Dedicated to saving the precious lives of newborns from the dangers of
abandonment and assisting pregnant girls/women in crisis.
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News from A Safe Haven for Newborns
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Dear Safe Haven for Newborns Friend,
In this issue...
- Each Day Brings a New Beginning
- A Lifeline
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Each Day Brings a New Beginning
You Just Need to Know Where to Look
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New beginnings can start at anytime of the year. You don’t have to wait for the calendar to tell you a new year has begun. At the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation, A Safe Haven for Newborns, new beginnings occur frequently throughout the year. Last year alone, 14 new beginnings took place in the course of 12-months at A Safe Haven for Newborns. That’s how many infants came into the world and how many young mothers were given a chance to start their lives over and families longing to adopt found the child they had been waiting for. Fourteen new beginnings. Fourteen new families. Fourteen pregnant girls/women received a new start.
At Safe Haven for Newborns the mission is to end infant abandonment, that is true, but lest we forget the young mothers who are in crises and address their needs, the heartache will continue. The guilt and sadness will destroy her future. Once the call to the Safe Haven for Newborns Helpline is received, the help and guidance she needs is offered. The sole purpose of the Foundation is to provide her with the resources she needs to make the decisions that are right for her and her baby. To be there for her before she reaches the crisis stage, and does the unthinkable act of abandoning her baby in sheer desperation because she sees herself as being shunned by those around her. More often than not, these young mothers are scared and have nowhere to turn and the Foundation is their last resort, their safety net.
Depending where she lives in the state of Florida and what her needs are, the Foundation refers her to one of the many agencies that have partnered with Safe Haven for Newborns across the 67 counties to render aid. The services offered, at no charge, to her range from securing a safe place to live, referring her for prenatal care or for health-related issues, providing referrals for counseling, or parenting classes the decision is hers. Safe Haven for Newborns is there to offer the support she needs and to remind her she is not alone. She is presented with the support she needs, but the choice is hers. From placing her newborn up for adoption, confidentially placing the newborn with the Safe Haven program, or keeping her newborn, she will have the support and information needed to make an informed decision; a decision that will impact her for the rest of her life.
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The Florida Safe Haven Law, enacted in 2000, was just the beginning to help curtail the increasing problem of infant abandonment in the state. Newborns were being found dead in canals, dumpsters, on the side of the road, stuffed in school backpacks anything to dispose of the infant; dispose of like a pair of unwanted shoes. The law states that any unharmed infant seven days or younger can be surrendered, no questions asked, at any 24/7 manned fire station, hospital emergency room, or EMS completely anonymous and free from legal prosecution.
Infant abandonment affects people of all races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. Safe Haven for Newborns works tirelessly every day to eliminate infant abandonment by continuing to champion for the newborn and provide the expectant mother with the support she needs. It will take time, but with steady persistence and dedication the message is reaching the communities and the groups that need to hear the message.
To quote Nick Silverio, Founder of The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation, A Safe Haven for Newborns, “We believed from the beginning, if we saved only one life, all our efforts would be truly worthwhile.” Today, 330 little souls have been saved; and the work continues.
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In Florida, The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation, A Safe Haven for Newborns, is the primary source for information when addressing the issues of infant abandonment. Founded in 2001 to be a resource to stop the growing epidemic of infant abandonment, Safe Haven for Newborns partnered with a network of agencies across all 67 Florida counties, becoming the lifeline for the expectant mothers in their time of crises. As the program grew and its results were clear, that lives were being saved, other states and countries reached out to the Foundation to model their programs based on the Safe Haven for Newborns proven course.
By creating a statewide education program and community awareness, Safe Haven for Newborns is reaching the community and connecting with those that need the services the most, the pregnant girls/women in crisis. Through a comprehensive statewide grassroots effort, Safe Haven for Newborns is saving lives.
The Safe Haven for Newborns mission — Saving newborn lives. No questions asked.
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Designated Safe Haven Locations
Newborns less than seven days old, unharmed, may be left anonymously in the care of a healthcare professional without fear of legal repercussions. Across the state of Florida, the plaque with the recognizable logo can be found outside the building announcing that they are a designated safe haven location.
- Hospitals
- Fire Rescue Stations
- Emergency Medial Service Stations (EMS)
Ways A Safe Haven for Newborns is reaching out
- Confidential 24/7 Multilingual Helpline
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Access to resources found on the Foundation’s website, www.asafehavenfornewborns.com
- Outreach campaigns through social media, high schools, and community events
- Infant abandonment prevention Public Service Announcements and advertising campaigns
- Multilingual informational brochures, flyers, and posters
- Dissemination of information across the state through billboards, bus benches, and other transportation promotions
Education Programs
- Web-based Community Service App for high school students
- Web-based education program for hospitals, first responders, and other health-related professionals
Resources Statewide
A Safe Haven for Newborns has partnered with various agencies and facilities across all 67 Florida counties to refer the pregnant girl/woman for the services she needs.
- Counseling
- Parenting skills
- Health-related issues
- Emergency shelters
- Adoption agencies
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Your help is greatly needed.
Please consider supporting our mission through
monetary donations, in-kind donations, and the donation of your time.
For more information and how you can help, please visit our webpage.
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24/7 Helpline -- Confidential & Multilingual
Florida Helpline - 1-877-767-2229
National Helpline - 1-844-767-2229
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The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation 501(c)3 | 305-882-1304 x103 |
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