PASTOR Mark Roche and wife Lynn are beacons of light in the darkness for many single mothers.
Today, after more than a decade of having set up Homes of Hope, their work continues to salvage women and their children from seemingly hopeless situations.
Originally from the United States, the Roche's chose Fiji to do good when they realised there was little help for single mothers, particularly teenage mums.
"We found no one was working with single mothers and we felt if we help these mothers, we'd be helping the children," they explained.
This was gleaned after some research in 1997. The conclusive result persuaded them that they could make a positive difference in the lives of these young women who had had a "real hard knock".
After a rocky start at a several spaces in Suva, the Home finally secured a lease for a sprawling piece of land in the rolling hills of Wailoku.
On this green patch, the charity has grown and today it is home to 30 young mothers. Five others live outside the home, which is part of the final phase of the Home's program when they leave the nest.
The Home aims for holistic development, and teaches the women parenting skills as well as trade skills.
There are two dormitories and it is home to the young mothers until they work their way up to maturity and other stages that indicate she is progressing to a more independent stage and support her little family.
Those who progress earn themselves a job on campus with a salary and they are given single dwelling units (on campus) but they pay rent and other normal bills. Rent is returned to them once they leave the campus.
"But we will still watch over them to ensure they continue to be independent and helping their children, until such time we feel that they now can leave and live good lives outside of campus," Mrs Roche said.
The women are employed in five micro-businesses _ pre-school, primary school; guest house; and jewellery and flower business.
Mrs Roche said the girls have had some hard knocks and "broken" with problems ranging from sexual abuse and other violent and traumatising experiences and "it is the exploit of cycles that we want to stop".
"And some of them are virtually lifeless, so to speak, and it takes a while before they return to living normal lives".
She added people needed to stop being judgmental of single mothers having children before marriage and allow them to live a normal life, "appreciating them for who they are and what they are".
• The Roches are nominated for a Pride of Fiji medal in the 'Community Spirit' and 'Inspiration' categories.
