Story #16: The Foundation They Needed

Father's Day is a time to celebrate the lasting influence fathers have on their children. It's also a reminder that every fatherhood journey starts somewhere. As part of our 45 Stories of Life series, this father's story reflects how practical support, encouragement, and hope provided during a critical season helped lay a foundation that continues to impact his family today.

Sixteen and a half years ago, my girlfriend and I found out we were expecting a baby. While I had been a parent before, this was her first experience with pregnancy and becoming a mother. We wanted to be as prepared as possible, so we connected with the Women's Pregnancy Center and enrolled in their parenting classes.

Looking back, those classes were exactly what we needed.

The program gave us practical tools, valuable resources, and guidance as we prepared to welcome our son into the world. At the time, the classes included homework assignments and small-group discussions that helped us learn and grow as parents. We also earned “Baby Bucks” that could be used in the boutique to purchase needed baby items, which was a tremendous help during that season of life.

What stands out to me most is the sense of community and support we found there. The Women's Pregnancy Center didn't just provide information, it provided encouragement and relationships. We felt supported and equipped for the journey ahead.

The classes gave us a strong foundation for parenting, one that has continued to influence our family over the years. They also planted seeds of faith in my life.

In 2019, I gave my life to Christ. Looking back, I can see how God was already at work through the ministry of the Women's Pregnancy Center. The people we met and the support we received planted seeds that would eventually grow into a personal relationship with Him.

While my son's mother and I are no longer together, the parenting foundation we received through those classes continues to make a difference. Today, we co-parent well, and I believe the principles we learned during that time helped make that possible.

Our son is now 16½ years old and in the 10th grade. Watching him grow into the young man he is today has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Today, I own a carpet cleaning business, and I also have the privilege of serving the Women's Pregnancy Center by helping clean and maintain their facility. It means a lot to be able to give back in a practical way to a place that once invested so deeply in my family.

Because of the impact the Women's Pregnancy Center had on our family, I am committed to giving back. I also support the ministry through the annual Christmas giving at my church, which directly benefits and supports the Center and the families it serves.

The Women's Pregnancy Center invested in us during a critical season of our lives. Today, I give because I want other parents to receive the same support, encouragement, and hope that helped shape my family's story.

I am grateful someone was there for us when we needed it most, and I am honored to help ensure that same support is available for future generations.

For 45 years, the Women's Pregnancy Center has provided life-affirming support, practical resources, and hope to families facing unexpected pregnancies and parenting challenges. Stories like this one are possible because of faithful supporters who make this ministry available to those who need it most. As we celebrate 45 Stories of Life, we invite you to partner with us so more families can find the encouragement, education, and support that can impact generations to come.

Thank you for being part of the mission.