Because of HOPE Issue 2

V o lu me 3

LPGA Golfer Amy Olson: Protecting Those Who Can Do Nothing for Us . . . . . 6 Risky Business: The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Abortions . . 10

An Abortion Pill Reversal Story: A Life Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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INSIDE

Generational Legacies: A Letter From Our Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Our Mission

Equipping pregnant women to choose life .

Our Vision

Every life is valued, and families thrive in the love of Christ .

A Closer Look at HOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Many Services, One Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Our Passion

God’s Redemptive Plans: Image Clear Ultrasound Atlanta (ICU Mobile) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Our passion is for families (women, children, and men) to feel seen, heard, known, and loved from the first moment they enter our care, no matter the path they are walking .

We want all generations and cultures to encounter Christ’s love and grace, leading them to recognize God or deepen their relationship with Him .

The Seeds Thrift Boutique Serves Clients and the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Board of Directors

God’s Gift: Baby Bottle Boomerang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Robert Aderholt, President

Amy Olson: Protecting Those Who Can Do Nothing for Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Risky Business: The Abortion Pill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Taylor’s Story: Abortion Pill Reversal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Meeting the Needs of Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Restoring Fatherhood and Inspiring HOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Prayer Room & Memorial Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Tony Geist, Vice President Ida Middleton, Treasurer

Providing HOPE and a Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Gavi Steele, Secretary

Sources of Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Cheryl Reccord

The HOPE Center Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1

Derrick Jackson Michael J . Litrel, MD, Medical Director Cindy O’Leary Executive Director Mike Frost

Street Address:

The HOPE Center

295 Molly Lane, Suite 120 Woodstock, GA 30189

770-924-7990 • SupportHopeCenter .com

Mailing Address: PO Box 384 Woodstock, GA 30188

Scan the QR code to watch Michele’s story (front cover)

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Generational Legacies A Letter From Our Executive Director Thank you so much for your interest in and support for The HOPE Center! We give God all the glory for birthing this ministry in prayer over 33 years ago, and for sustaining it through the time, talent, and treasure of His people – equipping pregnant women to choose life, and helping families thrive in the love of Christ.

In this first full year following the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, and serving in a state where abortion is illegal in most cases once a heartbeat is detected, we have experienced the harsh realities that face many men and women who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. We have found ourselves and our clients grateful for the services offered by The HOPE Center and in partnership with other local ministries and organizations.

families and a budgeting class for men and women, in addition to the classes offered for childbirth preparation and breastfeeding support. We are in the process of discerning the Lord’s call for our involvement in the housing issues that face many of our clients, and we are seeking His guidance on how best to help facilitate solutions, perhaps alongside existing local ministries.

We have been so blessed by the stories of the Lord’s faithfulness in the lives of those we serve. Our sweet Keonna, pictured on the cover of the 2022 Because of HOPE magazine, and featured in our 2022 banquet video, made a profession of faith in Jesus after having worked with her mentor for the past two years! Heaven rejoices, as do we!

We rejoice also with our precious Joyce, who met 40 Days for Life vigil leader Rachel in the parking lot of Planned Parenthood. Rachel, who was also serving as an advocate for The HOPE Center, was in touch with Joyce every day for more than a month before she committed to choosing life! Her daughter Style, pictured, just began her first day of preschool. Praise God!

Many of our supporting churches have stepped up as pro-life champions, offering support services for financial, emotional, and spiritual needs! Given the boundaries within which The HOPE Center works, this embrace of our clients by the Body of Christ is of tremendous value as they navigate pregnancy and parenting.

The completion of our expansion on Molly Lane has enabled new class offerings, including a Bible study for Ukrainian

Please don’t miss this year’s beautiful testimony – Michelle’s Story – a story full of God’s redemptive work and the unfolding of yet another generational legacy. We trust that you will direct your thanksgiving to the one who knew us before He formed us in our mother’s womb, and whose “faithfulness reaches to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5). These are generational legacies that you have enabled through your support, and we are grateful!

In His Grip,

Cindy O’Leary Executive Director

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A Closer Look at HOPE Many Services, One Mission

Serving abortion-vulnerable women for over 30 years, The HOPE Center exists to equip pregnant women to choose life, and to help families thrive in the love of Christ.

Since 1990, our ministry has expanded greatly, offering services to men, women, and the community under the umbrella of The HOPE Center. Through Options Medical Clinic, Image Clear Ultrasound Atlanta (ICU Mobile), our Parenting Partnership Program, Men of HOPE, and, of course, Seeds Thrift Boutique, we have ample support readily available for a family facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Instead of succumbing to the feeling that abortion is their only option, many women and their partners come to understand that they’ll have both support and resources if they choose to parent or make an adoption plan.

