A woman who is carrying her fifth child under her heart and has a history of losses due to addictions.
The Children's Services of the Velykodolynska Territorial Community once again contacted the House of Mother and Child of the Christian Mission "New Life." They asked us to accept Anastasia, a pregnant woman. She is 29 years old and seven months pregnant. And she is not a stranger to us — a year ago, Nastya found shelter in our House. Back then, her story touched the hearts of many — both our staff and the specialists from the children's services.
Last summer, Nastya was walking down Shevchenko Street in the village of Velykyi Dalnyk. She stopped at the gate of our shelter. She remembered hearing about this place once. She decided to try to ask for help. Volunteers immediately noticed the bruises on her face and arms. And they understood: she urgently needed help.
Nastya’s story was terrifying. For two years, she lived in constant fear. Her partner Artur, the father of her child, abused her — both emotionally and physically. When Nastya became pregnant, everything got even worse: beatings, humiliation, threats. After the birth of her daughter, Artur allowed her to be a mother for just a month before taking the child away from her. Nastya pleaded for help to get her daughter back. She admitted her mistakes but sincerely wanted to change her life.
At that time, together with child protection services, we helped Nastya fight for the right to be a mother. She stayed in our House, went through a recovery course. It seemed that a chance for a new beginning had really appeared. But eventually, Nastya returned to Artur. She forgave him. She returned to the pain.
Today it became clear: nothing has changed. Her life is a circle. Violence, humiliation, dependencies. Alcohol and drugs have once again become her usual companions. Nastya lost parental rights to her younger children, who are now cared for by her mother. Her youngest daughter, Rozanna, remains with her abusive father. The grandmother tries to protect her granddaughter, but the child grows up in a dangerous environment, becoming a hostage to the lives and choices of adults.
Today, Nastya is expecting her fifth child. She herself says that she does not know how she ended up in this state again. But even amidst this chaos, she continues to believe that change is possible.
That is why she is with us again. At the House of Mother and Child. Because every person deserves another chance.
Today we are near. Beside a pregnant woman who has lost herself but has not completely lost her faith. She needs time. Help. Support. She needs to break free from addictions and go through recovery. This path is difficult but possible. Especially when your heart beats not only for yourself but also for the unborn child under your heart.
The House of Mother and Child is more than a roof over your head. It is a place where broken lives can try to start over. We do not promise an easy path. But we believe in the power of change. Even the most tangled story can have a different ending. If a person wants it — even just a little.
We are near. Again. And we believe — not in vain.
