One-By-One supports states’ efforts to prevent infant, baby and newborn abandonment through safe-haven relinquishment.One-by-One is dedicated to reaching all women and encouraging them to make the right choice for themselves and their babies, whether it is a safe-haven relinquishment, adoption, or parenting. One-By-One works to publicize all safe havens laws to help educate at-risk women and let them know that this compassionate alternative exists for them and their newborns.
Where we began
I read a story about Daniel, a young infant who was buried alive by his mother shortly after his birth and was overwhelmed crying, weeping for that little child. So I adopted this as my first way to help, save and protect children. I learned that States have passed (or are introducing legislation to support) laws called Safe Haven Laws (the law is called Daniel’s Law in South Carolina). I learned that Safe haven laws allow a mother to take a newborn to any hospital and give the child to the staff. This can be done anonymously, with no prosecution or repercussions. The child will be cleaned up, checked over medically, fed, clothed and put into foster care until an adoption family can be located. I also learned there are many obstacles: Forty-four states have passed Save Haven Laws in one form or another.
The lawmakers in their short sightedness and with the budget crunch, did not put any money in their budgets to promote the law. So not many are aware of these laws. The at risk group of young woman age 13 to 23 do not know about the law. Every day children are being abandoned to die in dumpsters, trash cans, bathrooms, dorms, being throw in oceans, and other waterways, thousands die each year. Some are lucky to be found alive, one such case happened recently, please see the attached article as a supporting document to this narrative. The infant in this example was still alive, still had it’s umbilical cord attached, he was lucky. I decided to help, I knew I could get the word out and decided to make it my mission to do so.
BILLIE ATTAWAY
Founder, One-By-One, Inc.
One-By-One Safe Haven Projects
To achieve our mission of promoting infant abandonment laws and to support states’ efforts to prevent infant, baby and newborn abandonment.
Innovative approach: One by One has written approximately thirty-five grant and funding request to corporations, foundations and other non profits. The state of South Carolina responded with a three to one matching grant of $75,000, and The Hilton Head Foundation responded with a $3,000 grant. Private donations and in kind are in excess of $30,000.
The funds above will be used to promote safe haven laws in the states who have adopted the laws via:
- Media:
- Talk Shows
- Direct Mail
- YouTube
- Flyers in News papers
- TV advertisements
- Movies (theaters)
- Teen magazines
- Young entertainers
- Christian TV and radio stations
- Christian Musicians-concerts
- School Guidance Counselors
- Hospital Staff
- Additional non profits
- Youth groups at Churches
- Viral marketing
- Email campaign
- Informational website.
The Movement: Using technology, internet, email, and the above marketing efforts we can start a grass roots program for each community to become a resource for Safe Haven Laws.
Measurable Results: The problem with measurable results is that when infants die, no one comes forward to admit the atrocity. We can only relate the results or the story when an infant is found dead or alive, or taken to one of the hospitals.
How long has the project been underway: In January of 2002 One-by-One, Inc was founded. I hired an executive director, formed a non profit , applied for and received our 501c3 non profit status from the IRS in June of 2002.
For more information, about One-By-One call toll free 877-828-9410 or you can also contact S.C. Department of Social Services Hotline at 1-888-722-2580