All of our services are provided at no cost to our participants thanks to your support! The HOPE Center does not receive any government funding, and relies solely on the tax-deductible donations of our generous supporters and partners.

To donate, visit SupportHopeCenter.com/ Donate or scan the QR Code.

Our passion is for families (women, children, and men) to feel seen, heard, known, and loved from the first moment they enter our care, no matter the path they are walking .

Here’s how: •

Through Options Medical Clinic and our ICU Mobile Unit, we offer medical services at no cost to the patient, which includes pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, and options counseling. These services allow us to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of the client.

•

Through our Parenting Partnership Program, we provide practical assistance, one-on-one mentorship, and education for parents from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday. “Baby Bucks” earned by program participants can be used to purchase formula, diapers, and wipes, and can be applied to purchases at Seeds.

•

Through Men of Hope, we mentor men to be strong spiritual leaders of their families and help couples strengthen their relationships through Christian principles.

•

Through Seeds Thrift Boutique, the sale of quality donated clothing, baby items, furniture, and home décor contributes greatly to The HOPE Center ministry. Although open to the general public, our Parenting Program participants benefit from their ability to earn significant discounts on needed resources at Seeds.

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Amy Olson

Protecting Those Who Can Do Nothing for Us I grew up a Denver Broncos fan. With no professional sports teams in North Dakota, uncles who cheered for the Broncos, and in the prime of the John Elway era, I band-wagoned hardcore! When I qualified for the US Women’s Open in Colorado at 18 years old, I got the chance to visit their training facility.

A sign there made such an impact on me that I took a photo of it, “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” That has stuck with me ever since.

My name is Amy Olson. I grew up in North Dakota, went to North Dakota State University, and currently live in Fargo with my husband, Grant. My roots go deep in this state. I grew up dreaming of playing professional golf on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour from the age of 10. Only one other woman from North Dakota had ever done that, and it was in the 1960s. I spent my childhood pursuing this dream, not knowing if it was even possible.

En route to setting the NCAA record for most collegiate wins, I was interviewed by Sports Illustrated. I didn’t fit their mold. Fitting the mold isn’t exactly my forte. After college, I joined the LPGA tour. I often wonder how many people are fortunate enough to live out their childhood dream. I’ve played on the LPGA ever since, with more than my share of joy, disappointment, victory, and failure.

Just like every professional athlete – and every human, as I’m finding out.

As I began my journey as a professional athlete, I thought a lot about my values. What do I want to live by, to be known for? When a company that doesn’t align with your values offers you a big check to

represent them, you’d better already know what you stand for, or you will be swayed off course. And it’s easy to treat a coach or sponsor with kindness because they can go a long way in helping you. But what about the person who you’ll never see again after you had a bad day on the course? The one who can do nothing for you and just wants something from you. That’s where character is revealed.

In the summer of 2022, I was playing in a Major championship outside of Washington D.C. The Supreme Court released their decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Many women around me and most women’s sports organizations were devastated and angry. There was conversation in the locker room and in player dining. A reporter asked for my opinion, and for the first time in my life, I took a public stance on a political issue. “For those who say this hurts women, my question to them is – when does a woman’s life begin?

If we can’t answer that question, how can we even have a conversation about women’s rights?”

If we ignore half of the people involved in this issue, we end up with an unbalanced view. The person in the

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womb cannot speak, cannot fight, and cannot “vote” for a politician. Is this why they get left out of the conversation? Because they can’t do anything for us?

What if that baby is a female? What about her rights?

She already has her own DNA, which is separate from the mother’s DNA. If her life doesn’t begin at conception, then when does it? I asked a friend on tour who was outraged at the Supreme Court decision when the baby’s life begins. “That is way beyond my pay grade,” she replied.

Remember how I don’t fit the mold? Women’s sports is a sanctuary for abortion. In this field, a woman’s body is her career. Pregnancy, planned or unplanned, will drastically change her life. It already has for me.

As I write this article, I’m pregnant and I can tell you, pregnancy is not easy. As a professional athlete, I should sail right through this, right? Wrong! Support for women who are pregnant is vital. Especially those who go through this without the support of a loving husband or family. We can all play a part in that in our communities.

There is a movement among women to celebrate our strength, and I have to ask: what does that mean? For most in this career-centered world, there is an idolatry of achievement, where strength equals career success.

