At 22 years old, Darrien found herself alone, scared and pregnant. She told her mom about the pregnancy and that her mind set on having an abortion. Her mom insisted Darrien visit Hope Pregnancy Center before making a final pregnancy decision. So with a big chip on her shoulder, Darrien went to Hope.
Kathie, the Hope volunteer who met with Darrien, listened compassionately as Darrien described her situation, then shared with Darrien her pregnancy options—parenting, placing for adoption and abortion. Darrien was told of the support available through Hope, including the parenting classes. Darrien responded, “I know keeping my baby is right.”
As they talked more, God began to soften Darrien’s heart. Before she left, Kathie provided her a positive bag which contained information about her pregnancy options, a Bible, onesie and baby bib. When Darrien saw the pink onesie she exclaimed, “I knew it was going to be a girl, this is a sign from God!” Darrien later shared, “When I left that day, Hope started to give me a little...well, hope!”
Darrien’s story didn’t end with that first visit. At 18-weeks pregnant, the abortion facility she had contacted before coming to Hope, called stating “it wasn’t too late to have an abortion and they would pay for it.” However, it was too late—because Darrien found hope in her situation and chose LIFE! That same week, her doctor performed an ultrasound and confirmed she was expecting a baby girl! Darrien returned to Hope getting involved in their parenting classes, which she described as “fun, informative and the staff and volunteers were so encouraging.” Darrien had fallen in love with her unborn baby. She knew this baby was a gift from God. She said, “Hope helped me through a time where I thought all was lost. Little did I know this was just the beginning.”
So, why was Darrien’s mom so adamant she go to Hope Pregnancy Center? When her mom was pregnant with Darrien, she was planning to abort, until she went to Hope. Her mom knew Hope would tell Darrien the truth in her own situation and help her choose life! Because of Hope’s influences, two generations were saved! In 2019, Hope Pregnancy Center’s five locations served 3,660 women and men, empowering them to choose life for their child. When you invest in Hope, you provide a place of encouragement, support and compassion for people like Darrien. A one-time gift to Hope provides for services that help those dealing with an unplanned pregnancy – services like ultrasounds, pregnancy tests and positive bags. An ongoing monthly gift to Hope provides for monthly services like Empowered Parenting classes for mothers and fathers or abortion recovery help.
Together, we can be the Hope so many are searching to find.
P.S. Darrien’s beautiful baby girl, Isabella, celebrated her third birthday in March. Darrien is attending school and working as preschool teacher.
