New Shelter Opens for Pregnant Women in Augusta

Expand Services for Expecting Mothers

In Augusta, Georgia, a nonprofit organization called Prepare for Babies is taking a significant step forward in its mission to support pregnant women. The organization has been providing essential resources such as clothing, diapers, nursing supplies, mentorship, counseling, and parent training to expecting mothers since January. Their goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where women can thrive during their pregnancies and beyond.

Mandy Metzler, the founder of Prepare for Babies, emphasized the importance of this support. “We’re here and we’re a safe place. That even when you do fail, you can just get back up and learn. We’re going to be there with you for that, and we’re going to be here to also celebrate all the fun and good things,” she said.

Since January, the organization has made remarkable progress. They are set to open a new house specifically for expectant mothers who need it the most. This initiative has been a long-term goal for the organization. “We have been able to help over 300 moms. We saw that this was a need even right here in our community, but we didn’t know to what extent, and quickly found out that housing was the biggest need,” Metzler explained.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new house will take place next month. The house will eventually accommodate six mothers, allowing them to live there throughout their pregnancy and until the baby is 18 months old. During this time, they will receive ongoing support and resources for their future. Mandy and her husband will also reside in the house, acting as mentors and role models for the mothers.

“We joke as the ‘first house family.’ We want the mom to see what it looks like, the bad and the ugly,” said Metzler. This hands-on approach allows the mothers to observe real-life experiences and learn from them.

The support system for the mothers will include past participants of the program. “They’ll be the staff that the moms can go to for questions or help or rides,” Metzler noted. This peer-to-peer support is crucial in helping new mothers navigate the challenges of parenthood.

The community has played a vital role in the success of Prepare for Babies. From donations to repairs, people have contributed in countless ways. “We had the washer and dryer donated. Just coming to everybody pitching in, it’s just been beautiful,” Metzler shared. She expressed gratitude for the collective effort and the positive impact it has had on the organization.

Looking ahead, Metzler hopes that after she and her husband pass the baton to the next house parents, the model will continue to evolve. “Ideally, after we leave and pass the baton on to the next house parents, it would either be like a married couple or just a single woman. So like a house mom. But we’ve really felt like God was asking us to be the first house parents so that we could really lay a good foundation for what God was calling this vision to be.”

Applications for the house will begin the first week of August. Interested individuals can apply online by visiting www.prepareforbabies.org/pregnant1. Additionally, the nonprofit has an Amazon wishlist that includes items needed to furnish the house. You can find the list by clicking here.

Prepare for Babies continues to make a difference in the lives of expecting mothers. Their commitment to creating a supportive environment and providing essential resources is making a lasting impact on the community. Through the efforts of volunteers, donors, and the local community, the organization is paving the way for a brighter future for mothers and their children.

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Nick Cave on Grief and Loss: A Son's Anniversary Reflection

Reflections on Grief and the Journey Through Loss

Ten years have passed since Nick Cave lost his son, Arthur, and in that time, he has shared deep insights into the nature of grief and how it shapes a person's understanding of life. These reflections were published on his Red Hand Files website, where he addressed questions from fans about what he and his wife, Susie, have learned over the past decade.

Cave began by acknowledging that while the pain of losing Arthur remains, it has transformed over time. "Grief blossoms with age," he said, noting that it becomes less of a personal affront and more of a poetic quality of being. He described how the initial shock of loss evolves into something richer and more textured. "Sorrow grows richer, deeper, and more textured. It feels more interesting, creative, and lovely."

He also spoke about the realization that his experience was part of a broader human story. "To my great surprise, I discovered that I was part of a common human story," Cave explained. This understanding allowed him to see both the value and fragility of human existence. "I learned we all actually die," he added, highlighting the universal truth that underpins every life.

Cave emphasized that while each individual is unique, the pain and brokenness they experience is not. Over time, he and Susie came to see the world as something precious and loving, rather than indifferent or cruel. "The world is not indifferent or cruel, but precious and loving – indeed, lovely – tilting ever toward good," he wrote.

Arthur, who was 15 years old at the time, passed away on July 14, 2015, after falling from a cliff in Brighton, Sussex. At the time, the Caves released a joint statement expressing their grief: "Our son Arthur died on Tuesday evening. He was our beautiful, happy loving boy."