If you don’t accomplish everything you’ve dreamed of, you have no value. But that’s just not true.

I believe the strongest and most powerful person in the world is Jesus. He sacrificed His life willingly so that we could have eternal life. That is the greatest display of strength there is. He did it for us, men and women who can do nothing for Him in return. For every woman, there is sacrifice involved in bringing another human into the world, but that sacrifice is a powerful display of her strength.

For the woman in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy, the last thing she’s thinking of is how beautiful she is. She may feel shame or anger, but in that moment, it is vital that she knows she is a beautiful creation of God. A God who gave Himself for her. An item’s value is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. God paid for her with His life. That

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is how valuable she is!

As people who are pro-life, we must fight for the woman and her baby. We can’t just talk pro-life. We have to live pro-life. Volunteering with and supporting our local pregnancy center is a great start. Helping those we know who are pregnant and don’t have support is critical.

Changing laws to protect the most vulnerable is essential. A society can also be judged by how they treat those who can do nothing for it. Good laws are necessary for protecting the weak. The strong can defend themselves, but the weak and vulnerable need our strength.

As someone who has had the privilege of experiencing life, womanhood, and professional success, I know how valuable they all are. For the woman in an unplanned pregnancy, I am pro-woman. For the baby in her womb, I am pro-life. I know they both have so much life and potential ahead.

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Risky Business Seismic changes are coming to the fight over abortion!

With the US Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade, each state will determine the legal status of abortion.

And one of the toughest battles the states will fight is over chemical abortion.

taking the first drug, the mother must take a medication called Cytotec. This drug will induce strong contractions to expel the baby, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid.

There are currently two forms of chemical abortion.

One is called the morning-after pill and the other is called the abortion pill (or RU486). For the morningafter pill to work, the woman has to take the drug within 72 hours after intercourse. The pill prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

The use of the abortion pill can be a miserable experience for the mother. The normal and expected side effects will be bleeding, cramping, and pain.

Possible unexpected side effects include pelvic pain, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, tired feeling, weakness, back pain, and allergic reactions. These can include closing of the throat and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.

The abortion pill, on the other hand, should really be known as the “70 mornings after pill.” A pregnant woman can take the abortion pill up to 70 days (yes, 10 weeks) after conception. If taken within this time period, the abortion pill will kill the baby in 98% of the cases.

Then there’s the possibility of severe side effects. These include failure to end the pregnancy, infection, blood clots in the uterus, undetected ectopic pregnancy, very heavy bleeding, severe hemorrhage, and even death.

More than 1 in 100 require hospitalization.

The abortion pill causes the mother’s body to withhold the life-sustaining hormone progesterone from the baby. Without this hormone, a baby with a strong heartbeat will die quickly. Then, within 24 hours of

Because RU486 carries life-threatening and healthendangering risks, the Food and Drug Administration has kept it in a drug safety program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). This

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means the abortion pill is supposed to be taken under a doctor’s supervision. But that doesn’t always happen. In many states, a prescription for the pill is available via a telemedicine visit and then mail ordered to the home of the patient. And it is readily available at many colleges’ health centers where doctors are not usually present.

years later, the percentage of abortions performed chemically has risen from 39% to 54%. This number will continue to rise, as the abortion industry is pushing hard for RU486 to be available over the counter like the morning-after pill is. This will likely happen under the current administration.

During Covid, the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the FDA to demand a temporary suspension of the REMS. The stated goal was to keep women safe during the pandemic. But the abortion industry has made it clear that its long-term strategy is to remove REMS permanently and make abortions “self-managed” and

Clearly, chemical abortions highlight the shift in the abortion battle now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. We must continue to fight for the life of every baby. At the same time, we must remember that this isn’t just a political and legal battle. This is also a spiritual battle. We must continue to fight this battle on

unrestricted. In fact, chemical abortion is the primary means the abortion industry will use to undermine restrictive state laws.

our knees and with our mouths – speaking truth to the women who consider abortion a viable form of birth control. The baby in their womb isn’t a blob of tissue, but a human who bears the image of God.

It is also why we’ll continue to see a huge increase in the number of chemical abortions. Prior to the Covid outbreak, the number of abortions performed in the United States via the abortion pill was 39%. Two

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Taylor’s Story

Abortion Pill Reversal

By Krista McAuliffe, RN, BSN, FNP-C, Clinic Director

At The HOPE Center, we’re blessed to meet clients every day who inspire us. Taylor, a client who came to us in the early Spring of 2023, has done just that.

