2023 End of Year Report - Hope Center

the 2023

Help & Hope Report Stories of hope from a year of diving deeper.

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

Board

Mike Schroeder, President Rob Glass, Vice President Amy Nicholson, Treasurer Riley Bland, Secretary Kristen Smith David Brewer Michael Bedard Trisha Wren Scott Ackley Mike Schroeder Ashley Pruitt Lillie Atkeisson Dahl Gomez Steven Nutt

Staff Lauren Venable, Executive Director Michelle Spears, Medical Director Vanessa Perez, Director of Operations Megan Fryer, RN-BSN, Nurse Manager Ed Miller, LPC, Director of Clinical Counseling Tara Podjenski, LPC Joyce Cawthorn, Lead Client Care Coordinator Suzanne Curry, Education Services Director Rachel Moore, Bilingual Client Care Coordinator Weekly Volunteers: Sharon Bugg, Kim Blake, Cathleen Brewer, Barb Kubinski, Linda Olma, Terri Miller

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

Table of Contents 2023 Year End Report Note from the Director Financial Snapshot Community Impact Client Stats What Our Clients Are Saying A Heartbeat Softens The Heart Mental Health Matters What it Takes To Be The Village List Of Services Save The Dates Core Values

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

A Note from the Director One Monday morning, I received a call unlike any I’ve ever gotten. It was a woman who had just delivered hours prior but was adamant that she could not take the baby home. She had never been to see us, had no prenatal care and a complicated history with substances.

Minutes after her phone call, I arrived to the hospital knowing nothing but a name and room number. I walked in, introduced myself and shared that my sole hope was that we were able to take one step forward that day towards the life she wanted both for herself and her child.

It became clear as soon as I arrived - she needed someone to help walk her through a deeply hard situation. She had two other children at home and did not feel she was able to take care of a third. Her relationship was volatile and she was unemployed.

As I listened to her thoughts and fears about caring for another child, the conversation led to adoption and the gift it could be. Modern adoption is so different now and the way the agencies we refer to partner with birth moms and adoptive parents is absolutely incredible.

She tearfully decided that was the direction she wanted to take so we made the call to an agency together and started that process. I held her newborn baby girl while watching her make one of the bravest, most selfless decisions she could ever make. Within hours the agency walked her through the process, the birth mom had chosen and adoptive family, and they were on their way to the hospital. That child was placed in the arms of waiting, loving parents that very afternoon. Beauty from ashes.

The precious birth mom has been continually supported by both us and the adoption agency for months now. She is still working to find her footing and truly be free from her abusive relationship It’s been a very hard road. We are continuing to pray and stay in contact with her along the way.

Lauren Venable Executive Director

But I’ll never forget, as I signed as the witness on the adoption paperwork, the look in that birth mom’s eyes as she mouthed “thank you,” to me through her tears.

We answered the call like so many of you have over the last 40 years. The call to help, listen, share, shoulder, and tend to the lives and hearts of so many. As I reflect on what 2023 held for us at Hope Center, I’m in awe. This book will share staggering statistics and unbelievable impact - but that’s not what gives me pause. It’s the fact that each number represents a family the Lord allowed us to love and serve. What a gift. Thank you for making it possible for us to answer those calls, help with adoptions, walk women through motherhood, help them find mental stability and be the hands and feet of Jesus. You are provision from the Lord.

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

Financial Snapshot Fundraising Events 27%

Grants/Trusts 55.5% Monthly Donor Gifts 17.5%

Fundraising Events: $140,132 (one-time banquet donations, corn hole tournament, baby bottle boomerang)

Donor Gifts: $90,595 (churches, monthly donations, memorials)

Grants/Trusts: $287,637 (local, national & government grants)

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

Community Impact Stats reflect clients served from 01/01/2023 - 11/14/2023

1400+

613

STUDENTS TAUGHT IN AREA SCHOOLS

UNIQUE CLIENTS SERVED

130

$45,000+

CLIENTS PARTICIPATING IN CLASSES EACH MONTH

IN PARENTING NECESSITY ITEMS EARNED BY PARTICIPANTS

Hope Center Corsicana

Ages 15-19 74

Annual Report 2023

Under 15 4

Ages 20-24 142 Age 35+ 54

Ages 30-34 69

Total Clients Served

Ages 25-29 141

3,150 TOTAL CENTER VISITS 471 PREGNANCY TESTS 322 ULTRASOUNDS 277 COUNSELING APPOINTMENTS Multi-Racial 11%

Asian 0.4%

Pacific Islander 3.7%

African American 12.2%

Hispanic 43.7%

Caucasian 29%

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

Initial Assessment vs. Outcome Assessment Upon Arrival Abortion Minded Came in with intention to abort.

38

Abortion Vulnerable Instability puts them at risk for aborting

252

Intends to Carry Clearly states they intend to carry & parent.

104

Undecided States they are unsure what they intend to do.

