True spring newsletter by Choices of the Heart

The state of NJ vs. Pregnancy centers

In the quiet moments between appointments, it's the sounds that tell the story of a pregnancy center's mission. These subtle sounds remain constant, regardless of whether the center has just opened its doors or has been serving the community for decades, like we have here at True Women’s Center.

Rita Reyes CEO

Phones ring, with women sharing their stories, perhaps afraid, perhaps hopeful—but always in need of compassion and support. From behind closed doors come muffled sobs from counseling rooms, where life-changing conversations unfold discreetly. These tears tell stories of difficult decisions, unexpected circumstances, and sometimes, profound relief.

Families move with excited energy, as they're ushered into rooms where ultrasound machines await. There, the positive pregnancy test transforms into visible reality—tiny hands, feet, and the undeniable profile of a developing child. The administrative sounds provide a practical backdrop: computer keys clicking as appointments are scheduled, printers humming as resources are prepared, and Christian music offering gentle encouragement through strategically placed speakers.

Good words for Great Souls PAGE 01

The door chime announces each arrival—women coming alone, couples supporting each other, sometimes entire families seeking guidance together. Each entrance represents a person taking a brave step toward help, regardless of their circumstances. Perhaps most powerful are the spontaneous exclamations of joy when staff members hear news of lives transformed. These celebrations punctuate otherwise ordinary days with reminders of purpose.

New mothers return with their babies to collect layettes filled with essential supplies. The soft cooing of their newborns create a full-circle moment for the center's work. These visits validate months of support and care, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of compassionate intervention.

But beneath all these sounds lies the center's most profound acoustic inspiration: the faint but unmistakable rhythm of an unborn heartbeat detected through ultrasound. This sound, barely audible through adjacent walls, carries throughout the building as a constant reminder of why the work matters—why every phone call answered, every tear wiped away, and every resource provided serves a greater purpose.

As staff gather for morning prayers, seeking wisdom for the complexities each day will bring, they're sustained by what they have heard. The sounds that tell the ongoing story of lives touched, choices made, and hope restored within these walls.

We are now True Women's Center, formerly known as Choices of the Heart, continuing our enduring legacy. Though our name has changed, our mission remains constant, and the compassionate atmosphere that has always defined us continues to resonate through our halls.

Ways We Made an Impact

in 2024

Services

Patient Services, all at no cost:

• Pregnancy testing

• Ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy

• Education on options beyond abortion

• Community referrals

• Client education in regard to sexual integrity and STD’s

Total visits: 576

• Volunteer peer counseling

• Baby Bucks incentive program

• Post-abortion recovery program

• Destination Choice our center on wheels

Looking Ahead

Spring 2025

Our Nurse Manager, Sue Hickman will be heading to NIFLA’S conference to obtain ultrasound training.

On the job training begins for our new class of volunteers.

3 members of our team will be attending the Heartbeat International Conference in Alabama.

Pray for our team as they will be receiving valuable life-saving training

Rescued Through Text

from late term abortion

"I'm pregnant?" Elena looked surprised, however deep down she knew something was changing in her. She felt fluttering and movements in her abdomen. Now she had to face the reality of the situation.

She had texted our hotline number regarding a *29-week abortion. We informed her of the harsh realities of a late term abortion. She agreed to visit us in person.

When she came in, she was very undecided. She just bought a house with her boyfriend, Marcus who is already a father of 2. Filled with anxiety, she was petrified to tell him.

After talking in depth about abortion procedures with us, she proceeded to the ultrasound. During the sonogram, her anxieties turned to excitement and surprise. Her baby girl was very active. Elena wanted pictures to take home so she could share them with Marcus. Telling him now looked a whole lot different.

What followed wasn't the reaction she had feared during sleepless nights. There was no anger, no blame. Instead, Marcus, his own eyes damp with tears said, "I know this isn't what we planned, and I know you're scared. I am too. But Elena, we have each other, and that's more than many people start with."

In the weeks that followed, their small world with our help, expanded to include doctor's appointments and prenatal vitamins. Elena found herself vacillating between moments of wonder and paralyzing anxiety. The baby was healthy, despite Elena's initial fears about the occasional glass of wine she'd had before knowing.

