The Client Connection
by Leslie Hatcher, Center Director
Hope and RestorationAs we begin 2016, we rejoice in the hope that has brought so many life changes to the clients of First Choice for Women.God promises in Joel 2:25 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” Two longtime clients have recently seen restoration in their lives after struggling with difficult life circumstances.Dreams RestoredOur first story begins in early 2014 when Jackie, a Ball State student facing an unplanned pregnancy, came to First Choice intent on having an abortion. Thankfully, after receiving options counseling and meeting with us a few times, Jackie chose life for her unborn baby. First Choice continued to walk alongside her through her pregnancy, providing her with a crib and other necessities. In October of 2014 we celebrated the birth of her son.Over the following months, Jackie would periodically stop by to update us on her life and show us how her son had grown, often telling us that she could not imagine her life without him. But Jackie faced many obstacles over the next year. She didn’t have a car or job and wasn’t able to go back to school. The child’s father, Trent, was out of state, and sadly, was only sporadically involved in his sons’ life. Through it all Jackie was striving to be the best parent possible and was taking great care of her son. Then, just a few weeks ago, Jackie paid another visit to First Choice with Trent! They are now parenting their son together as a family! She is back in school and they are excited to be expecting their second child. The couple are scheduled to start Parent Care lessons together to prepare for this new baby. It has been a joy to watch as this once scared, pregnant young woman is now preparing for her future and expanding her family.Trusting In the LordCharles came to First Choice in 2012. He had one child and another on the way and had walked to our facility from the Muncie Mission after hearing that we could help him with diapers.Over the last three years, Charles would come regularly to our Parent Care mentoring sessions. He truly wanted to learn all he could about raising his children. We never met his wife, not even after a third child was born. Our client advocates encouraged him as he cared for his children (basically a single parent) while he searched for, and finally found a job.When Charles and his wife divorced, he shared that he had been forced to obtain full custody of the children in order to protect them from a neglectful mother. He wanted to provide a loving and safe environment for his children.Toward the end of 2015, Charles met and married a Christian co-worker who was willing to not only serve as a mother for his three children, but to love and care for them as her own. They are now attending church as a family, putting God first in their lives. After three years of meeting with Charles, it is such a blessing to see the transformation in life. He now has a relationship with God and a healthy family!Giving HopeFirst Choice volunteers and staff are privileged to play a small part in what God is doing in the lives of our clients, but it’s your support that makes it all possible. Please continue to pray for the staff and volunteers at First Choice for Women as we daily share God’s restorative love, power and hope with our clients. Hope truly changes everything!