When Taylor came to us, she had just discovered that she was pregnant. This was unexpected for her, so, understandably, she felt overwhelmed with uncertainty. She was referred to us by Planned Parenthood, and our first visit was a very emotional one. A heartbeat was not detected by ultrasound.

She left unsure of what to do next, but she did agree to come in for a follow-up ultrasound. In our followup visit, she encountered Jesus in a powerful way. I asked her if she trusted me enough to close her eyes and picture a joyful memory. She did, and in that joyful memory, she said that she saw the love that Jesus had for her. This began to change the way she looked at herself. Taylor had grown up in the church but had never placed her faith in Jesus as her Savior and Lord.

When she came for a second ultrasound visit, she brought along the father of the baby. The ultrasound showed viability, but Taylor said that neither of them felt any attachment to the pregnancy. At that point, she was under six weeks pregnant.

Within the next couple of weeks, she and the father made the decision to go out of state to obtain the abortion pill. She immediately regretted taking the first set of pills (mifepristone) and reached out to us the next morning in tears, asking if there was a way to reverse the process. I kindly spoke to her and asked her to come in for an ultrasound. We checked on her baby, who still had a very strong heartbeat and was now nine weeks and three days old. We called in a

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prescription for progesterone, which helps reverse the effects of mifepristone, to save her baby.

Taylor continued taking the progesterone for the remainder of her first trimester. We are so thankful to report that this life-saving method preserved her pregnancy and reversed the process of the abortion pill. She returned once more to our clinic for a final ultrasound to confirm the continued viability of her unborn baby before transferring her medical care to an obstetric office.

It is an honor that we were able to play a role in saving this precious life. Taylor is currently enrolled in our Parenting Partnership Program, where she is growing in her faith and receiving the support she needs to prepare her for motherhood.

We are also happy to report that God is continuing to do amazing things in the lives of Taylor and her child, who is due this fall. Taylor accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior over the summer, and continues to grow in her relationship with Him, learning to trust in His perfect plan for her. Client stories like Taylor’s are the heartbeat of The HOPE Center, and we’re so thankful we get to be a part of them.

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Meeting the Needs of Parents

By Heather Goodbread, IBCLC, Center Director

Many people think that our clients come to see The HOPE Center once, and then they are done, but the hope we strive to give does not end in one visit. We desire to see each of our clients learn and blossom, which takes time.

Our parenting program includes a mentorship in which we develop long-term relationships with our clients. Our mentors will work with a client for anywhere between two and three years, depending on when they start coming to The HOPE Center.

While a mentor walks through life with them during those two to three years, mentors learn about what is going on in their client’s lives, allowing them to apply the lessons to each client’s life practically.

Along the way, they learn about the logistics of taking care of children, including working in finances and finding the proper workplace that works for their family. All of these interactions

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are interwoven with spiritual conversations and discipleship in mind.

Our mentors use a program called Bright Course, which uses video-based lessons to educate parents on a variety of topics. Bright Course is a curriculum for pregnancy centers to educate pregnant women and parents of children up to five years old. Many times, our mentors will say, “We met for an hour, and we didn’t even watch a video; she just needed to talk today. She needed someone who helped her feel seen and loved so that she could take on these challenging conversations she needed to have in her community and with her family.”

So while we have Bright Course, it’s just a tool for the mentors to start conversations and build relationships. The goal is for them to sit with the client and help them navigate their changing lives.

We are proud to say that Bright Course uses top-tier resources.

They are evidence-based, which means they qualify as educational material for moms and dads who are dealing with Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) system, which means that these courses will meet the requirements set forth by DFCS. The HOPE Center has helped pregnant moms with older children navigate the DFCS requirements, thereby assisting in the ultimate goal of family reunification.

Another tool we use to build relationships with our clients is HopeSync, which is a texting platform we can use when the client is not face-to-face with their mentor. Using HopeSync, a mentor can check in with the client and ask, “Hey, how are you? Are you making sure you’re taking care of yourself physically? Is there anything further we can do to help you, today?”

As much as The HOPE Center does for their valued clients, we know we cannot do everything for them. Our mentors encourage them to develop relationships in their community, particularly through their church. This helps them develop other relationships that can provide accountability and stability after they graduate from our parenting program.

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Parenting Support Mentors Debbie and Dave with their clients – Lindsey, Thomas and baby Archer.