Charlotte was born Sept. 21, 2024. Baby Charlotte is doing great. Mom, dad and baby are extremely grateful for our support.

*29 week abortion procedure (dilation and extraction) requires a 3 day hospital stay. The woman is put into early labor. With the baby being fully formed, this is the most difficult type of abortion procedure.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard... he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”.

Is. 40:28 & 29

2025 baby bottle campaign Why Your Support Matters!

Reasons you might not expect

When the baby bottle campaign first launched many years ago, it wasn't created merely as a method to support our ministry financially. While the collected change certainly makes a tremendous impact—funding approximately 10% of our annual budget and generating nearly $80,000 yearly—the true significance of these bottles extends far beyond monetary contributions.

A prayer reminder in your home

These baby bottles are designed to occupy a visible space in your home. When you collect one from church and place it on your counter, it serves as a daily reminder for you and your family to pray for our ministry. These prayers form the essential foundation that makes our work possible and effective. They are truly the cornerstone upon which our entire mission rests.

An accessible way to make a difference

The baby bottle campaign represents the simplest way for individuals to participate in saving lives within their community. By placing spare change in these bottles, anyone can contribute to our life-affirming work, regardless of their financial situation. Our greatest challenge, however, is encouraging more churches to participate in distributing these powerful symbols of hope.

A call to churches

Churches, we need your partnership. If your congregation is not currently involved in our baby bottle campaign, we invite you to consider becoming a liaison. Help us distribute bottles among your church family and join this meaningful initiative.

The time commitment is minimal, but the impact is immeasurable—the benefits are truly eternal!

“But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint”

Scan here to participate

“My kids loved taking a bottle home and collecting coins. They couldn’t wait to return it”! - Don R.

“I found help through this center by seeing bottles given at my church”. - Previous patient

“I love doing baby bottles at our church. I look forward to hearing from the ministry each year”Current church liaison

Some of our 2024 babies

How to Get Involved

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Patient advocate

Thrift Boutique

Administrative

DONATIONS

I am interested in making a general gift of $_______.

I would like to become a monthly partner for $__________.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

I am interested in being a liaison for my church’s baby bottle campaign.

I would like to be a table host for the 2025 benefit dinner.

I would like to underwrite or be a corporate sponsor the 2025 benefit dinner.

I would like to have Rita speak at my church/small group.

Scan here to give online!

Charlotte Konnor

Jeremiah

Trials,Trauma and Triplets

We need your prayers for our first set of triplets

Renee’s world turned upside down when the sonogram revealed she was carrying not one, but three babies. The news of triplets sent the already anxious expectant mother into a state of shock —a reaction that manifested physically as she fell to the floor in distress, requiring immediate intervention from medical staff.

At approximately eight weeks pregnant when she received the news, Renee’s pregnancy journey had already been marked by significant challenges. Having experienced two previous miscarriages, she carried the weight of those losses into her current pregnancy. Adding to her emotional burden, Renee was still processing the tragic death of her sister, who had been killed in a murder-suicide just months earlier in May.

"The lack of closure from her sister's death combined with the trauma of previous pregnancy losses created a perfect storm of anxiety," noted our healthcare provider familiar with her case. Our physician emphasized the importance of working with her psychiatrist to find pregnancy-safe alternatives for managing her anxiety, rather than taking unprescribed medication.

The triplets—all boys, as Renee later learned—will join her existing family, which includes a 22year-old and a 5 year old. The challenges of expanding from a family of four to a family of seven overnight are considerable under any circumstances, but particularly daunting for someone already managing significant emotional distress.

Despite initially expressing interest in support programs at our center, including earn as you learn classes, Desiree missed three scheduled appointments with a Life Mentor, resulting in her disenrollment from these potentially beneficial resources.

Renee’s due date is July 2025. We encouraged her to return for additional support, her current status is unknown, and we are asking for prayer for this mom and her 3 babies. Women facing these kinds of situations are very vulnerable to abortion at any point in their pregnancy, especially selective abortion. NJ allows for abortion for any reason, at any time up to the date of birth.

This article is based on a real case study with identifying details modified to protect privacy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges during pregnancy, please reach out to a healthcare provider for appropriate resources and support.

133 Ganttown Rd

Turnersville, NJ 08012