HBI
Diana Maldonado
The moment I found out I was pregnant my whole world stopped, or at least it felt like it did. I did not know what to do… but one thing was for sure, I couldn’t tell anyone in my family until I did know.
I remember going onto Google and typing “pregnant and scared” into the search engine. As I looked over the results to my search I saw one that caught my attention immediately. It was CareNet Pregnancy Center of Rhode Island. As I looked over CareNet’s website, I came across a telephone number for a hotline which was open 24 hours so I immediately dialed and spoke to someone about some of the emotions running through my mind and set up an appointment for the following week. At a time where everything is so new and so scary, making that call gave me such a feeling of guidance because I knew that soon I could express myself to someone and express how I felt about my unplanned pregnancy. The day of my appointment I was so nervous.
I went into CareNet knowing there were other options like an abortion and thinking that was my only way out. My thoughts of having a baby were overshadowed with unanswered questions and I felt like I had hit a dead end.
It was the greatest relief in the world to just talk to someone who made me feel so comfortable and gave me support and just get all the clutter in my head off my chest. I consider that day a blessing and because of that day I strongly believe I found the courage to continue with my pregnancy despite that it meant my life changing forever. At a time where my emotions were overwhelmed by my thoughts and I was not able to clearly think, the smallest of talks can make a big difference.
The amount of support I received was unbelievable. I had my first ultrasound at CareNet and the feeling I had that day from seeing my unborn child is indescribable. They helped me with many things from looking for a doctor to providing me with labor classes. It has been almost 4 years since my first time at CareNet but I can still remember that day clearly. I often think back to that day and all the wonderful staff and counselors at CareNet who helped me get through a nerve wracking time and helped me clear my mind.
It is so easy for your judgment to be over shadowed by thoughts. I sometimes wonder where I would be if I hadn’t reached out for help and acted on my emotions. I am extremely thankful there are no ‘what ifs’ and that I get to enjoy my son and all the joy he has brought me. It is sad and almost shocking to me to think about all the feelings I once felt and how vulnerable I was to thinking an abortion was my only solution. My plans and goals have not changed since I’ve had my son and I feel like they have only become more solid because I refuse to give up and when I feel like I want to give up all I have to do is take a look at my son. The moment I walked into CareNet, I walked out a different person.
Lourdes Blanco and Sophia
God has been so good to me since the birth of my daughter. I cannot imagine my life without her. But, in all honesty, I didn’t always feel this way. When I found out I was pregnant I was devastated and felt like there was nothing I could do; my whole world was over- or so I thought.
When I arrived at Care Net Pregnancy Resource Centers I realized that all those thoughts running around in my head were fears. How am I going to tell my parents? Will my family desert me? Will I be able to provide for myself and my baby? Will I be able to succeed in life? Will I have a place to live? Will I ever be loved?
My peer counselor was so gracious to me, and prayed for me continually. I never once felt condemned me as she continued to reassure me that God would always provide for me and my child. They weren’t solely focused on just the baby but they were focused on me as a person. They helped me to realize that if I don’t recognize how valuable I am to the Lord then I would never be able to recognize the value of another person; let alone my unborn child. They encouraged me to have my own personal relationship with the Lord. My peer counselor was constantly reminding me that I need to be part of a church and look for opportunities to serve. They told me that you can always come back to the Lord. This helped me to pursue God and not be ashamed of my mistakes but to embrace new life and God’s second chances.
But it didn’t stop there. Once Sophia was born they offered me sexual integrity classes which taught me so much. I learned that sexual integrity goes beyond not having sex. I also learned that, from this point forward, I can leave a different legacy with my daughter. A legacy of a life marked with purity, holiness and worship unto God. I now have the tools to share with my daughter what sexual integrity means, why she should wait and value herself as God’s precious daughter who was set her apart for His good work.
Through the pregnancy center I also realized that although there are many things that are difficult in my life, the good certainly outweighs the bad. I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Care Net PRCs has blessed me tremendously, not only with all their resources such as bible studies, education on my pregnancy and materials for my child, but as a safe place for me to be reminded that God has never left me nor forsaken me and that His love for me is unconditional.
