Issuu

Director’s Invitation

I love the word compassion; it’s twofold. It means that you have a deep care or stirring of the heart, but then it also means that this emotion moves you to respond and act.

“When Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”

Matthew 14:14

Jesus saw. He felt deeply. And He was moved to respond. True compassion sees, feels, and moves.

At Envisage, we follow His example. We see the women and families who walk through our doors. We feel and empathize with them in their struggles, their fears, and their dreams for the future. We are moved—moved to offer care, support, and hope. I want to invite you to engage with us through the Baby Bottle Campaign using this little devotional. I’d encourage you to read one section each week and see how...

We are Moved with

…to accurately see each person’s story.

…to feel and empathize with their journey.

…through Care Services, equipping individuals and families.

Compassion

…through Care Programs, empowering and walking alongside those needing support.

…through Care Resources, offering tangible support.

…through Care Workers, who faithfully show love and support to everyone who comes through our doors.

We respond with compassion because that’s how God has responded to us. He calls us to live out this same kind of compassion—to see, to feel, and to act.

Over the next six weeks through this devotional, explore with us how Envisage provides compassionate support for unexpected journeys throughout the Baby Bottle Campaign. You will see through the stories of our clients, feel the impact of compassion in action, and, I pray, you will be moved to respond.

On behalf of all of us at Envisage - Thank you. Thank you for showing compassion for the individuals and families we have the privilege of walking alongside.

Darrelyn Dobbin Executive Director

Please tear out this page and pray with us each week of the Baby Bottle Campaign!

2025 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign

Would you Partner with us in PRAYER?

Compassion to Accurately See… Please Pray

Day 1: For many supporters to partner with us in the Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign!

Day 2: That Envisage would be known as a place where people experience compassion.

Day 3: That more local churches would partner with us and see the need for what we do.

Day 4: For Envisage families who struggle with mental health to be encouraged by the compassion they experience at Envisage, just like Katie was.

Day 5: That God would use the campaign to remind people to show compassion that sees, feels and moves!

Compassion to Feel & Empathize… Please Pray

Day 1: For clients without reliable housing situations - that God would provide.

Day 2: For families who face unemployment - that God would lead them to a job.

Day 3: That Envisage’s empathy would make families feel cared for and supported.

Day 4: That God would provide healthy, safe pregnancies and deliveries to families.

Day 5: For clients who are living in poverty, struggling to afford housing, food and other basic needs - that God would provide for their needs.

Compassion through Care Services… Please Pray

Day 1: For those accessing pregnancy options support to be equipped to make informed pregnancy decisions.

Day 2: For those accessing pregnancy tests to know they do not have to face this alone.

Day 3: For those accessing our Post Abortion Care Service to know we are here for them.

Day 4: That God would give courage, wisdom & direction to clients considering adoption.

Day 5: For our Kathy’s Heart clients to feel both helped with immediate needs and equipped for long term success.

Please note: All client stories have been shared with permission. Aliases have been used to protect client’s identities.

Compassion through Care Programs… Please Pray

Day 1: For those overwhelmed as they face unexpected pregnancies, to find hope.

Day 2: For clients who are taking our childbirth education classes to feel prepared for birth.

Day 3: That families we are supporting with babies and newborns would be kept healthy.

Day 4: For pregnant clients who are anxious about the birth of their babies to have peace and also safe, uncomplicated deliveries.

Day 5: For families participating in our Strengthening Families parenting groups to have healthy attachments with their children and learn parenting skills.

Compassion through Care Resources… Please Pray

Day 1: That God would provide material donations to meet the needs of Envisage families.

Day 2: That God would use Care Resources to meet not only practical needs but also the emotional and spiritual needs of our clients.

Day 3: For families to reach out for Care Resources without any feelings of shame.

Day 4: That those connecting with Envisage for support after a pregnancy or infant loss would feel supported and cared for as they grieve.

Day 5: For the many clients we serve who are newcomers to Canada to feel cared for and equipped for life in a new country.

