We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Silverio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I became aware that there was an escalating worldwide crisis of infants being abandoned in canals, dumpsters, lakes, empty fields, side of the road, etc. often to a sure death. It is a plight that crosses all categories of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. I felt compelled to address this tragic circumstance, and founded the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation, 501©3 not for profit, dba A Safe Haven for Newborns 23 years ago, named in honor of my dear wife Gloria who was involved in a fatal car accident caused by a speeding driver. I had an IT business at the time and certainly no experience or background in this type of societal issue. So,  I sought on-going counsel and advice from professionals in health related fields such as doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers , girls and women of all ages as to the causes relating to this tragic issue.

From this ongoing Collaboration, I was able to focus on providing education, direct assistance, 24/7 confidential, multilingual helpline and a variety of resources.

Successful business, not for profits, major projects all begin with a dream…..Collaborations, always asking questions, being proactive, short and long term planning, incorporating the use of technology, positive attitude, and an imagination.

 

What should our readers know about your work?
In Florida, an infant 30 days or younger and unharmed can be surrendered by a mother or father with no fear of prosecution if left at a designed ”Safe Haven” such as hospitals, 24/7 staffed Fire or EMS stations and in the arms of a staff member.

We support desperate pregnant girls and women from all walks of life. Everyone is helped. We are never judgmental. All services offered by A Safe Haven for Newborns are strictly confidential and totally anonymous.

Assistance is provded in the form of referrals to counseling, shelters, maternity homes, help for abuse issues, suicide calls, health related issues, providing baby items, connection to Medicaid and other government programs and confidentially placing their newborn with a staff member at a designated Safe Haven for Newborns facility: Hospitals & 24/7 staffed Fire/EMS stations , identified with  Safe Haven for Newborns signage.

We believed from the beginning if we saved only one life all of our efforts would be worthwhile and that was 407 precious lives ago. Over 6,000 girls/women have been assisted in their time of need/crisis.

The majority of our funding comes from our Annual gala,  generosity of donors, corporations and some grants.

The Safe Haven for Newborns program serves as the national model. We are currently talking with a group from South Africa and  Sri Lanka.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
-Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 S. Miami Ave Miami, Fl. 33129

-Miami Zoo 12400 SW 152nd Street Miami, Fl.  33177

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tommy Raffaele, President of Simple Software,Tommy@simplesoftware.us, www.simplesoftware.us.

They do ALL of our IT needs pro bono and have for 23years…

Contact information:

  • Website: www.asafehavenfornewborns.com
  • Instagram: A Safe Haven for Newborns
  • Facebook: A Safe Haven for Newborns
  • YouTube: A Safe Haven for Newborns
  • LinkedIn: A Safe Haven for Newborns
  • Twitter: haven4newborns

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.