8 Outcome of Pregnancy

Abortion

5

Placed for Adoption

3

Chose to Parent

354

Miscarriage

40

There is really not enough words to explain how grateful I am for The Hope Center. When having my first child I just knew I was going to be able to go back to work a few months after him being born but of course that wasn’t the case and then the thought of not knowing how I would be able to provide for him was stressful but being that I have this awesome support group I can make ends meet. The program has also taught me great parenting skills and what I could expect in the future as a parent. My son has also loving all the toys he has ever gotten from there!

"I love the Hope Center.

They give us so much support and knowledge on everything. I wish more women could learn from their classes before having their baby."

"Hope Center has meant a lot for me, especially as a first time mom. Not only am I learning things which will help me be a better mom or gain a better understanding of motherhood, but I am also earning points to buy actual items.“

“Hope center has made me and my kids feel part of their family, I love how they’re involved in my baby’s development and growth with the classes that they provide. I really appreciate all the people in charge of the hope center and donators because they care for people who some of them don’t even know providing baby supplies and everything for a baby’s care and well being. I do not know a lot of people that make this possible but I keep them in my prayers and god knows every one of them and will remunerate they’re good heart. Thanks to employees, donors, volunteers.”

“I am not a very trusting person and hope center has shown me that there is no strings or lies behind the kind acts they do.

Hope center has given me help that I can trust and that’s saying a lot for me. It really shows you their commitment to mommy’s and soon to be mommy’s and that they truly care.”

“Ed’s lesson really opened my eyes to the different emotions I feel during a single day and the cognitive disorders I may have. Being able to put a name to the feelings I have and how to turn them around will be a blessing not only to me but my girls.”

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

A heartbeat softens the heart Emily* was nineteen and came to Hope Center looking for confirmation of pregnancy and estimated gestational age so she could finalize her abortion appointment in Kansas. She came alone and as she shared her heart, the tears flowed freely. She had always wanted to be a mom but her fiancé was adamantly against having children. He grew up in a harsh household, mostly on his own as his mother worked nonstop and his father was incarcerated for 14 years. He didn’t know how to be a dad and didn’t want to learn.

Emily shared that she was terrified of abortion but thought it was her only choice. She had watched her mother go through an abortion in 2021 and nearly die due to blood loss and incomplete abortion complications. Her extended family is “very religious” and she spoke about fearing judgment from them if they found out she was pregnant out of wedlock and that she aborted the baby.

She felt she was in a no-win situation.

Emily brought her fiancé to the ultrasound appointment. They both seemed nervous and timid as they entered into the ultrasound room but as a wiggly little baby appeared on the screen, nerves gave way to smiles. At the sound of the heartbeat, her fiancé softened as he whispered, “I hear it! That’s our baby!” They didn’t share many more words but as they left holding hands, they were both smiling. We offered to rescan Emily again in two weeks as she waited for her Medicaid coverage. She took us up on that offer!

As we scanned her the next time (alone) and saw that sweet baby wiggling again she shared with us that her fiancé had warmed to the idea and they decided to cancel the abortion appointment in Kansas. We spoke at length about the services we offer again and shared with her about our parenting education classes they could attend together as well as our LPC who would be glad to meet with them both as they journey through this. She was struggling with morning sickness but visibly lighter in spirit during this visit.

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

We kept in touch with Emily and continued to offer her encouragement. She shared with us that she had gotten in with her OB and couldn’t wait to see the baby again! We were quite surprised to get a call from her the morning of her scheduled appointment with her OB - she shared that there had been a scheduling mishap with their office and she wouldn’t be able to be seen for another month. She asked if she could have another ultrasound and we gladly obliged.

Emily and her fiance arrived just a few hours later, hand in hand and with smiling faces. As they looked at the ultrasound screen it was clear they were falling in love with that little one. They shared that they had told their families and received much more support and love than they expected. They were so excited to be moving forward as a family.

They paused at the reception window on their way out to show off all the pictures they got from the ultrasound…. The father proudly handed over the images and said, “Look at my baby! This wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for y’all! You have no idea! Thank you!” What a gift. They turned to leave but not before the father turned to show us his brand new shirt… it had a picture of Yoda on it and said “Yoda best dad!” He had received it from Emily as a gift for Father’s Day… he was sure to let us know that there would be many more corny dad shirts in his future and he couldn’t wait! *name has been changed to honor confidentiality.

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

Mental Health Matters

Since launching biblically based clinical counseling in February of 2022, we’ve seen an astonishing impact.

15+ 548

CRISIS MOMENTS HANDLED BY A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

CLIENT SESSIONS ATTENDED TO DATE

Diagnosed Mental Health Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 40 Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) - 21 Major Depressive Disorder - 3 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - 20 Dissociative Identity Disorder - 3 BiPolar Disorder - 8 Schizophrenia - 1 Borderline Personality Disorder - 2 Child Physical Abuse, Suspected, Initial encounter - 1 Prolonged Grief Disorder - 2 Substance Use Disorder - 1

58

NEW MOMS ASSESSED FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION & PSYCHOSIS 6-8 WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY.