Compassion through Care Workers… Please Pray

Day 1: That God would provide the funding for the work He wants Envisage to do.

Day 2: For more professionals to join our Envisage Village & Envisage Advisory Team.

Day 3: For continued unity for our team as it expands and grows.

Day 4: That as the Baby Bottle Campaign wraps up this weekend, God would stir in people’s hearts to support Envisage.

Day 5: That, above all else, Envisage would be known as a place that shines God’s love through everything we do!

2025 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign

Every year since opening in 2006, Envisage has raised a large percentage of its budget through the Baby Bottle Campaign. The campaign was simple: supporters would pick up baby bottles at church on Mother’s Day, fill them with donations, and return them on Father’s Day. Things changed in 2020, and we’ve been running the campaign virtually ever since. We have found it to be a much safer way of raising funds especially in regards to the security of personal information and it allows us to steward our resources more effectively so we can invest more time serving clients. This devotional features a weekly Client Story & Video, Devotional and List of Daily Prayer Requests.

This devotional will help raise awareness of the struggles so many people face and also help supporters to pray in an informed way. The devotionals can be used by individuals, families and small groups. Consider memorizing the verse of the week and discussing what you learned from the story and video. As usual, the campaign will start on Mother’s Day (May 11th), and end on Father’s Day (June 15th). The final page of this booklet outlines ways that you can be a part of the important work of Envisage.

Week 1 Katie’s Story

I started coming to Envisage in 2016 when I found out I was pregnant. I had no support and I was struggling with substance abuse and mental health. Envisage helped me with material support, peer support, and childbirth education classes.

They’ve always prayed for me and gave me confidence in my parenting journey. I didn’t feel alone anymore once I found Envisage.

I reconnected in 2023 when I found out I was pregnant with twins. They welcomed me back with open arms.

Today I have overcome my many challenges that I once faced with addictions and mental health issues. I am now sixteen months sober. My children are healthy and thriving. I found Jesus and got baptized last year in May of 2024.

Envisage always believed in me and my story is a testament to God’s love and grace.

I would encourage anybody who didn’t have anywhere to turn and didn’t have a support system to go to Envisage and reach out for help because they really help you with their peer support and providing you with baby items.

They give you a boost of confidence that you wouldn’t have anywhere else and they really believe in their clients. I’m really grateful for Envisage.

Scripture Reflection

Eyes of Compassion

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Matthew 9:36 (NKJV)

“Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Matthew 9:36 (NASB)

Compassion

Moved with to Accurately See Each Person’s Story

There’s seeing on the surface, and then there’s truly seeing — understanding, valuing, and making someone feel known.

Jesus didn’t just glance at the crowds; He saw them deeply. He saw the weary, the scattered, the distressed, and the downcast.

In a crowd like this, I’m sure there was weariness due to long journeys, heavy burdens, or exhaustion from carrying life’s struggles alone.

In a crowd like this, I’m sure there were people scattered due to rejection, loss, or the inability to find a place to belong.

In a crowd this big, I’m sure there would have been people in distress, maybe due to broken relationships, unexpected hardships, or fears about the future.

And in a crowd like this, many people were likely downcast, burdened by shame, grief, or the weight of unmet expectations.

But one of the most beautiful things about Jesus is that none of us are just another face in the crowd. He sees each person individually, as if they were the only one.

At Envisage, we meet women and families at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. They may feel unseen, unheard, or forgotten. They may feel weary, scattered, distressed and downcast. But our calling is to see them as Jesus does—We see their intrinsic value and worth. We see their fears, their struggles, and their pain, but we also see their dignity, their strength, and their worth in Christ.

We see life and all its possibilities. We see hope and thriving for the future. We see women like Katie.

Week 2

Rochelle’s Story

We found out that we were pregnant and it was unplanned. We were definitely not ready for a baby. We were immediately googling pregnancy clinics and whatever I could think of and I was finding nothing, until I found Envisage. I walked out of that meeting feeling like, “Ok this is kind of a blessing,” and excited for my journey.