Restoring Fatherhood and Inspiring HOPE

By Heather Goodbread, IBCLC, Center Director

Pregnancy often centers on maternal care due to the physical burden mothers carry. At The HOPE Center we recognize that fathers also require encouragement and support. Our HOPE Center Parenting Program mentors are dedicated to providing this support for both parents, helping them acknowledge their shared responsibility for the physical, emotional, and spiritual upbringing of their child.

entire family. Our mission is not only to support mothers, but also encourage them to recognize the benefits, both for themselves and their babies, in allowing fathers to step into their roles as providers and caregivers. Society often sends mixed messages to men, and The HOPE Center is here to educate and support fathers as they actively engage in their partnership with the mother, parenting as a united team.

In a society that sometimes leaves women feeling isolated by promoting self-sufficiency, we firmly believe that God’s divine design of the family unit and parenthood can achieve so much more when embraced together, benefiting the

Mentorship for fatherhood, provided through The HOPE Center’s Parenting Program, is carefully crafted to offer practical education, spiritual guidance, and mentoring. Additionally, fathers can earn incentives through our Baby Bucks program,

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which includes both education and material resource provision.

When a new or expectant father joins the Men’s Services Parenting Program, we connect him with a dedicated Men of HOPE mentor. Together, they cultivate a supportive relationship and mentorship that empowers the young father to build confidence in his parenting role while reinforcing his support for the mother. In cases where parents are in committed relationships, they have the option to meet as a team with both mentors. This group counseling and mutual accountability is essential in maintaining a focus on family unity.

Fathers often become acquainted with The HOPE Center through Options Medical Clinic when accompanying the mother for her pregnancy test.

Our mentors seize this opportunity to encourage

fathers to become informed and involved. If fathers accompany mothers to clinic visits, our mentors remind them of the importance of their voice in the decision-making process.

It’s not uncommon for fathers to play a significant role in influencing the mother’s decisions during this critical time. The Men of HOPE mentors are skilled at guiding these fathers, demonstrating that they hold the power to positively impact their family’s course by embracing fatherhood with determination and courage.

The Men of HOPE program is expanding, and we are actively seeking additional mentors.

For more information, please contact Maria Douglas, Volunteer & Education Manager, at MariaDouglas@hopectr.com or call 770-924-7990 ext. 226.

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(L to R) Tori, Krista, Erin, Evette

God’s Redemptive Plans

Image Clear Ultrasound Atlanta (ICU Mobile)

By Erin Boggs, ICU Mobile Operations Coordinator

Years ago, Erin Boggs walked through parts of Atlanta and prayed over the people of these communities as she walked each street. Her heart was broken for those who needed the Lord, and revival was on her heart and in her prayers.

Erin’s personal story is coming full circle.

She is now serving as The HOPE Center’s ICU Mobile Operations Coordinator, and some of the locations served are in the very places Erin wept and prayed years before. God does indeed hear and answer prayer.

Atlanta – including areas where it’s difficult to support a full-time clinic. The Mobile Unit, which takes help to those who can’t get to our Center or do not know about it, is a vital extension of our mission. Erin and Torie, the Mobile Sonographer, have taken this task to heart, and are taking the Good News and the help it offers to places in Atlanta that are otherwise underserved by pregnancy resource centers. There is no given demographic for the women the Mobile serves, which illustrates the scope and nature of the need – immense in every way.

While The HOPE Center is a vital resource for women in its vicinity, the need is great throughout

Erin and her team want to increase the Mobile’s availability for women in college by setting up in

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locations accessible to students from Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta, Spelman, Georgia State, and Emory.

Doing so allows the Unit to serve other women in the communities surrounding these institutions as well.

prayer with this client. They did not know why, but it was very clear. They gave her resources for postabortive care and healing, and hugged her goodbye.

She left with eyes filled with tears.

A common thread among those who visit the Mobile is a desire to tell their story. Many of the women and men come needing a safe place to process feelings and feel supported. They come needing to be heard.

Several minutes later, the mobile staff heard a knock on the door. To their surprise, it was the young woman. She stated, “I don’t know how to explain this, but as I was leaving, I know the Lord told me to come back and ask for specific prayer.” She described it as a burning in her lungs and a heavy weight. This act of obedience by a broken-hearted girl opened the doors for healing prayer and a radical revival of her heart. She completely rededicated her life to Christ!

A case in point is a young woman who visited the Mobile Unit a number of months ago. She had previously taken abortion pills but was still testing positive with an at-home pregnancy test.

The Mobile Unit ran a pregnancy test, which showed a faint positive. Unsure whether this faint positive was from a new pregnancy or her body still processing from the previously aborted pregnancy, the mobile staff discussed possibilities with the patient and decided to perform an ultrasound. With the ultrasound, they were able to confirm that there was no evidence of a developing baby.

