Background:

Pattaya was a quiet fishing village before the economical, social and moral fallout of the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos began to take their bitter toll, and this seaside resort became the lust driven city it is today. As a seaside resort, its beauty is barely average beside the far more exotic islands of Thailand, but as a sex tourist capital, it has become the destination of choice for what seems an ever growing world population of prostitutes (male and female), pedophiles, sexual addicts, plus an increasing population of transsexuals, transvestites and every other possible sexually confused humanity. The transvestite “queen” of the universe for 2 years receintly is from one of many local cabaret shows.

Pattaya is located in the heart of the eastern seaboard area of Thailand, surrounded by industrial development projects, and home to thousands of expatriates who live and work here (with or without their families) for varying periods of time. This industry injects hundreds of millions of baht each year into the local economy, but at the same time is a drawing card for every kind of organized and unorganized crime that can be imagined so the social and moral problems worsen, and the suffering increases.

Many Thai and other Asian nationals (legally and illegally) come to Pattaya in hope of a better life, or just simply to make enough money to survive from day to day. Among these there are many young women who have become mothers, have been deserted or left without any support system, but are desperately trying to avoid the “on the surface” appealing lure of easy money working in the local bar scene. These mothers and their small children are the target group for this MERCY Center project.

Vision:

Provide home, life skills training and “family” support to women with young children with no visible or effective family support system. Using a holistic approach, develop alternative “family groups” to work toward independence not only for themselves, but to make disciples, able to help others also succeed, and to live together in Christian community, as a practical demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness to those who will live according to His wisdom and His word.

Program:

Holistic approach, adapting to local needs and conditions, using the most positive aspects of Thai culture.

Weekly: Parenting / Money management / Relationships / Home making / Discipleship / Family / English
Monthly: Review with each project participant and staff. Complete all necessary reports and recommend follow-up
Quarterly: Participant and staff evaluations, plus report for supporters. Complete individual reports and plan follow-up
Semi annually: As above.
Annually: Complete year end report with full participant and staff evaluations, financial accountability records, and recommendations for the future of the project.

Needs:

1. Program development: See above weekly program using Thai social worker and variety of volunteers
2. Staff: Thai social worker, Thai house parent and international volunteer live-in group home leader.
3. Volunteer director: Thai with good English language skills or International with good Thai language skills
4. Teachers / Trainers: Volunteers + local professionals and business people (Medical / Legal / Employment)
5. Admission criteria, procedures, and house rules:
6. Evaluation and follow up procedures:
7. Support and resource network: Local / Provincial / National / International
* Some moms may need to take basic education which is available through Thailand adult education system

Proposed budget:

Set up costs:

Furniture and household goods: It is hoped that most items will be donated! Actual cost would be approx. B50,000

Basic ongoing monthly costs: Approximately B 9,000 can provide for two mother and one child with costs to decrease as parent begins to work. Pilot project goal is for support to be reduced to free child care within 6 mo.
House rent and utilities: B 2,500 x B 3,000 for one room suitable for 2 moms and two children
Food and water: B 2,000 per mother and baby per month when we have supply of donated milk and diapers
Medical: B 500 month estimate.
Personal allowance B 1,000 mo. for helping in MERCY Center while adjusting to program and looking for work.

Notes:

The social worker serves in all MERCY Projects: James 1:27, Slums, Children’s Shelter, Prison and Scholarship
Participants will register for and use B 30 medical card. Any other care must receive prior approval.

Food costs will vary depending on numbers of participants. Estimate given for 4 Mothers with 1 child each for BASIC food only. Any extras will be from personal donations. Clothing and baby needs will be donated.

Mothers will be required to work at regular jobs within one month (hopefully), and contribute toward the cost of the home on a sliding scale basis until they are ready to move into a semi independent follow up home. There they will continue to work toward complete financial independence, but under the direct oversight of MERCY Center Single Parent Support Project.