I have body dismorphia and I was bulimic for four years of my life. I was finally just feeling comfortable in my body when I got pregnant. I was very anxious about having a belly and what I was going to be able to wear. Not only did I get emotional support through that too, but I was very comfortable in my pregnancy with the clothes that I got here which was so amazing. I felt very, very emotionally supported through it all.

I found out that I had preeclampsia and my daughter was in a very low percentile of weight. She was three months smaller than what she was supposed to be. I was in and out of the hospital. Envisage was, at the end of the day, my main support system that I had through all of that. She was born very early, at 27 weeks. Immediately, I was getting prayers and love from everyone here (Envisage) letting me know that I have people praying for me and who care about me and love me.

They helped me in every aspect and continue to help me in every aspect and I just think that everyone should come here.

Scripture Reflection Heart of Compassion

“Jesus Wept”

John 11:35

Compassion

Moved with to Feel & Empathize with their Journey

The shortest verse in the Bible is devoted to a profound act of empathy.

In this moment of emotional connection - Jesus weeps alongside His friends and steps into their sorrow. Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:4, 11, 23), so His weeping was not over Lazarus’ death. What moved Him was the grief of those He loved. We are told that Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:5), and it wasn’t until He saw their tears—that He wept.

Jesus knows loss. He knows sorrow. And He meets us in ours.

His tears are not just an acknowledgment of their pain but a shared experience—showing that He not only understands suffering but feels it deeply. This moment reveals that Jesus’ empathy involves stepping into the pain of others, feeling it with them, and being deeply moved by the sorrow that He never intended for us to bear.

Empathy Enters In. At Envisage we enter into our client’s journey with understanding, care, and support.

Each client faces her own unique circumstances. We seek to understand by listening well, sitting with her in her journey and holding space for her story.Envisage where her fears and uncertainty are met with gentleness, and kindness. We aim to connect, be fully present, and give her the room to process at her own pace. This is how we care for all clients; clients just like Rochelle.

Week 3 Ashley’s Story

When I found out I was pregnant, I was nervous. My life wasn’t what I thought it would look like and I knew that it was going to be hard.

After my baby, Stark, was born, I heard from a friend about Envisage, and after checking out the website online, the place seemed “real enough” and I decided to call. I was very nervous to talk to someone about my situation -I hate talking to people! - but I knew I needed help.

I was really fearful about my financial situation and my emotional state.

Emotionally, my care worker gave me tools to help with my situation and references to other community services. She offered advice on how to handle my emotions, my relationships and motherhood.

She played a big part in my life. Having someone to be open with about my fears, made me feel safe and understood.

Coming to Envisage completely changed my life.

Scripture Reflection

Equipping through Compassion

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion . He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’”

Luke 10:33-35

Compassion

Moved with through Care Services, Equipping individuals & families

Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan is a powerful illustration of what true compassion looks like. The Samaritan saw the man’s suffering, felt deeply, and was moved to act—not just meeting immediate needs, but ensuring long-term care, equipping, and thriving for the future.

At Envisage, our Services are thoughtfully designed to reflect the Good Samaritan’s example—offering tangible assistance in times of need while also providing long-term hope and empowerment for their future. Thanks to our community of supporters and through the Baby Bottle Campaign each year, everything at Envisage is provided free to our community.

Care Services such as:

Pregnancy tests. Just as the Good Samaritan first addressed the man’s immediate injuries, we meet women at the first step of their journey so they don’t have to be alone in these moments.

Explore Pregnancy Options. Like the Good Samaritan who made sure the injured man was placed in a safe environment, we provide a nonjudgmental space where women can thoughtfully consider and openly discuss their pregnancy options while experiencing compassion.

Kathy’s Heart In-Home Postpartum Service. The Good Samaritan didn’t just walk away after offering initial help—he ensured continued care. Our Care Service, Kathy’s Heart, extends our support beyond birth, providing postpartum home visits to mothers as they adjust to life with a newborn.