That led to a very in-depth conversation in which she shared the weight of all she was carrying. Her father is the pastor of a church in another state where she had been the worship leader and grew up in a faith-filled community. She said that, for a number of reasons, she had fallen away from Jesus.

The mobile staff listened and gave guidance for almost two hours. They had discerned initially that the Lord wanted them to wait on more in-depth

It was beautiful to see the Lord use one of her most painful moments to turn her heart directly back to Him. There was a light in her, and a hope she did not have when she had first come on the Mobile. She has since come in to the Mobile Unit several times, and the Lord has completely changed her life. She has broken ties with the father of the baby and is healing. She has reconnected with her parents and is talking to her father often about her faith. She graduated from college in May, and is seeking the Lord for direction for her future.

It’s been so inspiring to witness the depth and desire that this young woman has to grow and develop her faith and follow the Father’s will for her life. Her choice of abortion led her to the ICU Mobile, and in His grace, God opened the way for healing, hope, and redemption.

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The Seeds Thrift Boutique Serves Clients and the Community What makes Seeds Thrift Boutique so unique? It’s not just a thrift store. It’s a boutique that sells high-quality gently used and new furniture, home décor, clothing, and nursery items at a variety of price points. But there’s more to it than that.

Seeds began as a baby boutique in 2007 as a way to support mothers and families going through The HOPE Center’s Parenting Program. Each class that a client attends earns them Baby Bucks, which they can use to make purchases at Seeds at a significant discount.

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Since its simple beginning, it has grown leaps and bounds by offering products and a shopping experience that caters not just to moms but to the general public. In fact, many of the items available are high-end, brand-new, and still have tags attached.

There’s even brand-new furniture available!

The boutique is clean and organized to make people feel great about their shopping experience. Seeds merchandise is arranged in vignettes that allow the customer to come and visualize how items will work in their home.

Also, the general public shops and invests in Seeds, which directly feeds back into the families served by The HOPE Center. When you spend $500 on a piece of furniture, you enable the store to offer other items at true thrift-store prices. That $500 console means Seeds can sell bibs to new moms for 50 cents.

The Seeds’ semi-annual blowout sale serves the greater Woodstock area with great deals. The clothing will go for a dollar per piece, which really helps those in the community who may not qualify for our pregnancy ministry. Store Manager Liz Borgschulte said, “Anytime we can bless people beyond our clients, it’s a win for us!”

Seeds’ focus is on people first. According to Liz, “Our team is very engaged in personalizing and being aware of every customer that comes through the door.” So whether you’re a client of The HOPE Center or just someone looking for a great deal on high-quality merchandise, stop by and see what you can find. Don’t miss the Prayer Wall. Prayer requests are regularly

lifted in prayer by staff and volunteers, trusting that the Lord moves powerfully when He is invited into people’s lives.

Each purchase at Seeds is an investment in the ministry, as all proceeds support The HOPE Center.

Your purchase may very well influence an expectant couple’s life decision for their baby.

If you’re looking for a way to support The HOPE Center without shopping, Seeds happily accepts new and gently used donations. Clothing, home goods, nursery, holiday, and seasonal items are particularly welcome.

Donation hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. No appointment is necessary; simply drop off your items in the back, and enjoy a 10% discount on purchases for having donated. As the store name suggests, these small investments plant seeds that yield a bountiful harvest over time – a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

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God’s Gift

Baby Bottle Boomerang The “God’s Gift” baby bottles The HOPE Center distributes to churches and other organizations are a huge blessing to families in the community. They seem small and insignificant, but Father Larry at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Woodstock, GA will tell you the checks, bills, and coins deposited in a baby bottle can easily add up.

In fact, his church regularly raises over $25,000 for The HOPE Center in its annual Baby Bottle Boomerang.

Father Larry has been at St. Michael’s for 20 years.

About 16 years ago, Cindy O’Leary approached him about the Sanctity of Human Life month in January.

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During that month, she speaks at six masses about The HOPE Center and encourages the congregants to be involved in supporting the Center.

Sometimes Cindy will bring a client with her to speak about how The HOPE Center has helped them. When

she does, it’s always a powerful message that inspires the parishioners.

in our community. It’s a wonderful ministry.”

And at the end of the mass, she lets the people know what their efforts are doing. She brings crates of baby bottles, and the ushers distribute them to all the families. They take the bottles home and bring them back in two weeks, filled with change, bills, and checks.

It helps the young people, particularly the children, realize what’s going on and understand that they can contribute. They can be a part of helping bring life into this world. Father Larry says, “Every life is sacred.

