Many mothers and women who, due to various events, find themselves in an adverse situation are so affected by their past that they need regular professional help from a psychologist and, in some cases, also a psychiatrist.
Many experience various forms of domestic violence and end up in a situation where staying where they are would mean fearing for their lives. In such cases, a facility that provides them with a roof over their heads, a space to regain self-confidence and self-respect, and the possibility of finding again a meaning in life—and thus one day creating a real home for their children—becomes their only way out and at the same time their hope.
A springboard for a full life
In the renovated building of the former parish office in Rabča—the House of Charity of St. Hildegard of Bingen under the patronage of Spišská Catholic charity—a social service for mothers with children without shelter has been provided since June 2008. Although housing is only temporary, for those who want it this facility serves as a springboard, a chance to recover, regain strength, and regain confidence to live a full life again. They can learn life-essential skills, take on responsibility, save some money, and find new independent housing. Above all, it is important to have the willingness and determination to change something.
“Before we begin providing the social service, we invite the mother applying for social service to a personal meeting in our facility. At this meeting we introduce her to the conditions of providing social service (fulfilling parental responsibilities, respecting the daily routine in the facility, performing daily chores and services, paying a monthly fee for the social service provided, etc.). At the same time, the applicant also describes the adverse situation in which she is currently. After careful consideration, we decide whether providing social service to the mother in our facility is justified and necessary,” explains Eva Murínová, head of the House of Charity of St. Hildegard of Bingen.
To this day, shelter has been provided to 23 mothers and 36 children. Around 48 applications for social service are currently registered. Many requests are handled in other ways than placement in this facility. It can be considered positive that most mothers and women who completed social service in this facility found their own housing (sublet), got a job, or returned to their natural family environment. “The sad moments for us are especially those when we hear stories that some mothers and women have experienced. We are mistaken if we think they are responsible for their own situation. Many of the women who come here with their children did not have a decent family background, grew up without parental love, or in an unsuitable environment that also affected their own lives,” adds Eva Murínová.
Children’s free time is important
In addition to supporting mothers, attention is of course also given to the healthy development of their children, who often come from under-stimulating environments with unstructured free time, withdrawn, timid, or, on the other hand, hyperactive, without knowledge of boundaries and rules. Therefore, this facility places great emphasis on active recreation for children, and they are supported by a newly built playground, whose construction became possible thanks to a successful project but above all thanks to the support of other people who are not indifferent to the needs of those around them. Throughout the year many events are organized, prepared together with Občianske združenie Centráčik, Centrum voľného času v Námestove, or children from various interest clubs in Rabča, who jointly prepare a rich cultural program. “At such meetings, children have the opportunity to find new friends, overcome their fear of meeting other children, learn communication, realize themselves in shared activities, and get to know more about themselves and others.”
A space to regain a sense of life
In 2010, several activities were started that help these women and children discover the brighter side of life. “Since summer 2010, a cooking school has been running in our facility, and it has proven very useful. We have been able to expand the vegetable garden, and we even grew enough root vegetables. We had home carpets woven, for which clients prepared the materials during long winter days. From May 2010 to November 2010, our clients earned extra income by distributing advertising materials in Rabča and Oravská Polhora,” adds Eva Murínová.
It is our responsibility, too. Caring about other people, helping one another, helping those who may not be able to cope with the current situation they are in solely through their own strength. Not looking at people in an adverse social situation with judgment, because such people are often without any family or social support. In those moments, a facility that gives such mothers a space to regain self-confidence, self-respect, a space to regain a sense of life, and thus a chance to create a real home for their children is definitely in the right place.