When I walked into First Care, I was 4 months pregnant with my daughter. My heart at that time was to have an abortion. After receiving great counseling from one of the counselors at the center, I went from abortion to adoption and ultimately, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl that I decided to keep and raise. My daughter is truly a blessing and I have no regrets in making the decision of bringing this life into the world.

My major concern with this pregnancy was how I was going to do it; as it was an unplanned pregnancy. But First Care provided the support I needed. As a result of their hard work and dedication, today I have a beautiful daughter that I love dearly and I have been set free from an abusive relationship. They…never gave up on me. They provided me with emotional support that I needed through counseling.

They also provided clothes and furniture that I earned through attending classes. These classes were very beneficial to my parenting and taught me survival skills. The staff and the center continued to check up on me to ensure that I was ok. I must say that the staff at First Care went above and beyond their call of duty. For which I am truly grateful. Whenever they were unable to help me I was provided with a list of resources that would be able to help me with that need.

My counselor; she has become an integral part of my life and my family’s life as well. She became a second mom to me and continues to be my role model and a blessing in my life, with my best interest at heart. Through the year that I have been a client of First Care I have seen their clientele grow and I know that they are touching other lives as they have touched mine. My life is a living testimony of First Care’s hard work and dedication.

- Narda

Rosemary banged in through the front door, “Mom, I need to talk to you!” Those are words that chill the heart of any parent. Another crisis was about to test Alicia’s faith and emotional endurance. Slowly, Alicia followed her daughter who ran upstairs to her room. Rosemary’s next statement confirmed Alicia’s apprehension. “Mom, I’m pregnant!” Alicia comforted her, saying they would face the problem together once they both regained their composure.

Filled with disappointment and fear, Alicia wanted to arrange an abortion. Alicia held strong anti-abortion opinions until her own, 15-year old daughter  as facing unplanned pregnancy. But Alicia said she would support whatever decision Rosemary made. Alicia made two appointments for counseling to help Rosemary decide what to do.

First, they visited a First Care Pregnancy Center. Our volunteer counselor explained abortion procedures, then reviewed Alicia’s options of parenting or  placing her baby for adoption. Their second visit was to an abortion clinic where the counselor advised Rosemary that abortion was definitely her best option.

Back in the car, Rosemary said, “Mom, I can’t do it – the abortion thing!” Despite her reservations, Alicia told Rosemary she would respect her decision. Today, Alicia thanks God for First Care where theyreceived the information and support Rosemary needed. Rosemary did face many  hardships to carry her baby to term, but she stayed in school and kept up her grades.

Rosemary’s next decision was about adoption. Family friends had tried to have a child, but without success and at great cost both emotionally and financially. With great joy, they accepted Rosemary’s offer to have them adopt her baby.

A few months later, Rosemary gave birth to a healthy and beautiful little girl named Laura by her new parents. Watching them take Laura home from the hospital was almost more than  Rosemary or Alicia could bear. Sharing family events was so difficult for Alicia that she decided to leave Laura in God’s hands and be content with letters, pictures and occasional visits. Alicia kept in touch from a distance until breast cancer and the possibility of death made her reassess their relationship.

Alicia described it this way: “It has been my extreme pleasure and honor to get to know this very special young lady. I am continually amazed how God brought this miracle into our lives, despite my misgivings, and how courageous my daughter was to give her life. It is a daily testimony to me of God’s grace and love. I know that all grandmothers say their grandchildren are special, but this young lady does have a very special heart. She has a loving and gentle spirit and, at times, is wise beyond her years. I sense a real touch of God’s hand on her.”

Alicia is very grateful to God that they went to First Care – first.

(The names used in this story were changed to protect client confidentiality.)

Three years ago when Marcelle came to First Care to confirm her first pregnancy, she received encouragement and support during the time she carried and gave birth to her son. Because of that experience, Marcelle returned to First Care this year when she thought she might be pregnant again.

Marcelle was very anxious about carrying another child because her relationship with “Robert” was unstable. They were trying to work out their problems and had put off getting married for the time being. Both of them were employed full-time, yet struggling to support themselves and one child. The thought of bringing another child into a strained relationship left her feeling desperate. Marcelle felt abortion was her only solution.

After meeting with a First Care volunteer counselor, Marcelle decided to keep her baby. This new mother learned that she was not alone and found the encouragement and support to choose life for her child. During the pregnancy, our volunteers were able to help in practical ways. First Care helped Marcelle straighten out problems with Medicaid. When Marcelle fell off a ladder and was concerned for her baby’s health, we provided prayer and emotional support.

Throughout the pregnancy, Marcelle’s counselor stayed in close touch to encourage and care for this young mother. As time went on, Marcelle and Robert felt this baby was drawing them closer together. They knew parenting another child would be hard, but they also knew they could count on First Care to help them. In August, a precious daughter was born to Marcelle and
Robert. No one was happier than her big brother! Recently, they celebrated their marriage ceremony and feel God used this little girl to bless their family.

Marcelle and her baby are pictured here.