Crisis Nursery of Effingham County is non-profit organization with a mission of preventing and protecting children from trauma, abuse and neglect through the provision of a free 24/7 emergency sheltercare program for children birth through six years of age. The average stay for children at Crisis Nursery is about 6 hours, which costs approximately $250.
Here is what a mom recently had to say about Crisis Nursery services:
"What the nursery means to me:
It means that my child will have a safe reliable environment to be in my time of need. It means that now I have a group of people that I have grown to trust enough, not to call them every hour to check on her because I know she is well taken care of. Her needs are met and her necessities are provided.
It also means it is a place of help, when I have run out of diapers and out of money or she has grown so fast I can’t keep up with her size of clothes, they have extras on hand (usually) to pass on. It is also a place for me to pass on what I can no longer use for another mom or family in need.
They have smiles, kind words, and gentle voices each time I walk through the doors. The care and compassion that they have for not only the children, but the parents as well provides a sense of security for me to be more open and willing to form friendships with them.
When I first started using the services I was nervous because I didn’t trust but a few with my babies. I would call every 30 minutes to check on her. I was always given a detailed update and no matter how many times I would call, the tone of their voice never changed from the gently one I was greeted with when I dropped her off.
This nursery has meant so much more to me than just a place to care for my child. They genuinely care about every family and every situation that comes thru the doors.
I believe the nursery means so much more to this community than they realize as well. The wide range of reasons for providing service from work, education, family relationships, parental stress and many more have for sure helped many members of our community and I thank Meghan and the staff for all they have done and continue to do!"
This is one example as to why we need Crisis Nursery in our community to support families and children when they need it most.