I’ve been blessed with an extremely supportive family. Sophia’s father is more than involved in her life even though we are not together. My peer counselor always reminded me to keep my eyes on Jesus and what He’s doing, not on my circumstances.
I know that there may be some, or maybe you know someone, who didn’t choose life. But what I have learned through this process is that we are ALL in need of God’s salvation, grace and healing. Care Net Pregnancy Resource Centers offers a safe and confidential place for men and women to receive God’s healing and restoration through our abortion recovery Bible Studies. God loves to gives us second chances. He’s given me mine and I am so grateful.
The Bible says: God is faithful to work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I am a living testimony that this is true. I went from being a client at Care Net PRCS, into a renewed and strengthened relationship with the Lord, to a new mom with a precious daughter. And, this past Monday, God provided me with a new job. I am now a part of the Administrative staff at Care Net PRC’s. I can’t help but think that I would not have this job and so many amazing people in my life had it not been for Sophia. Being a mother is definitely challenging, many sleepless nights and feelings of inadequacy but God is always there. He continually makes His presence known and shows me that He always provides a way for me to be conformed to the image of His son in all circumstances.
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Centers is a place to be reassured that life is worth fighting for.
Tasha Hines and Heaven
Tasha came to see us when she was 8 months pregnant in late 2012. She was separated from her husband and fearful of what was going to happen to her and her unborn child. She did not have a permanent place to live and was staying with a friend until she could get on her feet. She was depressed, highly anxious and feeling extremely alone. As a result, she was experiencing early contractions and cramping. Her counselor listened to all her concerns and helped her to make a plan. She provided her with several community resources to assist with food, material goods, ministry and counsel. She also explained to her our Building Blocks program, which empowers women by giving them the chance to earn “blocks” through different educational- and health-related activities which they can then cash in for baby items. Her counselor prayed with her and Tasha said the contractions had suddenly stopped and she felt much better.
After that initial visit, Tasha quickly got involved in the Building Blocks program and earned enough points to receive a Pack-N-Play, baby swing, several outfits, shoes and diapers amongst other things for her baby. Tasha gave birth to a little girl and named her Heaven. When she came to visit us, she was beaming and smiling from ear-to-ear. She looked like a new person. Everything had fallen into place for her – she now had a place to live, a job, and even help babysitting her new little girl. She was so thankful for the Building Blocks program and continued to stay involved in it even after the baby was born.
Tasha is enrolled in the local Community College and studying to become a nurse. She is also working. Heaven is doing very well and is a very happy 1 year old!
The Malcolm Family
A college sophomore nineteen years old and 4 months pregnant! I had done exactly what my parents tried to protect me from. I was so afraid of disappointing my parents, who had been so proud of my success in high school and college. But after the initial shock, they chose to support my decision. My boyfriend, Nolan, was there for me from day one. Even with the support of my parents and Nolan, I was overwhelmed and scared; there was so much to learn, so much to prepare for.
I learned about Pregnancy Care Center through Nolan’s sisters. The Center welcomed us with open arms and positive reinforcement. Mentoring and the many classes helped us learn about nutrition, pregnancy, child safety, and parenting. Relationship classes taught us how to work through issues together and to strengthen our relationship as a couple. Nolan took a Fatherhood class to help him become the kind of father he wanted to be. Attending classes earned us “points” we could exchange for diapers, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities in the Center’s Baby Boutique.
Nolan continued to work while I continued with college. Our relationship grew stronger, and in July we were married. Our son, Beckham, was born in October. From the first day, we used techniques we learned in classes, such as swaddling and infant massage.
Being a parent isn’t always easy and is sometime stressful; but at the same time parenthood is extremely rewarding and worth every sleepless night. The classes, the opportunity to prepare and stock up for Beckham’s arrival have been very valuable to me, my husband and our baby.
Beckham is now three months old. I still remember tears of joy running down my face when he was born; he was our miracle. I know that without Pregnancy Care Center’s help, the past fifteen months would have been very different. God has truly blessed us; and while I know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us, I know our family can do it.
Heartbeat Welcomes Leaders to Institute
 |
Though the weather has been anything but welcoming, the 17 attendees to Heartbeat's Institute for Center Effectiveness are gaining invaluable insight from the shelter of the great indoors this week in Columbus, Ohio.