Cave’s journey through grief was documented in the final sessions for the 2016 album Skeleton Tree and in the documentary One More Time with Feeling, directed by Andrew Dominik. The film provided an intimate look at Cave and the band during this difficult period.

In his reflections, Cave also discussed the spiritual aspect of his experience. "I discovered that the initial trauma of Arthur's death was the coded cypher through which God spoke," he wrote. He described God not as a traditional figure of faith, but as a way of seeing the world. "God was a form of perception, a means of being alert to the poetic resonance of being." He found that even in the darkest moments, there was a sense of presence and connection.

Cave concluded by acknowledging that while he may not know everything he has learned, one thing is clear: "We remember him today." He described living within the "radiant heart of the trauma," where thoughts, dreams, hope, and sorrow coexist.

Beyond his reflections on grief, Cave has also shared other insights on his Red Hand Files. Recently, he talked about turning down an offer to perform an "anti-woke screed" on a track and shared amusing stories about being mistaken for Nicolas Cage. His openness continues to resonate with fans and those who follow his work.

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I Charged My Stepkids for Water Bills — I'm Not Running a Free Resort

A Summer of Chaos and a Stepmom’s Breaking Point

This summer has been one of the most challenging for a 30-year-old woman who recently married her husband. The couple had just started their life together, but things quickly spiraled out of control when his two children from a previous marriage were suddenly placed in their care for the entire summer. What was supposed to be a peaceful break turned into a nightmare that left the stepmom questioning her role in the family.

The situation began when the husband’s ex-wife decided to drop off the kids without any prior notice. The couple had agreed to take them in, but only if the ex-wife covered food costs and kept things simple. She initially agreed, but then came the surprise: a massive inflatable pool. It wasn’t a small one—this was a waterpark-sized model that took up half the backyard. The stepmom, trying to avoid conflict, set it up despite her concerns.

But the real trouble started the next morning. When she walked outside, she was shocked by what she saw. The pool had been slashed, completely deflated, and the yard was flooded. Water had soaked the basement windows, and the entire lawn was a mess. At first, she thought the pool might have just popped, but then she found the scissors—right there, as if someone had used them on purpose.

A Family That Wasn’t Just Acting Out

From the moment the kids arrived, the stepmom knew something was off. The older child, a 10-year-old, and the younger, a 6-year-old, were constantly screaming, throwing food around the kitchen, and slamming doors. They brought a stray cat into the house, knowing the stepmom was allergic. They smashed her favorite vases and ignored every instruction she gave.

She tried to stay calm, thinking maybe they just needed time to adjust. But it became clear that they weren’t acting out randomly—they were pushing every button on purpose. The stepmom felt like she was being targeted, not just by the kids, but by their mother as well.

Her husband’s ex-wife had never liked her, blaming her for the breakup. Now, it seemed like she was passing that resentment down to the children. The stepmom couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in her own home.

Standing Up for Herself

After discovering the slashed pool and the scissors, the stepmom finally reached her breaking point. She overheard the older child whispering to the younger one about how “the plan worked” and how their mom would be happy. That was all she could take.

She told the kids they would be paying for everything—the damage, the cleanup, and the extra expenses. She made it clear that she wasn’t running a free resort. She also told them they wouldn’t be leaving until they took responsibility for their actions.

The ex-wife stormed off with the kids, leaving the stepmom feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Everyone seemed to blame her, even though she was the one who had been trying to keep things under control. She had tried to be patient and kind, but now she was exhausted.

A New Challenge

Even after the pool incident, the stepmom still had other issues to deal with. Her 12-year-old stepson was glued to his phone, his room was a disaster, and he snapped at the smallest requests. She decided to take away his gadgets and stop playing the role of a maid.

But then, hours later, she found something that stopped her cold. Something that made her question whether she was doing the right thing.

If you want to know what happened next, click here to read the full story!

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Tim McGraw Shares Heartwarming Family Update: 'Baby Girl!'

A Proud Father’s Celebration of His Daughter’s Journey

Tim McGraw has always been vocal about his admiration for his daughters, often expressing his pride in their accomplishments on social media. This week, he took to Instagram to celebrate his youngest daughter, Audrey, 23, who recently completed her time on the European leg of Brandi Carlile's The Lost Time Tour.