Post Abortion Care. The Good Samaritan ensured the man had a safe place to recover. After an abortion, some women feel relief, while others may experience a range of emotions, sometimes surfacing days or even decades later. No matter where someone is on their journey, we offer personalized healing resources and care.

Connecting to Community Resources. The Samaritan didn’t try to handle everything on his own—he enlisted the help of the innkeeper to ensure the man’s care continued. In the same way, we connect our clients with community resources, ensuring they have access to essential services that they can benefit from and encourage whole person care.

Hear from clients like Ashley who accessed our services and are thriving.

Week 4 Jenna’s Story

Before coming to Envisage, I was excited and also nervous. Different things in my life weren’t aligning with it so it was a choice that we were going to do this.

I didn’t have any family and I had just started going to a church and then I found out that I was pregnant, and then COVID happened. Becoming pregnant during COVID, I didn’t have the resources or the family to reach out to. Envisage became my family. They started doing the pregnancy class with me and my husband. I’m thankful for the pregnancy class because they shared with me how to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and I was very confident giving birth because of that. They were able to help me process that and gave me the permission to feel and validated what I was feeling. They were there for me from day one and I appreciate it.

I did the Strengthening Families Program…That has been the biggest blessing too, because they teach you the importance of one-on-one time with many kids and also parenting and communication and how to deal with tantrums. Envisage has really blessed me with that support.

Envisage’s Programs had a profound impact on Jenna. The Baby Bottle Campaign not only allows us to continue our vital operations, but also helps us to design and implement new programs, expanding the support we offer to families in our community. Programs such as Meal Planning Classes to nurture healthy habits. Stress Management for Parents –Teaching practical techniques and coping strategies to manage the stresses of parenting. MENtor Dads Program – A support group and mentorship program for fathers. With future programs like these, we can continue building and supporting a future where families can flourish in every aspect of life...families like Jenna’s.

Scripture Reflection

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

Moved with through Care Programs, Empowering and Walking Alongside

Jesus came to give us life—not just any life, but life in abundance, life that is flourishing, thriving, and whole—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and relationally. Compassion, after seeing and feeling, moves to encourage abundant LIFE!

At Envisage, we are deeply committed to this vision. Our programs are designed not only to address immediate needs, but to help our clients grow in all areas of life. This approach, which we call whole person care, focuses on supporting every aspect of a person’s well-being so individuals and families can thrive in all areas of life and experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. Two ways we strive to achieve this is through our current programs:

Childbirth Education Classes, where we equip women and families with the knowledge and confidence they need to prepare for their baby’s arrival, understand what to expect during labour, advocate for themselves and their baby, and navigate the crucial fourth trimester. This foundational education and support help set the stage for a flourishing family.

Through our Connected - Healthy Relationships Curriculum we empower our clients to evaluate, build and establish healthy relationships for the future.

Our Strengthening Families Parenting Program, is an evidence-based family skills training program designed to improve parenting skills and enhance family relationships. The Strengthening Families Program has a lasting, generational impact by equipping parents with the tools they need to create strong, healthy family dynamics.

We hope to expand our programming at the Centre to reflect this commitment to whole person care even more fully and address all areas of flourishing. For example, we hope to offer prenatal and postnatal fitness opportunities, postpartum depression workshops, and a budgeting for families class.

In addition, we are excited to run our very first Alpha program at the Centre, providing a space for spiritual growth and community building. We believe that faith is central to true flourishing, and this program will offer an opportunity for people to explore faith in a safe and welcoming environment.

Week 5 Rachel’s Story

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was really excited but I felt super unprepared.

The amount of support that I received from Envisage while I was pregnant was insane!

I had help with maternity clothes, which are so expensive and I didn’t even know that I really needed something like that. Every time I went to visit they would ask me, “Do you need wipes? Do you need formula?” I was so grateful to be asked!

A lot of people do need help and they are afraid to ask and this place does not judge you or make you feel lesser than.