Top-notch training from long-time pregnancy help leader Kirk Walden and leadership expert/executive coach Kitty Allen have comprised the week-long event, which has drawn participants from as far away as Southern California and South Carolina--home of Heartbeat's 2014 Annual Conference March 24-27.
The week-long training event includes a tour of Heartbeat International's central operating facilities, including the headquarters for Option Line, Heartbeat's 24/7 pregnancy helpline.
Stories of Lives Saved
>> Click Here to Discover Lives Saved through the Abortion Pill Rescue Network <<
Each story below represents a woman's experience with one of our pregnancy help organizations. One by one, these women overcame challenges through the help of the pregnancy help movement. Receiving support and care, and in some cases, even a roof over their heads, they know the value of pregnancy centers and maternity homes because their lives were changed by their service. And now, they share their personal stories so that no woman feels so alone she feels abortion is her only option. These families champion life!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rescuing Lives from Abortion
Option Line® is a pregnancy help contact center, available 24/7 for anyone reaching out for help. Conveniently accessible, Option Line offers compassionate, personalized guidance for all who reach out. Our empathetic confidants provide guidance on their true options, as well as hope for a new shared future for woman and baby. With Option Line, help is within reach.
Established in 2003, Option Line is the only fully staffed, bilingual pro-life contact center in the U.S. Since we first answered the call, we’ve reached millions of women and men, many who are desperate for answers in an unexpected pregnancy.
More than 1,100 people reach out to Option Line daily via phone call, live chat, texting, and email for help. The number of women and men Option Line reaches continues to grow. As a result, more lives 
are rescued from abortion.
Option Line At-A-Glance
- Over 7 Million people reached
- Answers in English and Spanish
- Established in 2003
- 24/7-365 contact center and website
- Only fully staffed, bilingual pro-life contact center in the U.S.
- Above industry standard answered call rate
- Connects women with their local pregnancy help organization
- Provides consultation on abortion, adoption, and parenting
- Schedules appointments in real-time through a state-of-the-art system
- Answers after-hours calls for pregnancy help organizations and partnering organizations/hotlines
Real Lives, Real Help
Each day, our professionally trained consultants answer over 1,100 desperate cries for help. Below are real women who called Option Line in search of help. Each woman was connected to her pregnancy help center for ongoing care.
Can you imagine what their lives would be like if Option Line had not answered their calls?
Reach Rescue Renew
Heartbeat International's mission is to Reach and Rescue as many lives as possible, around the world, through an effective network of life-affirming pregnancy help, to Renew communities for LIFE. All Heartbeat international policies and materials are consistent with Biblical principles and with orthodox Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) ethical principles and teaching on the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of human life. Click here for more information.
We REACH those who are abortion-vulnerable through Option Line's 24-hour contact center and cutting-edge website, www.OptionLine.org.
"Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me..." - Psalm 144:7
We RESCUE those who are reached through our life-support network of pregnancy centers providing true reproductive health care, ministry, education, and social services where lives are saved and changed.
"Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence. " - Psalm 140:1
We RENEW broken cities around the world, by developing pregnancy centers where abortion clinics are the only alternative for abortion-vulnerable women.
"He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor... They will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." - Isaiah 61:1-4
Defending the Work of Pregnancy Help Centers
Every day, life-affirming pregnancy help organizations face relentless attacks from pro-abortion activists, biased mainstream media, censorship from big tech, and hostile legislation at both the state and federal levels. These attacks aim to silence the life-saving work of pregnancy centers and maternity homes that provide compassionate, free support to women facing unexpected pregnancies.
Our pro-life network of pregnancy help is engaged in a David vs. Goliath battle (1 Samuel 17) against the well-funded abortion industry and its allies. Despite these challenges, we stand firm in protecting the right of pregnancy centers to serve women and save lives.
Legal Battles for Pregnancy Centers
Right now, Heartbeat International is involved in two critical legal battles defending Abortion Pill Reversal (APR)—a protocol that has helped countless women continue their pregnancies after starting a chemical abortion. Learn more about these cases:
- The People of the State of California v. Heartbeat International & Real Options
- Heartbeat International & CompassCare, et al. v. Letitia James
Click a button below to learn more about these lawsuits.
