Ministry Overview

by Lisa MillerIt’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of the first quarter already! So many wonderful things are happing at First Choice. Every day brings new blessings and new challenges. I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow has to offer. It is amazing to watch God work in the ministry!Operations OverhaulWe are diligently working to streamline operations and reduce expenses, and are fully committed to excellence in every area of the ministry. One change you may have noticed is our transition to a quarterly acknowledgment system for monthly contributions. This will reduce postage and printing costs, while ensuring that accurate and timely information is distributed to our partners and volunteers. A full audit completed by an outside CPA firm has provided new perspectives and will aid in the evaluation of policies and procedures as the Board of Directors and I begin the strategic planning process this spring. The audit is also a key element in our ability to join the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which we hope to achieve in the coming months.The pregnancy choices site is similar to our former website, and is directed toward women facing unplanned pregnancies and those who may be abortion minded. This informative site presents the facts surrounding the life and death decision before them, and is designed to express our desire to help them during this difficult time. The First Choice website provides detailed information about the ministry, and the services we offer. It also contains a secure donation page, enabling us to accept gifts online via credit/debit card transactions or automatic bank drafts.In addition, it is an economical medium of communication to our friends and partners. As we continue to build the site, it will contain other pertinent information, such as special announcements and audited financial statements. I urge you to visit the site often, and tell your friends about it!Parent Care UpdatesThe receipt of a $2,000 grant from MutualBank last fall provided the funds required to purchase new educational materials for our Parent Care program. The implementation of these materials will not only update the program, but will also offer many new lessons to parents; enhancing their parenting skills. It is just one of many blessings received this year.Awareness is EssentialI believe that consistent communication will increase awareness and will play a vital role in the success of our mission. We hope to promote the ministry through the new website, quarterly newsletters, advertisements, and social media. However, our abilities can be limited due to financial constraints and we need our partners to champion the cause at church, at work or at school. Spread word about the ministry and its commitment to life in Delaware County and its surrounding areas!StewardshipAs we strive to be good stewards in our mission to save and change lives through kindness and love and the sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must not forget who it’s all about…God...and what He is doing in our community through each of us as we seek to honor and magnify Him. The success of First Choice for Women depends on the prayers and support of its partners. We could not do it without you. Thank you for being a critical part of our ministry. May God bless you and keep you. To God be the glory for ever and ever! Amen.