Kayla’s Story

Just seven days shy of her 19th birthday, Kayla found out the unexpected news that she was pregnant . Told to get an abortion and given an ultimatum by her parents, Kayla didn’t know where to turn . She shared, “In my heart I didn’t want an abortion . I wasn’t scared of being pregnant, I was more scared to tell my family . I was bawling while on the phone with them thinking I was going to end two lives: my daughter’s and mine… .

With a lack of support from her family as well as the father of the baby, and in a less than ideal financial situation, Kayla went to the health department to confirm her pregnancy . Although she was told not to go to The HOPE Center by a staff member at the health department because they would “talk her out of the abortion,” she made an appointment anyway . At the Center, she received a pregnancy test and ultrasound, revealing her preborn baby .

After meeting with her advocate, Kayla chose life for her baby girl and rededicated her life to Jesus! She was linked to resources that included Medicaid, WIC, housing, education, and a church home by our staff and volunteers! Kayla took part in our Earn While You Learn program, where she received diapers, wipes, and formula, as well as parenting classes that helped prepare her to be the best mother for her precious daughter .

“If I didn’t go to The HOPE Center, I would have ended my daughter’s life . She is beyond joyful, silly, hilarious, and just truly a light of Jesus walking around… . The Lord changed [my life] with her,” Kayla said . She also shared with our team, “You are such a blessing . The Lord is using you like you wouldn’t believe . Your prayers, your donations, your counseling, every bit of it is being used by the Lord . ”