We are made in the image and likeness of God. We all want to be a part of something that has good fruits coming from it. And The HOPE Center is saving lives

Aside from raising money for The HOPE Center, Father Larry encourages his congregation to volunteer their time and service as well. His church’s faithfulness in filling baby bottles has resulted in abundant blessings for The HOPE Center and the community.

Rest assured, the checks, bills, and coins dropped into a baby bottle make a huge difference for the women and families served by The HOPE Center.

If your church or group is interested in learning more about saving lives through a Baby Bottle Boomerang campaign, please contact The HOPE Center at 770-924-7990 and ask for Laura Haigler, or email LauraHaigler@hopectr.com.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE HOPE CENTER

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Prayer Room & Memorial Wall

By Heather Goodbread, IBCLC, Center Director

Losing a child is one of the most difficult things a

This has helped create a wonderful environment for

parent can experience. Whether the loss is through

welcoming their newborn.

miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, or after the baby’s birth, it can shatter an individual and a family. The HOPE Center regularly ministers to men and women who suffer such a loss. Not too long ago, one of our own staff members suffered a loss that shook not only that family but all of us at The Center.

This family lost their sweet little one before his first birthday, and it really grieved all of our hearts. We all said, “You know what, we need to do something, not just for this family, but for all families with little ones who have gone on ahead of us.”

In addition to our Pregnancy Loss Support Group, we have also created a Naming Wall within The Prayer Room. It’s called The Russell and Friends Memorial Wall, named after the staff member’s child that we lost. On that wall, parents can take a small butterfly, write their baby’s name on it, and attach it to the wall.

If they didn’t get the chance to name their baby, we have a baby name book that they can reference with Scripture verses throughout. With this, they can take some time to read through it, select the name

Out of that tragic loss, The HOPE Center started

they believe to be their baby’s, and then place it

a Pregnancy Loss Support Group that meets here

on the wall. This provides a much-needed time and

in our prayer room. This group has played an

space for parents to feel God’s love console them

instrumental role in the lives of families who have

after the loss they’ve experienced.

been through a loss like this. It has assured them that they’re not alone in the grieving process, and has been a critical healing agent in their journeys.

This ministry is a beautiful touch of hope for these families. The healing they experience enables them to move forward in their relationship with God and

We even have some clients attending the group

their family members. We love getting to see God’s

who have lost children in the past and are currently

hand touch their lives through this extension of His

pregnant. Clients in this situation are given the

grace. If you or someone you know would benefit

opportunity to go through the program and work

from being connected to our Pregnancy Loss

through healing before they deliver their next baby.

Support Group, we would love to connect with you.

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Give us a call, we’d love to help! 770-255-0470 agents . farmers .com/ga/woodstock/beau-odelI bodell 1@farmersagent .com 106 Mirramont Lake Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189

Home I Auto I Life I Umbrella I Commercial The ODell Agency is proud to partner with The HOPE Center as they faithfully and diligently serve our community . It is a blessing to be able to see the lives that they are touching and the impact that they are making! We are honored to be a part of this life changing movement!

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Co-ops established around the Southeast!

Real Food for Better Health

More than a kitchen store, we are a real food store where customer education, service and satisfaction are our goals. We're here to help you achieve better health... through real food.

Bulk Grains and Beans

Whole Foods

Grain Mills & More

Wheat Kamut Spelt Oats Rice GF Grains And more

Unpasteurized honey Unprocessed sugars Olive Oil Natural sweeteners Coffee & Tea Natural Sodas And more

Electric Grain Mills Hand Mills Mixers Bread Machines Pressure Cookers Dehydrators Fermentation Crocks And much more

Kidney White Navy Black Peas Lentils Pinto And more

Grains and beans available for long term storage in : ~ 6 gallon buckets ~ 1 gallon pails ~ 2lb. baggies

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Reduced shipping & quantity discounts Call or email for co-op locations.

Visit our website for online store, upcoming classes/events, and free cooking class videos .

Subscribe to our free email newsletter!

www.BreadBeckers.com Phone: 770-516-5000 Fax: 770-516-7588 support@BreadBeckers.com 305 Bell Park Dr. Woodstock, GA 30188 Retail store hours: Mon - Sat 9 - 4

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Sources of Support The HOPE Center continues to be blessed with the Lord’s

provision through His people! Over 80% of our ministry funding in 2022 came through individuals. Provision came through many avenues, including but not limited to funds received through our Annual Banquet, the Walk for Life, ministry updates/newsletters, and of course, the monthly support of our Life Champion donors!

