Resource Health Partner Brief (August 2023)

August 2023

PARTNER BRIEF

Tanisha & Marquis* came to Resource Health for testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Every woman seen in our STI clinic at Resource Health also receives a free pregnancy test. Everyone was surprised—especially Tanisha & Marquis—when her pregnancy test was positive. Initially, they were determined to choose abortion. And, as far as they were concerned, the sooner the better.

But after seeing their baby on the ultrasound screen and talking with our compassionate staff, they chose life. Tanisha & Marquis expressed tremendous gratitude for our calm, compassionate, informative team and the services they provided.

Kathy Edwards Chief Executive Officer

Your partnership has encouraged us and provided support for expanding programs that help us reach the abortion-minded, like Tanisha & Marquis.

This summer, we launched a streaming commercial that has been viewed over 111,000 times and driven our STI clinic appointments up by 42% in the first month. This service effectively reaches those most at risk for experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, helping them become familiar with our services and building trust so they’ll return when pregnancy becomes a reality.

As online abortion pill sales, “Plan B,” and the morning-after pill provide easy and private abortion alternatives, Resource Health is developing new ways to reach the most abortiondetermined.

Our STI clinic is just one example of how we do precisely that.

We’ve been so encouraged to see our virtual center gaining momentum. Over 49% of the engagement through the virtual center chats are abortion-determined women—exactly

whom we want to talk with. 50% are vulnerable to choosing abortion but not firmly decided.

We find that of abortiondetermined women who call and make appointments, 69% show up for their appointment. Our internal statistics show that women who walk through our doors and receive ultrasound services will choose life, on average, 83% of the time. When the father is involved, that number increases to 91%.

In addition to our virtual center, we plan to begin canvasing medical clinics, social services facilities, schools, and universities to make Resource Health known where potential clients are. It’s amazing what happens when actual face-to-face visits occur, and we make ourselves accessible to the community at large. While this may sound simple, it requires a robust infrastructure. That is why we train staff with talking points, create reports and handouts, and make appointments with these agencies to become allies for “women’s health” in Kansas City.

In a dark culture that continues to suppress light and cast shadows of untruth, we appreciate your partnership more than ever. Our calling is to be light in a dark world. Thank you for standing with us and discussing our plans to use innovative tactics to advocate for the unborn, empower families, and be a light in the darkness. As the song says, “’Til He returns or calls us home, here in the love of Christ we stand.” May our work glorify and please our heavenly Father and add daily to His Kingdom.

Please contact me anytime to discuss our work. 816-875-2127 | kathyedwards@resourcehealth.org

STAFF HIGHLIGHT: Kelly King, Center Coordinator

My journey with Resource Health began three years ago when the Lord showed me that He was calling me back to this work. In previous years, I served as a house manager at The Lighthouse, a local maternity home.

My passion for this work began 35 years ago when, as a 15-year-old girl, I walked through the doors of a pregnancy resource center amid my own unplanned pregnancy. I walked in, scared and confused, thinking I would abort my baby.

Through the love and encouragement I received that day, I made a decision that would change my life forever and has continued to affect future generations. I chose to give my son life through adoption. Making this decision has fueled the passion in my heart to serve the women that walk through our doors every day. I am thankful for the story the Lord gave me and the way I’ve been able to use it to bring perspective to clients in the same situation.

Over the past three years at Resource Health, I have been able to serve in many different ways. These roles include Receptionist, Client Advocate, and Center Coordinator. I have also had the pleasure of serving at community events, training new Client Advocates and Center Coordinators, and am known by my coworkers as the resident office prankster. Each position has allowed me to see this organization from a different point of view and deepened my appreciation for our services.

One of the great joys of working here has been the opportunity to work alongside my son Drew, one of our Fatherhood Coordinators. It is a daily reminder of the goodness of God and the power of redemption.

Seeing him pour into the lives of our male clients as they become Fathers is a testament to our mission here at Resource Health, positively impacting families for generations to come.

ABORTION-VULNERABLE

MOM CHOOSES LIFE: Zara’s Story*

The world stood still. The tiny plastic stick in her trembling hand felt like it weighed a metric ton. She knew the course of her life would forever be altered.

A friend recently became pregnant, and Zara was taking this pregnancy test for fun.

Zara, who had just started a new job and had been in a long-term committed relationship, had recently had a one-night stand with another man. She didn’t know which man was the father. If it was from the one-night stand, she wanted to abort the baby. But if her partner was the baby’s father, she would let him decide.

Zara had two ultrasound appointments at Resource Health. She leaned in during the scans but continued to express her feeling that she couldn’t have a baby with a man who wasn’t her partner. Anita, the nurse performing the scans, encouraged Zara to take as much time as she needed to think through her decision and how it could look long term.

When Zara came in for a third ultrasound, she was still undecided and told Anita she tried not to think about the pregnancy when she wasn’t at one of her appointments. During the scan that day, Zara saw her baby for the first time. As tears filled Zara’s eyes, Anita asked if she could pray for her.

Zara came in for a fourth scan and asked to take pictures of her baby home with her. She was surprised to see her baby moving this time! We showed her fetal models when she asked about her baby’s development. This conversation allowed us to discuss things like taking prenatal vitamins, setting up Medicaid, and seeing an OB/GYN.

That day, Zara agreed to speak with Hailey, our Education Coordinator, about available resources and enrolled in our Mom Strong program.

A few weeks later, Zara was amazed to discover SHE WAS HAVING TWINS! She established prenatal care

Throughout her pregnancy experience, Zara faithfully attended and engaged in our Mom Strong classes. And although she struggled with some medical issues, Hailey provided resources and the support Zara most needed. During their time together, Hailey and Zara talked about God and what it means to have a relationship with Him.

After Zara’s healthy babies were born this spring, she brought them to Resource Health to introduce them to our team. Mom completed our Mom Strong program and is exploring our Mentoring program in one of our partner churches.

*Allnameshavebeenchanged.

We asked our Dads Matter team:

WHY ARE YOU A FATHERHOOD COORDINATOR?

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Jason & Lyndsay Shotwell

We feel deeply privileged to be engaged with Resource Health. Since October 2019, we’ve had numerous opportunities, including a vocational role on staff and serving with other team members in the Fatherhood program. Over the past four years, we’ve passionately given back to protect the unborn and support expectant parents through pregnancy and childbirth. We’re incredibly grateful for the wonderful network of people at Resource Health, who walk alongside us and support this vital ministry. Despite the challenges, we stand firm in our commitment to protect and advocate for the unborn. We eagerly anticipate saving more lives and serving with dedication in this crucial cause.

“...because

As

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“...because I understand the profound void and challenges that arise from not having an engaged father figure in my own life. I’m determined to make a positive impact by providing the resources and mentorship that I lacked, helping other fathers become actively involved in their children’s lives.”

— Drew Thom

I am passionate about treating people like Jesus does. It is a privilege to meet guys where they are and care for them as they are, offering hope and resources along the way.

a dad with a growing family, I understand the value of equipping men to become strong and confident dads.”

Curtis Edwards

“...because God has called me to disciple men and encourage fathers to lead and love their families to the best of their ability. Strong fathers create strong families, which can change our communities and culture.”

Jeremiah Ellis

“...because I believe in the value of each Father to his child and family. I believe in equipping each Dad to raise his children in a home with security and love. I believe what we do will bring positive change to each family now and for generations to come.”

— Mike Schnelle