Audrey spent the summer traveling with Brandi as her opening act, and her final performance took place on Monday in Gardone Riviera, Italy. To commemorate this milestone, Tim shared a reel that began with a nostalgic photo of him holding baby Audrey’s hands while in a park with her two sisters, Maggie, 28, and Gracie, 26. The video concluded with a black-and-white clip of Audrey performing on stage. In the caption, he wrote, “One day you're watching your little girl take her first steps, and the next, she's stepping onto a stage chasing her dream.”

He also added, “So proud of our baby girl @audreymcgraw for wrapping up her first international tour with the amazing @brandicarlile! We were lucky enough to go to some of the shows and she absolutely killed it!”

Before her final show, Audrey shared a series of whimsical photos from her time on the road. These images captured moments from various stops across Madrid, Amsterdam, Montreux, and Copenhagen, where both Tim and Faith Hill were present. Her boyfriend, Manuel García-Rulfo, star of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer, was also seen with Audrey during a stop in Oslo, Norway.

In her own post, Audrey expressed excitement and nostalgia, writing, “Catching up… some sick shots from tour with @brandicarlile @thebramily.” She also mentioned that she had just one show left, adding, “It's been a ride!! See you soon Italia.”

Now that she is back home, Audrey has decided to take a break from social media. On Thursday, she announced her temporary absence from Instagram with a stunning black-and-white photo of herself posing gracefully in a garden surrounded by roses. She wore a cream crochet top and gazed into the distance, her brunette hair styled in soft waves. In her caption, she wrote, “A rose garden calls for some drama. I’m home!!! Gonna log off for a bit Xx.”

Audrey attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for college, which has campuses in New York City and Los Angeles. She has also released several singles, including "Purple Flowers," "Speak," and "Thunder."

Tim and Faith have always been supportive of their daughters’ individual paths. In 2021, Tim shared his admiration for them, telling People, “It's inspiring to me to watch them go out on their own and do the things they do. We've raised three strong, independent, strong-minded young women.”

As Audrey takes a well-deserved break from the spotlight, her journey continues to inspire those around her. From her early days playing in the park with her father to standing on stage in front of an international audience, her story is one of growth, determination, and family support.

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A Fighter for the Forgotten - Natalia Kanem's UN Legacy

As Natalia Kanem looks back on her eight years leading the UN's reproductive health organization, she doesn't start with worldwide figures, corporate achievements, or even recollections of her trips to refugee settlements.

She keeps coming back, again and again, to one specific picture: a ten-year-old girl—on the threshold of adolescence, her future unclear, and her rights still facing serious uncertainty.

Will she manage to remain in school, graduate, and navigate life successfully?" Dr. Kanem ponders. "Or will she face obstacles such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, or extreme poverty?

That critical issue and that young girl—not a specific child, but a symbol of the millions around the globe whose future is in danger—have emerged as the central focus of Dr. Kanem's nearly eight-year leadership.Executive Directorof the UN's agency focused on sexual and reproductive health, officially named theUN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Starting from her initial work on the frontlines in East Africa, to leading a $1.7 billion organization operating in over 150 countries, Dr. Kanem has guided UNFPA through worldwide changes, political challenges, and ideological resistance.

Above all, she has ignited a powerful transformation in the lives of countless women and girls.

This month, she is resigning from her position earlier than planned. "It's time to hand over the responsibility," the 70-year-old said to her staff—a team of 5,000 employees—in a recorded message earlier this year. "I have committed to doing everything within my power to ensure UNFPA remains capable of achieving remarkable accomplishments."

Roots and ascent

A native of Panama, Dr. Kanem pursued a career as a medical doctor before joining UNFPA in 2014 following a background in philanthropy. Choosing to contribute to "the noble mission of the United Nations," she initially traveled to East Africa and Tanzania, where she was deeply moved by the quiet dedication of local workers. "It's truly at the national level that we demonstrate our value," she mentioned to UN News.

However, the role was not simple. In 2017, when she assumed leadership of the agency, Dr. Kanem took over an organization facing declining visibility, uncertain financial support, and ongoing resistance from conservative perspectives. Despite these challenges, UNFPA expanded—not only in terms of funding but also in influence.

When I arrived, the story was, 'We're a small organization, struggling, and no one comprehends what we do,"' she mentioned. "Now, I believe it's more evident.

That lucidity emerged, in part, from what Dr. Kanem refers to as "thought leadership."

