In this episode of Stroomstories, Cindy shared a personal reflection on her own journey as a mother of two. She acknowledged the privilege of having a healthy pregnancy within a stable marriage but emphasized that this is not the reality for everyone. Many women face unplanned pregnancies without adequate support, and that is where For The One steps in.

Introducing For The One: A Pregnancy Crisis Care Centre

Anuska Van Der Merwe, the founder of For The One, explained the mission of this initiative. The organization, based in Potchefstroom, is dedicated to supporting women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. Their goal is to walk this journey with them, providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support. They want these women to know that despite the challenges, they still have a future and that they are not alone.

The initiative began out of necessity, as Anuska noticed the overwhelming need for pregnancy support in her community. She felt a strong calling to start a prenatal ministry, beginning with creating prenatal journals. From there, the vision grew, and with divine guidance, she continued building the organization, despite initially lacking formal training.

Last year, she completed the Equipped to Serve course, which confirmed that she was on the right path. Through prayer and scripture, she received encouragement to be courageous and persistent. She envisioned a place where women in crisis could feel safe, heard, and supported, providing them with a community that reassures them they still have a future.

What to Expect When Seeking Help at For The One

Women who approach For The One are already pregnant and undergo a structured process upon arrival. First, a pregnancy test is conducted to confirm the pregnancy. From there, all options are discussed, including parenting, adoption, and even abortion considerations. The organization ensures that women are fully informed about all possibilities and receive emotional counseling tailored to their decision.

Support groups such as Embrace Grace are available for those dealing with unplanned pregnancies. This faith-based program provides spiritual and emotional guidance, helping women navigate their journey with hope.

The Role of Fathers and Families in the Process

Pregnancy affects more than just the expecting mother. For The One also recognizes the role of fathers and extended families in this journey. Many of these women are students or teenagers, still accountable to their parents, making the situation even more complex.

The involvement of the father is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Some fathers want to be actively involved, while others may pressure the mother into abortion or completely withdraw. The organization seeks to engage fathers through counseling and support programs, helping them embrace their role and ensuring they do not feel alone in the process. For The One also offers the Embrace Life Legacy Program, which equips young fathers with parenting skills and guidance on how to be a responsible dad.

Parents of pregnant young women also play a significant role. Many young people fear judgment and rejection from their families, sometimes leading to broken relationships. For The One encourages open dialogue, reconciliation, and support so that families can find a way to navigate the situation together. Their belief is that even though mistakes happen, love and forgiveness can heal relationships, and a strong support system can help raise a child.

A Beacon of Hope in Difficult Times

Many women who initially feel hopeless later look back and realize how For The One helped them through one of the most challenging times of their lives. The organization aims to be a safe haven where women in crisis can find options, hope, and a path forward. They believe that being in a dark place does not mean the end of one’s future; with guidance, there is always a way forward.

How to Get Involved

For The One is located in The Bult, Esselen Street, next to the Blood Bank in Potchefstroom. Though still a growing organization, they have already received numerous telephonic inquiries, with a few walk-in clients and two women actively participating in the Embrace Grace group. Anuska notes that many people seem hesitant to enter, but she believes they will come when they are ready.

There are three primary ways the public can support this initiative:

1. Prayer – Spiritual support is crucial, as this ministry is emotionally and spiritually demanding.

2. Volunteering – The next Equipped to Serve course takes place in April, allowing individuals to train as volunteers, counselors, or even become mentors (buddies) for these women.

3. Financial Support – As a community-driven project, For The One relies on donations to cover costs such as utilities, pregnancy tests, and ultrasound gels. Their services are free to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent women from seeking help.

   
   

A Message of Encouragement

Anuska wants women facing unplanned pregnancies to know that they are not alone. For The One offers a judgment-free, loving community where they can find support, guidance, and hope. Mistakes do not define a person’s future, and there is always a way forward.

For those seeking support or looking to help, visiting the center can be the first step towards making a difference in someone's life.

Remember to tune into Stroomstories on the Go-To Guy Facebook Page for more inspiring conversations.

Click here to view the Afrikaans interview.

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