Our partnering churches continue to come alongside moms, babies, and families in need by contributing financially, offering awareness-raising events like Baby Bottle Boomerangs, baby showers, diaper drives, and encouraging volunteers to give of their time and talents as the Lord leads. Not only do we find

e f i L r o F k l Wa

Saturday, May 4th, 2024

We had an amazing time at this past year’s Annual Walk For Life. Friends and family from all over gathered to celebrate the beauty of life and the work God is doing through The HOPE Center. We can’t wait to do it again!

God’s grace sufficient for our every need, but His provision as well. Because of His incredible hand of provision in our ministry, we are confidently able to say that The HOPE Center receives no government funding.

Make sure you mark your calendar to join us for our upcoming Walk For Life on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.

Scan the QR code to relive last year’s fun!

General Solicitations/Individual Donations Life Champion Monthly Donor Banquet Walk Campaign Church Support Baby Bottle Boomerang Other *January – December 2022 4343 Shallowford Rd Building 200, Ste. 211, Marietta, GA 30062

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The HOPE Center Volunteers The heartbeat of our ministry

“Be devoted to one another in love...”

Romans 12:10

We are so thankful for our volunteers. They are truly the heartbeat of our ministry and without them, we simply couldn’t do all that we do. Through them, those walking through the doors of The HOPE Center encounter the true love of God in powerful ways. We’re always looking for more willing hearts to invest into the lives of women and families through volunteering with us.

Volunteer Opportunities Please check out a few of our volunteer opportunities below to see where you best fit!

The HOPE Center / Options Medical Clinic Client Advocate Greeter- Options Medical Clinic Greeter- The HOPE Center Data Entry Specialist Administrative Support Men of HOPE Prayer Intercessor Baby Bottle Count Team Registered Nurse Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Seeds Thrift Boutique Located adjacent to The HOPE Center, Seeds Thrift Boutique plays a vital role in keeping our ministry a place that provides hope and help by meeting practical needs for families through high quality, lowpriced merchandise. Seeds has various volunteer needs and those that serve always say they have the best time.

Donations Processing Team Quality Control Sorter Clothing Price Specialist Clothing Tagging Team Primary Sorter Specialist Special Projects

To further explore volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer / Education Manager, Maria Douglas. mariadouglas@hopectr.com | 770-924-7990 ext. 226

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Phantom Auto Shield

(404) 725-4125

brad@phantomautoshield .com phantomautoshield .com

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Your One-Stop Shop For Insurance Jeff Beachler

115 Mirramont Lake Dr Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 558-1612 JBeachler@alfains.com

Proud sponsor of The Hope Center.

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Proud of Proud supporter supporter of The Center The HOPE Center

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Proud The HOPE HOPE Center Center Proud Supporter Supporter of of The

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li-v.org

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LIVcare careteam teamhelps helps LIV pregnantmoms momsand and pregnant families familiesboth bothduring duringand and after afterpregnancy . pregnancy .

proudly supports

The HOPE Center.

Scan to Watch Video

Meet the team at mileshko.com video

photo

graphic design

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DECOR

•

CLOTHING

•

FURNITURE

Seeds Thrift Boutique sells quality donated clothing, furniture and home decor in order to generate funding to support the HOPE Center . When you shop at Seeds, you are playing a role in our ultimate mission, which is to equip pregnant women to choose Life!

SEEDS THRIFT BOUTIQUE SELLS QUALITY DONATED CLOTHING, FURNITURE AND HOME DECOR IN ORDER TO GENERATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE HOPE CENTER. seedsthriftstore .com WHEN YOU SHOP AT SEEDS, YOU ARE PLAYING A ROLE IN OUR ULTIMATE MISSION, WHICH IS TO EQUIP PREGNANT CHOOSE LIFE!100 295WOMEN MollyTO Lane, Suite

Woodstock, GA 30189

15% off

CONNECT AND SHOP ONLINE @seedsthriftboutique

ENTIRE PURCHASE Expires 9/1/22. Coupon must be present at time of purchase to redeem. Some exclusions may apply. Not to be combined with any other discount or promotion.

295 Molly Lane Suite 100 Woodstock, GA 30189

Store Hours

@SeedsThriftBoutique

Sunday - Monday . . . . . Closed

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| (770) 517-4450

Tuesday - Friday . . . . . . 11 am - 5 pm

Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am - 4 pm

Donation Hours

Sunday - Tuesday . . . . Closed

Wednesday - Friday . . . 10 am - 4:30 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am - 1 pm