By: Nick Silverio, Founder
When I first embarked on my lifelong mission to help innocent unborn infants, to give them a chance at life, that 23 years later the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation through the tireless efforts of A Safe Haven for Newborns, would celebrate the lives of 402 infants. With each life saved, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have so many people join me in bringing hope, peace, and happiness to those that feel those they love have abandoned them.
I never imagined we could save so many lives. But this happens when you lead with your heart and you surround yourself with like-minded individuals. From the partnerships that have been nurtured over the years with the Florida fire services and healthcare system to our benevolent supporters that give generously of their time and support our fundraising efforts, we are making a difference.
Infants that otherwise could have perished at the hands of their young mother, acting out of despair and feeling abandoned, now have a family to take care of them and walk with them as they take steps towards their future. And, the young mom also has another opportunity to live her life free from guilt and prosecution by the law. The Safe Haven for Newborns program saves two lives — the mom’s and her infant.
The Safe Haven for Newborns program was created to be the safety net for these girls, women who find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy. To provide the assistance they need when they need help the most — no questions asked, no judgment, and at no cost to her. A Safe Haven for Newborns has established a network of agencies across all 67 Florida counties, creating the safety net these women need. With just one call to the 24/7 multilingual confidential help line, they will receive the help they need. Some of the referral services A Safe Haven for Newborns offers include, but not limited to, temporary shelter, maternity homes, counseling, health-related issues, transportation to pre-natal care appointments, providing newborn necessities, help with abuse issues, suicide prevention, connecting them with Medicaid and other government programs, or information on adoption.
Because of the tireless work A Safe Haven for Newborns is doing with its partners in Fire Services, EMS, and Hospitals across our state of Florida, infant abandonment has virtually been eliminated; and the program has become the model for other states and countries to follow.
23 years ago, A Safe Haven for Newborns was established with the idea that if we could save just one newborn it would all be worth it. And today, the dream of save one life is a reality 402 times over — and we are just getting started.
