Jodi's Story - Give 4 Good and Help them Both

Before you read a portion of my personal story, Click here for a 40 second hello from me!

"Mom, I'm pregnant". I was 16 when I spoke those words to my mom while I sat on her bed.  

For three years prior to this moment, I had been abused by a relative. No one knew. I was ashamed. I decided to be an honor student, be the teachers' pet, and keep my head down. However, a cute fellow noticed me and what I had taken from me as a 13 year old, I gave away at 16. I had never heard of a teen being pregnant. I just knew I was the first! I looked in the phone book for help. Golly! I found it. A dreary building, with a lady behind a large counter told me I could pay today and not be pregnant tomorrow. Wow, no one needed to know. I hid it for as long as I could. But, then I needed to ask my mom for permission to skip school. She asked me why. I told her I needed to support "a friend" who is pregnant and is getting an abortion. My mom was horrified and tried for 10 minutes to call "my friend's mother" as she had to know. Well, since "my friend" was me, I spent another 10 minutes convincing my mother that her straight A student, obedient daughter, was not a virgin and pregnant. I am almost 60 years old, and I remember that night like it was yesterday. In that moment, my mom had no words, but her actions took me to the abortion clinic the next day. Her fear partnered with mine, and I ended the precious life of my child. 

"Mom, I'm pregnant". My daughter was 17 when she spoke those words to me while sitting on my bed. After a moment of, "how did this happen", I gave her hug, comforted her and told her, now, let's go tell dad. But, unlike my story, our family walked it out together, dependent wholly on God. That was 2006. Today, her son is 18 and graduating from high School May 4th.

March 15, 2025, I celebrated 15 years of being in full time ministry at Heart of Hope as the Executive Director. Through God's grace and healing power, I now am able to be a voice of hope and an act of love for young women finding themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. 

God threw out the cookie cutter when He made you and me. There are no two the same. Just like our moms. Each one a unique masterpiece, like the unborn child growing in their womb. Every situation is different and some are very tragic. However, I have seen God crash in every time and release hope. I say crash, because His love is like a tidal wave. At Heart of Hope, you can't miss being drenched in His love and care. 

Our amazing staff is ready and waiting to meet the physical, emotional and educational needs of our young moms, but only God can heal a shattered heart and give them hope for the future of their dreams.

Your support is what makes it ALL happen! 

Will you join me today and give your best for our moms and babies? Thank you so much!