On one of the scans closer to the due date we figured out that there was a rare heart abnormality. Suddenly we were being scheduled for tons of appointments and emergency visits to sick kids and it was a lot at once. We were really afraid.

I had my support workers through that which was great because not only did they support me and my feelings towards everything, they also helped explain what was going on and how I could prepare for things. I needed that.

When my daughter was born, everything turned out to be fine - Thank God! I still came to Envisage after having the baby. Motherhood is so scary at first so just being able to come there and talk through my feelings and my stresses and my worries was really helpful.

You can just go there just to have somebody to talk to. I would 100% say, “Go for it! You won’t regret it!”

Scripture Reflection

Hands of Compassion

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Matthew 25:35

Compassion

Moved with through Care Resources, Offering Tangible Support

Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of those around Him. His words in Matthew 25:35 remind us that when we care for those in need, we are serving Him.

At Envisage Pregnancy Services, we seek to follow Christ’s example by meeting practical needs through our Care Closet. In the first 90 days of 2025, we have provided diapers, wipes, and other essential resources through 211 client visits. Each item given is more than just material support—it is a tangible expression of God’s love and care for every mother, family and child.

As we serve, we are reminded that compassion moves us beyond seeing and feeling to doing. Just as Jesus provided for those in need, we have the opportunity to be His hands and feet at Envisage today.

As we near the end of our Baby Bottle Campaign, we reflect on how Jesus’ life was marked by compassion. We’ve explored what true compassion is—eyes that truly see people’s value, hearts that feel deeply, and hands that move into action. We’ve also seen, heard, and read incredible stories of clients overcoming obstacles and thriving after facing an unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy-related challenges. It has been a privilege for Envisage to be a part of their journey, offering hope and support when they needed it most.

I invite you to watch how our Care Resources have made a lasting impact in the lives of clients like Rachel, who have experienced hope and transformation through your support.

Compassion

Moved with Through Our Care Workers

Compassion begins with seeing—truly seeing. But we also want our clients to see us, to recognize the love that moves us to support and care.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

At Envisage, everything we do is a reflection of God’s love shining through us, so that our clients may know just how deep His love is for them. A visit with our Care Workers starts with a conversation. Listening. Connecting. A moment of uncertainty met with kindness. A heart burdened with fear, embraced by understanding. At Envisage Pregnancy Services we are moved with compassion through our Care Workers who are not only client advocates but —they are a source of comfort, strength, encouragement, and safety.

Life doesn’t always go as planned… Nearly 50% of pregnancies in Canada are unexpected*, meaning many people in your community—friends, family, and neighbours—may be facing this reality.

Day after day, our care workers walk alongside women, men and families facing unexpected pregnancies and pregnancy related challenges offering not just support, but hope. From the first moment of contact, they provide a listening ear, a safe place to talk and process, they offer practical resources, and the reassurance that they are not alone.

Because of Care Worker’s compassion and support, they empower individuals to find courage, build resilience, gain strength, and take steps toward thriving. With the right support, meaningful and life-changing transformations become possible. We want to care well for our clients so we can reflect God’s love for them, showing them that they are deeply valued and never alone.

When a woman walks through our doors, our Care Workers don’t just see a client—they see a person with value and a story, with strength and hopes. They see her.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

Many of those our Care Workers meet are facing overwhelming circumstances—an unexpected pregnancy, financial stress, or the fear of navigating it alone. In these moments, our Care Workers meet them with compassion, reflecting the love of Christ.

Care Workers are moved to compassion because we know the power of love, the strength of support, and the beauty of life and possibilities.

Care Workers are moved to compassion because behind every circumstance is a person who deserves dignity, value and care.

Care Workers are moved to compassion because Christ’s love is unconditional, and we are called to reflect that love to every person who walks through our doors.

Would you join us in seeing, feeling and being moved to compassion during this last week of the Baby Bottle Campaign?

