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Samantha once pictured a perfect life—girl meets boy, they fall in love, get married, and raise a family behind a white picket fence. But her story took a different turn. After leaving an abusive relationship and struggling with alcohol, she moved back home to start over. A month later, she found herself on the bathroom floor, staring at two pink lines in disbelief. Within an hour, her parents knew. While they reassured her, she could only think, “This can’t be happening.”

A week later, her mother brought her to Hand of Hope Pregnancy Center. Samantha walked in with her head down, wishing it were all a mistake. But Stacey greeted her with warmth and reminded her that even if she didn’t feel okay now, one day she would. Stacey patiently talked and prayed with her until Samantha found the courage to see her baby on the ultrasound for the first time, a moment that began to change everything.

Through the women at Hand of Hope, Samantha rediscovered faith, peace, and purpose. They didn’t promise that motherhood would be easy; instead, they promised to walk beside her. Their love redefined strength for her, not in control or survival but in surrender and trust in God.

On April 4, 2025, Samantha welcomed her daughter, Zoey Grace—“a new life by grace.” Now a year sober, she continues visiting Hand of Hope each week, grateful for the family and faith that helped her turn fear into hope and pain into purpose.

In 2013, Shawnte found herself facing one of the hardest moments of her life: pregnant with her third child and abandoned by the baby’s father when she refused to have an abortion. Feeling lost and unsure of where to turn, she didn’t know that hope was already waiting just around the corner.

Her mother had unknowingly scheduled what she thought was an abortion appointment, but instead, Shawnte met someone who offered a different path, one that saved not only her baby’s life but her own. Through that encounter, she was introduced to Mary’s Shelter, a maternity home that surrounded her with love, stability, and faith when she needed it most.

On July 27, 2014, Shawnte welcomed her beautiful daughter, Bella, into the world. Today, Shawnte is an ordained minister whose experience at Mary’s Shelter continues to inspire her work. Now contracted through the court system, she helps women in similar situations find the support and strength they need to keep their children. What began as a moment of fear has become a powerful testimony of redemption, courage, and God’s grace.

When Katee first found out she was pregnant, she was just a sophomore in high school. Unsure of what to do and afraid to tell her parents, she carried the secret for months before finally opening up. That moment of honesty began a journey that would change her life forever.

Her mom brought her to Bella Vita Pregnancy Center, where Katee found compassion, encouragement, and the strength to face her fears. Surrounded by support, she began taking classes at the center and learned she didn’t have to walk this road alone.

“They didn’t make me feel less of a mom because I was so young,” she said.

Just two weeks after telling her parents, Katee went into preterm labor and delivered her son, Greyson, at only 25 weeks. The months that followed were filled with long nights in the NICU, but also with faith and perseverance. Through it all, Katee grew closer to God and discovered a new kind of bravery that would shape her as both a mom and a young woman.

Now a senior in High School, Katee is thriving. She’s continued her education, reached the state tournament in girls’ wrestling, and is preparing for another season. Most importantly, she’s raising a happy, healthy little boy who inspires her every day.

Katee wants other young women to know that life doesn’t end with an unexpected pregnancy — it’s just beginning. “I have learned so much and have become stronger because of Greyson, my son. My goals have pretty much stayed the same. The only difference is...I have Greyson.”

When Valencia first called the Confidential Care Mobile Ministry hotline, she thought she was scheduling an abortion. What she didn’t realize was that this one phone call would completely change her life. Within just a week of talking and visiting with the caring team at CCMM, Valencia made a courageous choice — she chose life.

What began as a call to end a pregnancy became a call that brought hope, strength, and new life, not only for Valencia but for all those touched by her story.

On July 27, 2022, she welcomed her beautiful daughter, Kennedi, into the world, a precious reminder of God’s grace and the power of love.

Today, Valencia and Kennedi share their story to encourage others, hoping to shine the same light that CCMM once shared with them. “The call to end life turned into the call that gave life,” Valencia says. “And it’s a light we now want to pass on.”

by Terri Fox, Program & Events Specialist at Heartbeat International

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” - Ps. 71:20-21 

It's a privilege to be part of Heartbeat’s Babies Go to Congress. There’s a transformation that begins to unfold with each mom as she prepares and shares her personal story during orientation through to the final meetings with her congressional representatives and the closing lunch.

Three things caught my attention on this recent trip.

1. First, after spending the evening getting to know the moms and walking through their stories, I awoke in the night singing the song “Good Plans.”  The lyric, “He has good plans for me; so I will take heart in deserts and gardens...” speaks of how God has good plans for us no matter where we are on our journey. I thought about the good plans that are being revealed to these moms whether they are still walking through the desert or resting in the garden.

I knew that in a few short hours, these women, vulnerable and brave, would be sharing how a pregnancy center or maternity housing program helped her find the strength and courage she needed to say yes to the life she was carrying. She would talk of breaking generational cycles, and how not one life, but two lives had been saved.

2. Second was a sign in an elevator that read, “When flashing help is on the way.” I thought about the work of pregnancy centers and how they are beacons of hope and help as they shine in the darkness of this fallen world. And I thought about how God is always available, no flashing button required.

3. And third, I witnessed each woman display an increasing sense of honor, accepting the comfort of the Lord with every retelling of her story.

A spirit of gratitude penetrated my heart as I thanked God for the pregnancy help organization staff members, volunteers, board members, and donors, who are walking with these women into the restorative power of Jesus who is bringing them up to live out the good plans he has for each of them.

To learn more about this event and the stories of the brave women who joined us in D.C., click here.

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About the Author

Terri Fox has worked in administrative support, and management, has been a B&B owner, and held a real estate license. In 2011, she joined Heartbeat International as an office assistant, advanced to Grant Writer and Coordinator, and for a season served as Executive Assistant. Today, she serves as the Program and Events Specialist. Through her personal stories of loss and healing, she shares evidence of God’s love in all circumstances. Terri resides in central Ohio with her husband, Scott.