OF THOSE ASSESSED

21

HAVE CONTINUED IN COUNSELING CARE BASED ON NEED.

COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIBLICAL TRUTH TO BE INFUSED INTO HARD SITUATIONS

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE VILLAGE When it comes right down to it.. what does it really take to be the hands and feet of Jesus and the village to those without for each and every client?

For the medical staff, supplies, and curriculum needed to provide ONE PREGNANCY TESTING APPOINTMENT

$145

For the medical staff, medical supplies and medical oversight to provide ONE LIMITED ULTRASOUND.

$209

$193 $119

For the clinical counseling staff, educational materials, and basic supplies for ONE mental health counseling appointment.

PER CLIENT PER MONTH PLUS ALL DONATED DIAPERS, WIPES, CLOTHING & BABY SUPPLIES FROM THE COMMUNITY

To offer parenting classes and material assistance to ONE Hope Academy Class Attendee.

WORTH

EVERY

PENNY

jesus paid it all.

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

List of Services ABORTION EDUCATION Hope Center provides clients with medically accurate information regarding abortion. This is important for the client to know prior to choosing abortion as an option. If they choose to follow through with an abortion we will not refer and do not recommend.

ADOPTION EDUCATION AND REFERRALS Hope Center provides clients with a look at what adoption is, how it works, and the benefits of placing for adoption. We are constantly working to remove the stigma around adoption for many of our clients.

MATERNITY & INFANT SUPPLIES Through attending pregnancy and parenting classes the parents earn baby bucks. Each month they get to shop in the baby store for items needed to care for themself and their child. This includes but not limited to; diapers, wipes, carseats, cribs, pack n plays, bottles, burp rags, blankets, and clothing.

MEDICAL REFERRALS Hope Center provides our clients with a list of medical referrals based on their needs. This list is made up of medical providers that we know hold the same commitment of care and value of life as Hope Center.

PREGNANCY/PARENTING EDUCATION From the time the mother finds out she is pregnant through the time the baby is born until their third birthday the parents are able to attend classes. The curriculum taught is an all inclusive research based curriculum for expecting parents and parents with newborn through toddler age children.

MEDICAID ENROLLMENT : Several team members are trained and ready to help our clients enroll in Medicaid so they can begin receiving much-needed prenatal care early in their pregnancy. We want to continue these services and connect more clients with medical professionals as early as possible.

Hope Center Corsicana

Annual Report 2023

List of Services POST-ABORTION, POST-LOSS SUPPORT Hope Center offers cost free post abortion or post loss support through our Licensed Professional counselor and our grief support groups.

PREGNANCY TESTING Confirmation Pregnancy Tests are performed for clients. Based on the results of the test, additional information is then given and discussed with the client .

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP Every client who walks through our doors is offered spiritual mentorship. This person is dedicated to praying for our clients and being a trusted member of their care team that is deeply rooted in faith.

LIMITED ULTRASOUND Hope Center provides Limited Ultrasounds to clients after a positive pregnancy test in our facility. During this scan the nurse and medical director are able to check the placement of the baby, gestational age and the heartbeat. This is also the time our clients are introduced to the life in their womb.

CLINICAL COUNSELING Hope Center offers on-site, professional counseling for clients needing mental health support through pregnancy, parenting decisions, family hardships, or postpartum struggles.

NEXT STEPS EDUCATION PROGRAM Shifting the focus from the basics of child care and development, we take it deeper to focus on healthy parenting from a place of shamefree, growth focused help.

e h t e v sa tes! da Annual Fundraiser Banquet CELEBRATING 40 YEARS April 18, 2024 Sponsorships Available in February Tickets will launch March 1 Cornhole for a Cause Tournament October 19, 2024 Stay Tuned for Details About: Diaper Bowl Pickle ball Tournament Fundraiser Walk for Life

we educate, empower & equip.

We support & encourage growth through practical & spiritual means.

corevalues EPHESIANS 4:12-13

we are family.

excellence is our standard.

We are committed to being a healthy part of the body of Christ, creating an example of unity.

Excellence is not perfectionism

1 COR 12:25-26

COLOSSIANS 3:17

jesus is at the center of it all.

Everything we do is founded on what Jesus has done for us. Matthew 6:33

people matter.

We believe in the sanctity of all human life. We honor & respect what God has called His own.

PSALM 139: 13-16

steadfastness is powerful.

we walk & work in integrity.

We bear with one another in love, and press on toward the goal of life.

We know that the eyes of our loving God are always on us.

JAMES 1:12

PSALM 41:12

call: 903.872.2881 text: 903.201.2251 3124 W. State Highway 22 Corsicana, TX 75110 hopecentercorsicana.com