learned valuable skills such as how to do acrylic nails so they could earn income for their families. The implementer cared for the babies in the stimulation room while their moms received the training and practised their skills
Pastor Ivan

ReportA message from a pastor

The DR0505 “Jesucristo reina en la niñez” Child Development Centre and Survival program has received your valuable support that is sowing love for a generation in need.

I want to thank you as we value and honour your timely investment in our Survival program because your investment has been one of the three fundamental pillars that help develop and implement this aid program (the remaining two pillars are prayer and action).

The most notable points we achieved with your valuable investment has been managing to mitigate and eradicate completely mothers feeling overwhelmed as they parent their children. Also, your contributions have helpd us provide medicine, supplies and necessary food for our children and mothers. Something very important is also the implementation of vocational courses. We train mothers with professional skills so they can perform a job that contributes to their professional and economic growth. I want to highlight that your contribution, dear donor, has significantly contributed to eradicating the food crisis in the families of our Survival program.

We value with love your generosity and identification with this cause and for taking on part of our burden and bearing it with us in this organization for the Kingdom. It says in the book of Isaiah 32:8: “But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.” We believe that the Lord will reward you for your genuine care for those in need.

Please know with confidence that your contributions are making a difference and are adding value to the lives of the participants of our program and that the program has become a point of reference in the community. The lives of mothers and our children are changing and reflecting the organic life of the church, like the great family of God that we are.

One of the biggest goals that we have envisioned is to be able to offer some improvements to the homes of the participants, thanks to your significant contributions and donations that allow us to influence and mark lives. We will continue to work on both short- and long-term plans such as completing the “Parent Training School” to make mothers better human beings, trained and qualified to also bless other mothers.

I hope one day to meet you and that you can see what we are achieving with your valuable contributions, which we esteem and treasure.

Saying goodbye with love, I bless you in Christ.

Pastor Ivan
Alondra

ReportA message from those your gift helped

Good afternoon. My name is Alondra, Emma’s mother.

I am very grateful first to God and then to everyone in the program for all their help. Due to difficult situations at home, I had to have intervention by a psychologist for some issues and I have been able to see the changes in my life thanks to the program and the support they give me.

I want to say that this program has been very helpful for many people and for me and my daughter. The program and its activities are very helpful for the children and also for the parents. I want to express all the feelings about how Christ Jesus really changed my life and that of my family.

What I like the most about the activities is when we talk about the Word of God and we can express how we feel. I feel very comfortable because God brought me here with a great purpose to change my life. Thanks for all your help and for your advice. Because of the program, I have another family here.

Thank you all for being part of my family.

Alondra
Oscar

ReportA message from a partnership facilitator

I want to thank you for the great support that you have been giving to this church, allowing them to work with mothers living in extreme poverty in this community. This has been a great blessing for the different families that have been reached.

This program has been a great blessing since its opening in the community. Working with new mothers who do not have the necessary experience to raise a baby and whose parents have abandoned them has had a great impact. They have acquired the knowledge and strategies needed to support the development of a baby.

We have also seen a change in the mentality of many mothers who had no hope for life because their families in many cases abandoned them and they have no support from anyone. Thanks to the Survival program and its academic preparation, many moms who did not know how to read and write can now do both.

In addition, the program has contributed with different technical courses; many of the mothers have already started their own businesses to support their children. They have developed technical skills in different areas, and many of them have even started micro businesses where they now help other mothers in their development.

I ask my God that He will keep you alive and healthy to continue supporting the mothers in need in our community.

May God bless you greatly.

Oscar