Whether addressing false beliefs about fertility or tackling technology-fueled gender-based violence, she brought UNFPA to the forefront of global conversations. "We operate in a marketplace of ideas," she said. "And we must present the truth in a manner that is persuasive enough to attract the support this movement needs."

With her guidance, the organization educated hundreds of thousands of midwives, provided billions of contraceptive supplies, and broadened aid efforts to support women and girls in the most vulnerable areas — including the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, war-affected Ukraine, and Haiti, which faced a cholera outbreak.

The involvement of UNFPA in areas affected by crises was both practical and meaningful. In regions like Sudan, Syria, and Gaza, a basic tent containing menstrual products, a blanket, and a bar of soap could offer a safe space. "It symbolizes the break that a woman requires during a crisis," she explained. "We refer to our kits as 'dignity kits' for this very reason."

Shifting the conversation

In addition to providing services, Dr. Kanem enhanced UNFPA's position as a leading voice in a divided world. She guided the organization into challenging public discussions—on teenage pregnancy, climate stress, birth rates, and cyberbullying—with a firm commitment to rights.

The 10-year-old girl is present," she said. "What her parents, religious leaders, and community believe is crucial for her to be adequately prepared, for her to understand how to respond when faced with coercive practices.

This leadership reached into data. Under Dr. Kanem, UNFPA made significant investments in supporting national efforts.censuses and building dashboardsto assist legislators in developing reproductive health policy through immediate data.

This year's State of World Populationthe report, the agency's yearly analysis of demographic patterns, challenged typical stories about "population decline" - highlighting that many women and men postpone having children not due to beliefs, but because they cannot afford to support them.

Dr. Kanem commended the selflessness of young individuals who claim they are deciding against having children due to concerns about exacerbating the climate crisis. However, this is not supported by the data.

The global replacement fertility rate is not threatening the environment," she stated. "The data clearly shows: you can have as many children as your financial situation allows.

A principle-driven guide during challenging periods

Dr. Kanem's time in office overlapped with increasing challenges to reproductive rights, rising nationalistic sentiments, and a growing distrust of global institutions. She encountered prolonged reductions in U.S. financial support—under the present administration as well—even as the need for UNFPA's assistance increased.

UNFPA has more funds than we've ever had," she remarked. "But it's never going to be sufficient to halt the rising demand.

Merely having resources will not guarantee the agency's future - credibility and perseverance are equally important. "The multilateral system has been called into question at a moment when it is more essential than ever," she cautioned. "We must constantly demonstrate our value. And when we make errors, we need to rise again, correct them, and seek out allies who will stand with us."

One such collaboration has involved the private sector. In 2023, UNFPA partnered with technology companies tolaunchA results-based financing initiative in Kenya, providing mobile-focused sexual health services to reduce teenage pregnancy and new HIV infections among young females.

Changing mindsets

The UNFPA has been actively working to put an end to harmful traditions like female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages. With Dr. Kanem's leadership, this effort has focused not only on altering legal frameworks but also on transforming societal attitudes.

Yes, definitely," she replied when questioned about the authenticity of progress. "It has been crucial to witness religious and traditional leaders opposing specific practices... and to collaborate with educational institutions so that the girls can recognize the dangers and make more informed choices regarding their future.

The _HREF=https://www.un.org/coronavirus">COVID-19 outbreak, she acknowledged, posed a challenge. As schools were shut down, certain communities saw a rise in the number of weddings and FGM rituals. However, in numerous nations—such as Indonesia, which has a large population—UNFPA has observed a decrease in the practice, partly due to young advocates raising their voices within their own communities.

New generation, next chapter

Looking forward, Dr. Kanem did not focus on uncertainty. Instead, she emphasized potential. "We have redefined ourselves, updated ourselves," she stated. "There is truly limitless potential for UNFPA."

Her future holds what she refers to as a "short break" - additional time dedicated to music, her family, and, ultimately, her own well-being. However, she won't remain quiet for long. "I am aware that my dedication to matters concerning women and girls will not fade," she stated. "It has been a labor of love."

Her last reflection? A final return to the girl at the heart of everything.

When that 10-year-old girl achieves success, everyone shares in it," she remarked. "It creates a better world.

Copyright 2025 United Nations News Service. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (Daily News).

Tagged: International Organizations and Africa, Refugees and Displacement, Africa, Women and Gender, External Relations, Conflict, Peace and Security

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).

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