We’ve had the privilege of seeing clients share their stories, feeling their highs and lows, and being moved to want to do something about it. We’ve seen, felt and been moved by this compassion reflected in Jesus’ own life and teachings. And we’ve seen how Envisage deeply cares and feels with our clients, which moves us to come alongside them.

Now, we invite you to respond out of compassion. Would you partner with us in this life-transforming work by making a donation to our Baby Bottle Campaign? Our goal is $100,000, and you can track our progress with our virtual Baby Bottle by visiting our website. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, ensuring that we can continue to meet the everyday needs of our clients. This year, your generous donation will also help us expand our programming, further strengthening the support we provide to those in our community.

You can donate now by visiting our website, where various giving options are available, or by scanning the QR code on this page. Thank you for being a vital part of this mission. Every generous donation is a resounding “yes” to our community, declaring that no one has to face an unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy-related challenges alone.

About Envisage Pregnancy Services

Envisage Pregnancy Services is a Christian organization whose mission is to provide support to anyone facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy related challenges. Our vision is to see People Valued, Families Thriving, and God’s Love Shining. We are absolutely convinced that there is a God… and that people matter to God! We serve individuals of all faith backgrounds and no faith backgrounds, but our beliefs are the reason for everything that we do flowing from our Mission and Vision.

*In Canada almost 50% of all pregnancies are unexpected.

Unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming because of financial struggle, conflict with education or employment, concern about the impact on other people, isolation, age or stage of life, lack of supportive relationships and even abuse. For some, life is going well and pregnancy causes significant hurdles to their hopes and dreams. For others, life is incredibly difficult, and an unexpected pregnancy or challenge with pregnancy is the final straw that makes life unbearable.

Envisage exists to provide compassionate care, a safe place to talk, process, and take the time to make an informed pregnancy decision. Because we believe God loves each individual and that they are precious to Him, our desire is to be a catalyst of His love to these individuals to let them know they are not alone.

*“Your Pregnancy – Unintended Pregnancy”, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, April 12th, 2023, https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/special-consideration/unintended-pregnancy/

SERVE

Inquire about opportunities to serve by contacting info@envisagepregnancy.ca

DONATE

Be part of Envisage by donating in any of the following ways

ENGAGE

Hear what’s happening at EnvisageJoin our E-News! info@envisagepregnancy.ca

PRAY

E-TRANSFER

E-Transfers can be sent to finance@envisagepregnancy.ca. Please include your mailing address in the message section for receipting purposes. E-Transfers are direct deposited into our account (no password is needed)

CHEQUE

Please make cheques for both the Barrie and the South Georgian Bay location payable to Envisage Pregnancy Services and mail or deliver them to Envisage Pregnancy Services, 5 Sophia St. East, Barrie, ON L4M 1Y1

PHONE

Call Envisage at 705-739-7280 to donate by VISA or Mastercard

or visit www.envisagepregnancy.ca/donate 2025 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign

OUR MISSION

We provide support to anyone facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy related challenges

OUR VALUES

We Value People - We treat each person with dignity and respect

We Listen - More than we talk, we know it helps to feel understood

We Empathize - We respond with compassion, always assuming the best about people

We Don’t Judge - We are a safe place where nobody has to pretend

We Hope - Some people might see problems, we see possibilities

CARE SERVICES

Pregnancy Tests

Explore Pregnancy Options

Ongoing Emotional Support

Kathy’s Heart In-Home

Postpartum Service

Post Abortion Care

Connecting to Community Resources

OUR VISION

People Valued – Families Thriving –God’s Love Shining

We Empower - We celebrate people’s strengths and provide a place for each person to find their voice

We Equip - We teach skills to help people do their best

We are Trauma Informed - Trauma has an impact; we serve in a way that is aware

We Are Holistic - We long for people to thrive in their body, mind, emotions, spirit and relationships

We Love Jesus - God’s love is the reason for everything we do

WHAT WE DO

CARE PROGRAMS

Childbirth Education Classes

Connected - Healthy Relationships Curriculum

Strengthening Families Parenting Program

CARE RESOURCES

Care Closet

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Resources