What's at stake? Innocent lives.
The good news: As long as pro-life pregnancy centers are under attack, Heartbeat International will stand in their defense. Since 1971, we have empowered the pregnancy help movement with legal resources, expert training, and a strong network of support.
These battles will shape the future of the pro-life movement for generations to come. With your help, we can ensure that pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies continue to provide hope and life-affirming choices for women.
How can you help? Be prepared to speak up for the work of Pregnancy Help!
- Stay Informed. Subscribe to Pregnancy Help News and the Pregnancy Help Podcast for updates on pro-life victories, legislation affecting pregnancy centers, and expert commentary on the fight for life.
- Equip Yourself with the Truth. Visit Pregnancy Center Truth for fact-based answers to the false claims made by abortion activists against pregnancy help centers.
- Know Your State. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion laws now vary widely by state. It's more important than ever to understand how pro-life pregnancy centers in your community are impacted and how you can support them.
What is Pregnancy Help?
Pregnancy Help Organizations provide life-affirming care to women at every stage of their pregnancy and beyond. These organizations include:
✔ Pregnancy Resource Centers and Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics
✔ Mobile Ultrasound Units offering free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds
✔ Maternity Homes providing safe housing and support
✔ Nonprofit Adoption Agencies promoting life-affirming options
✔ Abortion Recovery Programs for post-abortive healing
✔ Pregnancy Support Services offering material assistance and parenting education
There are thousands of pro-life pregnancy centers across the United States serving women and families in need.
Each state has unique needs as well as challenges, and now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, local and state laws have become the focus for activists on each side. It is now more important than ever that we are involved with our local centers and aware of how the changing laws are impacting them! While our affiliates open their doors to meet the needs of the women and families in their town, Heartbeat works to both inform and prepare our network of pregnancy help with the tools and education they need in order to run an effective organization.
Click the map below to see how many pregnancy help organizations are near you and learn more!
Additional Info
- Theme Color Blue
- Show Stay Updated? [bottom] Yes
- Show Donate Now? [bottom] Yes
- Video Block: Title Babies Go to Congress
- Show Video? Yes
- Extra Text Block: Title Endorsement
-
Extra Text Block: Content
Note From Capitol Hill:
“I applaud all of the men and women serving at Pregnancy Resource Centers across America. These individuals work daily to provide hope, practical resources, and personal mentoring to individuals facing uncertain times and difficult decisions. Through the compassion and caring of volunteers, countless women are empowered to choose life for themselves and their babies. Pregnancy Resource Centers are the most powerful force in our society for life and I commend them for all they do."
-Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO-R)
Advancing the Pregnancy Help Movement Around the World!
Today, thousands of workers across the globe worked tirelessly to save abortion-vulnerable lives in their communities. These frontline lifesavers operate Heartbeat's thousands of pregnancy help locations reaching and rescuing women and their precious babies from abortion.
When you support Heartbeat International you are providing valuable tools, training, and support to these lifesavers all around the world. In turn, YOU--yes, YOU--can save a life today.
The reality is that while the U.S. is responsible for nearly 1M abortions each year, we still account for just 2% of all abortions worldwide. That is why Heartbeat is the most expansive network of pregnancy help organizations in the world - to provide pregnancy help in all areas of great need!
We are now present on all six inhabited continents, including in cultures that do not readily welcome new life based upon gender, class, race, or government-mandated laws. We value our international affiliates and partners and realize they face some of the most daunting challenges in the war against abortion today.
With your help, we will reach even more nations with the gospel of life. We will save innocent lives in places where children are not valued and life is not respected. Thank you for doing all you can to make this possible today!
Additional Info
- Theme Color Blue
- Show Stay Updated? [bottom] Yes
- Show Donate Now? [bottom] Yes
- Video Block: Title Greetings from Around the World
- Show Video? Yes
- Extra Text Block: Title Did you know?
-
Extra Text Block: Content
Did You Know?
- Heartbeat has nearly 2,000 pregnancy help locations around the world.
- Heartbeat has pregnancy help organizations on all six inhabited continents.
- Heartbeat is the first and most expansive network of pregnancy help organizations in the world.
- It’s all possible because of YOU!
