I had two numbers for crisis pregnancy centers. One was written as a seven-digit number, the other was a three-digit number plus the word ‘PRAY’. So I called the one that spelled ‘PRAY’, thinking I was going to schedule an abortion. I spoke with the lady at the pregnancy center for several minutes before she asked me what I thought I was going to do about my pregnancy. I just kept saying, “I can’t parent.” I couldn’t actually say the words, “I want an abortion.” I was trying to get her to ask me if that was what I wanted, but she never did. Instead, she asked me if I had considered adoption. I knew that abortion was wrong and I knew I couldn’t support two children on my own, so adoption seemed like my only way out.

I researched abortion procedures and the adoption process. After seeing the difference, I knew what my decision would be. But I knew that my friends and family would persuade me to keep the child with promises of help and support. So, I needed to find a supportive environment. The pregnancy center helped me to find Lifehouse, and they set up a phone meeting for me with Mrs. Joan. After I spoke with her and found out about the program (and all of the rules), I decided to make a visit to see this place for myself.

A few weeks later I met with Lifehouse staff and made arrangements to move in. I moved to Lifehouse in October with my first child. I had to wash about five loads of laundry immediately because I was a smoker. The staff went through all of my things to make sure I wasn’t trying to smuggle anything in. They made me feel at home. I started looking for a job, and I also started counseling and began working on my adoption plan. I found a job in November and started school in January. I picked the family that I wanted to place my child with in February and I gave birth in April. Everything just fell right into place.

I stayed at Lifehouse for a few months after giving birth, and in September I made the decision to leave. I am still very involved with the Lifehouse program. My school is paid for by the Lifehouse Scholarship Program, and I still go to counseling and keep in touch with many of the girls I met there. I have many strong relationships with the people at Lifehouse … some sister figures and some mom figures, and even a few grandmother figures. Lifehouse is my family and they are always there for me, no matter what!"

One Wednesday morning I was about to step into an abortion clinic … even though I didn’t want to. And, I didn’t, thanks to the words of a precious woman named Angela Minter. After speaking with her, my feelings toward my unborn child grew stronger. That’s why I felt brave enough to cross the street to go into A Woman’s Choice, against my family’s wishes.

A Woman’s Chioce is a place that helps pregnant women in their time of need. Thanks to another lady I met there, Mrs. Lynn, I was able to see my baby for the first time through an ultrasound. I felt special because she was encouraging me to give life, something that is unforgettable.

Mrs. Lynn and Mrs. Angela helped me the best way they could. They brought me to a wonderful place called Lifehouse. There my baby and I are going to be taken care of. It’s a place that pregnant girls and young mothers can live until they are on their own. Everyone there pitches in to cook, clean and take care of the chores. We are like family. We have movie night and game night, and we also have Bible study every Wednesday. On the weekends I can go to my own home, or I can have visitors if there are no planned activities.
I’ve only been at Lifehouse a few days, but I’ve already received help from the house mothers, Mrs. Joan and Ms. Sarah. They have me already attending Westport T.A.P.P. School and looking forward to my future as a mother. Hopefully, there are more blessings on the horizon.

This is my story, and I hope you understand and believe that God is good and He never leaves you alone. He is always with you and, when you need His help, He will always find the best way to fix your problems. I learned that, if you ask for God’s help, He will help no matter what your situation may be."

Cassie and I have been blessed beyond expectations and the love that each of you have for us has shown through with great magnitude, a true reflection of the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for blessing my little angel, Cassie, by choosing her as one of the children to be sponsored by Louisville Pharmacy. My oh my, was she ever blessed! She has been given gifts that I could never have given her. Yet, God is so amazing, full of grace and love, that He made what would have been an unimaginable experience into an experience that I will forever hold in my heart.

Thank you, Lifehouse, for all that you do and will do in the years to follow. My prayer is that more and more women (and men) are empowered by the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and the chain of poverty, due to the over-stimulating growth of women becoming pregnant out of wedlock is broken. By saving one mother and child at a time, as Lifehouse does, this can become reality. Because each woman who exits the Lifehouse doors will be empowered and can empower others with the love you all have shown us. Please continue to become blessings to others as you have been to my daughter and me.  Love always."

I have seen how busy you are and yet, whenever you speak to someone, on the phone or in person, they have your full attention and you treat them as though talking to them is the most important thing on your agenda. That is a trait I admire and am working to emulate. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and to my family."