05/06/2026
At The Grace Factory, we hear the stories of mothers trying their best in desperate situations. The stories of pregnant women facing circumstances they never expected or deserved. The stories of babies born into situations none of us would wish for anyone🥹
We don't share many stories and I wonder if that is to detriment of fundraising in an NPO that receives no funding?
It's always so hard for me to share the intimate stories of many people's "not so highlight reels". Is it really my place to share?
As a Social Worker myself, I cringe when I see people displaying photos on social media of beneficiaries during delicate, complicated and private situations. And even worse, if I'm in a situation where I am helping and I need to stop and take a photo of a vulnerable person, all in the name of displaying it on social media to generate empathy so that people will donate. It feels so wrong and I just don't do it. But I do know that sensationlism and click bate gets response.
Today I will share a story as best as I can💛 (Photo is not of baby mentioned in story).
Recently, a partner Social Worker of The Grace Factory was involved in assisting at the scene of an abandoned newborn baby been found in Vanderbijlpark. An abandoned newborn baby found wrapped in only a tshirt.
While all the necessary emergency and legal protocols needed to happen, she was able to immediatley provide a Grace Factory maternity pack providing the baby with clean warm clothing, blanket and essential items needed as the baby was taken to the hospital.
Our partner Social Worker also supports and assists pregnant teens in certain schools in the East and West Districts of the Vaal. She shared how The Grace Factory maternity packs help bring comfort, dignity and hope to the young teens who receive them. Reminding us why this work matters.
As a society, it can be easy to look at circumstances and place judgement on how people got there. It can be tempting to focus on the decisions, the mistakes, or the things we think should have been done differently. But when you are standing face to face with someone in deep need and despair, those questions suddenly feel much less important.
What matters is that practical help is available when it is needed most.
What matters is that a mother is treated with dignity.
What matters is that a baby is warm.
That is why The Grace Factory exists.
Not because every story is simple.
Not because every situation is ideal.
But because every vulnerable mother and every baby in underserved communities deserve compassion🥹
The reality is that we cannot do this without the generosity of people who choose kindness and not judgement, even when it would be easier to look away.
Today, our BackaBuddy campaign is struggling. Donations have been slow, while the need continues to grow.
If you have ever wondered whether your contribution could make a difference, please know that somewhere a social worker, nurse, community worker, mother or baby may one day be grateful that you chose to give.
If you are able, please support our BackaBuddy campaign. Every bit helps😍
Together, we can continue placing comfort, dignity, and hope into the hands of vulnerable mothers and babies who need it most.
Because every baby deserves to be welcomed with care, regardless of the circumstances into which they are born.
https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-give-vulnerable-babies-a-better-start