-
WTH1 Content
-
WTH2 Content
-
WTH3 Content
More...
|
Imagine this: You have a passion for saving lives from abortion. You notice that in your community women have no place to go when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. You want to use your gifts to serve through pregnancy help. Where do you begin? |
Developing Frontline Lifesavers
Because of your continued support, Heartbeat International is the "go-to" resource hub for pregnancy help organizations.
Working with our pregnancy help network, we provide:
Heartbeat provides the most comprehensive learning program for the pregnancy help network. Everyday...
 45,000+ volunteers open their pregnancy help organizations to meet the needs of those in their communities |
+ |  2 million+ women and men enter these organizations to receive the compassionate care and support needed in a delicate time in their lives |
= |  3,000+babies are saved from abortion each week! |
Heartbeat provides vital training, resources, services, and solutions to these frontline lifesavers.
They need us, and we need YOU!
Whether they are just starting out or are a seasoned leader, you can equip them with the tools they need to succeed by supporting Heartbeat today.
Additional Info
- Theme Color Blue
- Show Stay Updated? [bottom] Yes
- Show Donate Now? [bottom] Yes
- Video Block: Title Heartbeat Annual Conference
- Show Video? Yes
-
WTH1 Content
-
WTH2 Content
-
WTH3 Content
Thank you for helping us bridge the gap!
 |
||||||||
|
News from around the world...
|
Jovana and her son, David |
Launching Sarah House For Women
by Vesna Radeka, Executive Director, Choose Life Center
In our pregnancy help ministry, we have experienced the joy of assisting clients who chose to go against the Culture of Death surrounding us, deciding to keep their babies even in the midst of a crisis pregnancy.
While these women would listen to our advice and receive encouragement by our words and whatever help we could provide—including baby clothes, diapers, and money—we would still see them struggle from day to day.
These women are usually young, and do not have the support of either their baby’s father, their families, or both. When we come into contact with them, they are either far along into their pregnancy, or now have a baby up to about three months old.
These women need to be able to work in order to pay their rent, but there are precious few opportunities for a pregnant girl or a new mom to find a job. If they are able to find a job, who will take care of the baby?
Daring to dream up a solution
I am so sad when I think how the first year of motherhood looks for some of these women. But beyond feeling sad about the situation for so many of these, I dare to dream of a better situation for these precious mothers and children.
What if we were able to offer accommodation and care to women in this fragile state, to give them the chance to enjoy being moms? What if this could become a place where moms are coached how to make better life choices, to follow Christ, to change their mind about relationships, to choose to wait, and to learn how to be good moms?
The challenges of realizing our dream
I know this dream could become reality if Christian families were willing to accept pregnant women into their homes. But in Serbia, we face two challenges: First, we have a very small number of vibrant, practicing Christians; and second, our culture largely lives within multigenerational homes—married couples with children, living with in-laws, and usually in small flats.
Social help in Serbia for single moms is around 12.000 dinars, which is around $140 per month. With that income, a single mom can only rent a room, to say nothing of paying bills or putting food on the table.
|
|
In the last two to three years, we at Choose Life Center have had to go beyond our month-to-month budget limits to help women as needs have arisen. Whenever we could, we have helped pay rent, bills, or grocery costs, but this type of care was not planned into our budget, so we had to stretch—and sometimes overextend—for the sake of these moms.
As we’ve gone through these seasons, we have thought and prayed about the direction in which Choose Life Center should develop. Is it to become a medical clinic, offering free ultrasound? Is it preventative services? Developing school programs? A housing ministry?
Slowly, God’s leading became clear to us, and Sarah House For Women began to take shape as a maternity housing ministry, adding to the everyday work we remain committed to doing at Choose Life Center.
Our hope for future impact
In addition to reaching and assisting women in the midst of all the difficulties surrounding a crisis pregnancy, we pray Sarah House For Women will also have a huge impact on how the city officials see us as a Christian organization.
Rather than perceiving our work as threatening or as a nuisance, we pray—and expect—city officials to see that what we are doing really does benefit and bless the whole city.
Who knows? Maybe this new work will allow us to apply for and secure future grants and funds from the government, allowing us to continue reaching and rescuing women in Novi Sad, while renewing communities all over Serbia for life in the years to come.
