A “lifeline” charity for families in the early years of raising children has announced the launch of its website.

It Takes A Village Foundation said the online platform was designed to raise awareness about the organisation’s mission and handle direct donations to advance its work.

A statement said: “Founded in 2022 with the vision of ensuring that every vulnerable woman and her children in Bermuda has access to essential pregnancy, birth and post-partum education and support, It Takes a Village has been a lifeline during many local families’ early child-rearing years.

“The foundation acknowledges the everyday challenges faced by families in Bermuda and strives to provide a personal approach to providing assistance, recognising the positive implications for a family’s mental and physical health for years to come.

“One of the cornerstone initiatives of the foundation is its voucher programme, which donates approximately $4,500 per month in Belco, grocery and pharmacy vouchers to those in need through a selected government programme.

“This has a direct and positive impact on the lived reality of those suffering hardship, addressing the immediate and essential needs for vulnerable families and their young children.”

The organisation has a thriving community on Facebook, where members of a “virtual village” donate and receive items and specific requests can be made to fill needs, such as for baby clothes, food and utility vouchers.

Fiona Dill, a cofounder of It Takes a Village Foundation, said: “I have personally been astounded by the generosity of the community as people respond to individual stories of hardship and heartbreaking need.

“The feedback from those who have benefited from the group is extraordinary, with many agreeing that it has renewed their faith in our community.

“They feel heard and not so alone”.

A mother who was supported by the charity said: “I have not had much kindness in my life, and everything I have, I have had to fight for. To have someone help me that was not a family member or church member was absolutely phenomenal.

“You were a ray of sunshine in the darkness when I felt like I was losing myself.

“Thank you so much for everything.”

Another mother, who has three children, added: “To have strangers, people that don’t know me, give in such a way makes me feel that my life will one day be better again.”

Visitors to the website — ittakesavillagebda.com — can learn more about the charity’s mission, understand the impact of donations and contribute directly to support vulnerable families in Bermuda.

The platform is also expected to act as a hub for sharing success stories, updates and information on work with other organisations, such as the Women’s Resource Centre, where It Takes a Village provides subsidised community birth classes.

Erin Williams, another cofounder of It Takes a Village Foundation, said: “By donating to It Takes a Village, you become an essential part of the village that uplifts and empowers vulnerable women and children in Bermuda.

“Together, we can make a significant difference — one family at a time.”

The charity thanked Kristen Sousa, of Toco Digital, who was “instrumental” in building the website.