The Client Connection
by Leslie HatcherSaving and Changing LivesEarlier this year I met with a young Ball State student who was about 5 weeks pregnant. She was confused and wanted information on all of her options. By the time we finished talking, she seemed open to adoption, but when I followed up with her a couple of weeks later, I discovered that she was now leaning more toward an abortion. We exchanged many texts which led to meeting with her and her mother. Even after that counseling session I was uncertain of what her decision would be. She stayed on my mind and in my prayers for weeks, and then months. In May she returned home for the summer and had decided to parent the child herself!From the first contact until the last text, the counseling process took about three months… what a roller-coaster ride…but praise God for her decision to give life to her unborn baby! AND how blessed we are to be here for young women such as this!At First Choice for Women we demonstrate the love of Jesus every day. Whether it is by praying with our clients, giving them a simple hug, or providing a much needed word of encouragement. Not long ago one of our volunteers, Cindy Johnson, noticed a client looking through a Bible as she waited to begin her Parent Care class. Cindy asked her if she had a Bible and the client said no, so Cindy encouraged her to take the Bible home and asked if she would be interested in learning more about what it has to say. NOW this young woman meets with Cindy weekly at First Choice to study the Bible! God is opening doors for us in so many ways!Surrendering the SecretWe are set to begin a Surrendering the Secret post-abortion recovery group in July. Please pray for the ladies in this group as they seek healing from the painful memories associated with abortion. If you are interested in more information on Surrendering the Secret or would like to be part of our next group, please contact me leslie@firstchoiceforwomen.org for more information.
Donation Maintenance AssistanceCurrently, one area of significant need is in Donation Maintenance. We receive donations daily, all of which require inventory tracking, sorting, washing and cleaning for placement in our Parent Care Store. Cathy Hardwick, Volunteer Store Manager, and her team work hard to keep up with all the donations, but there is always plenty to do and a need for help. We are so thankful for all who volunteer at the Center and welcome individuals or groups who would like to assist us with Donation Maintenance.Recently a small group from Commonway Church met at First Choice where they sorted clean baby clothes for our Parent Care Store. We are so grateful for their assistance!In April, we had our Parent Care Store Seasonal Turnover Day. It is a big job to switch over the store’s entire inventory from Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer, but it is also a fun day of fellowship with Cathy providing lunch for all. Thanks to the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority who joined us that day, what a huge help they were!
