FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY Issue 11

October 2016

WHEN PREGNANCY WASN’T THE PLAN…

OFFERING HOPE FOR OVER 30 YEARS

Supporters of First Choice for Women enjoyed a spectacular evening and made a statement for the cause of Life on Thursday, October 13th. Over 400 people joined us as we celebrated 30 years of proclaiming a message of hope to women and families in Muncie and Delaware County.

Ted Baker, one of the early architects of the organization (then known as Heart to Heart), regaled those present with the story of this ministry’s humble beginnings in 1986. As he and the other founders considered the cultural landscape of their time, they wondered, “What can we do?” and establishing a crisis pregnancy center was the answer. It was not only a way to help girls understand that the baby they were carrying was a precious life, but it was also a way to provide emotional and material support as they travel down the path of motherhood. Three decades later their dream continues to make a difference in the hearts and lives of young mothers.

It was inspiring to hear from one of our early clients and follow the journey she and her family had taken. Upon meeting with center volunteers it was evident that the young girls’ parents’ hearts were impacted. As God worked in their lives, their determination for

her to abort the unborn child changed to encouragement to carry the baby to term. The crowd was elated as “baby Isaiah” - now over 20 years old! - stood up in the midst of the audience with his grandparents! This young man’s life is a tremendous testament to the work of First Choice.

The challenge to continue doing this important work for another 30 years was laid before everyone present and accepted whole-heartedly! With $34,024 raised that night, $8,850 in sponsorships, and $2,215 in monthly donation commitments, the annualized total for this year’s event is nearly $64,000!

Surpassing our goal by $9,000!

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this milestone event – you truly save and change lives in our community! THANK YOU!

Bill Schuman

Award

Winner

Mary

Schumacher

Toni Rolli

Award

Winner

Rick

Morris,

RDMS

Lifetime

Service

Award

Winner

Scot

Boyce

Celebrating 30 Years of Hope! by Sari Harris, Board Secretary

Now faith is the substance of things

hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

~Hebrews 11:1-3

Isaiah with his grandparents

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 2

Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass

Christmas Concert to Benefit First Choice for Women

ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY

Call or Stop by: David P. Gilliam & Associates

2600 West Jackson Street Muncie IN 47303

(765) 281-0012

On Friday December 2, 2016 Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass will hold a Christmas concert to benefit First Choice for Women. The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the High Street United Methodist Church located at 219 South High Street in Muncie, Indiana. Tim Zimmerman and The King's Brass present hymn classics with a contemporary flair. The King's Brass features three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, percussion and keyboards. These instruments blend together to create a time of innovative worship that will be enjoyed by all generations.

Secular and sacred music critics alike applaud their concerts as "superb in every way", "innovative and well played", and "truly, an unforgettable experience!"

The King’s Brass, formed three decades ago, and is comprised of professional musicians from across the country, who desire to use the instruments they love to lead others in praise and worship. Based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the group plays over 120 concerts per

year from coast to coast in the U.S. as well as international venues.

Tickets are available in advance (only) through David P. Gilliam & Associates for $10 each. Please call (765)281-0012 or stop by their office at 2600 West Jackson Street in Muncie, Indiana, to purchase tickets. Seating is limited, so get your tickets today!

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 3

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Ann Santoni

Ann Santoni has served as a CareLine and Receptionist volunteer since 2010. “I became involved at First Choice because I am passionate about saving babies from abortion,” Ann stated. “I wanted to do what I could for that cause.” Ann and her husband of 50 years, Gary, attend Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. They have three sons and four grandchildren. In addition to volunteering at First Choice, Ann also enjoys reading, gardening and visiting with residents at local nursing homes. “I continue to be very impressed with how First Choice touches so many lives,” Ann concluded. “I am thankful to be a part of this ministry.”

FAST FACTS

40% 40% of minors having an abortion report that neither of

their parents knew about the abortion (AGI). **

90% 89-92% of all abortions happen during the first trimester,

prior to the 13th week of gestation (AGI/CDC). **

Hope, Faith and Trust

Pregnancy resource center work takes faith. From the moment we answer the phone, we must trust in the Holy Spirit’s power to speak through us to frightened hurting women. Hebrews 11:1-3 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It’s easy to have faith when the abortion vulnerable client makes a life decision in the counseling room, but it’s more challenging when they leave First Choice abortion intent - seemingly unaffected by the truth shared. This was the case when Emily* came to First Choice for an ultrasound with her friend Debra* last February. At 12 weeks pregnant, Emily stated that she planned to abort, even after seeing her baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound monitor.

While she patiently listened as I shared information about fetal development, Emily remained unfazed as we discussed her options, including adoption and parenting. It was difficult to watch her go as she left the center to discuss the decision with her boyfriend. After much prayer and several unsuccessful attempts to contact Emily, I concluded that it was likely she had opted to abort. This disappointing result required faith to trust God with an unseen outcome.

When Debra came to First Choice for a pregnancy test a couple of weeks ago, I asked her if she had visited here before, Debra stated that she had accompanied her friend Emily for an ultrasound last winter. Recognizing the name, I inquired about Emily. Debra stated that she had recently delivered a baby girl! I could hardly contain my excitement. “You mean she didn’t terminate the pregnancy?” I asked. Debra smiled and proceeded to pull out her cell phone showing me a photo of Emily’s precious baby! What a blessing - and what a lesson in faith. We may not always know the outcome of a crisis pregnancy decision, but God does. He only asks that we be faithful to share the truth, trusting Him to work in our clients’ hearts.

Earning and Learning

Pictured below is 6 months old Ali AL Suraifi happily playing in his crib provided by First Choice for Women. His parents earned the brand new crib and mattress through participation in the ParentCare program. Because of your continued support Ali has a safe place to sleep. Thank you for making a difference in the life of this precious child!

Pictured below are clients learning at a Financial Literacy presentation provided by Prime Trust Federal Credit Union.

The Client Connection

by Leslie Hatcher, Center Director

WANT TO BE A BLESSING?

BE A VOLUNTEER

Are you, your small group or anyone you know interested in learning more about our programs or how to become a volunteer? Please contact:

LESLIE HATCHER, CENTER DIRECTOR

leslie@firstchoiceforwomen.org

(765)286-6085

*In order to protect the identity of our clients, thier names have been changed **http://www.abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 4

WANT TO HELP GUIDE OUR YOUTH?

Volunteer to be a Sexual Risk Avoidance Instructor and teach our young people about abstinence through our Creating Positive Relationships curriculum. Contact us today!

SHARYLL MARTIN, SRA DIRECTOR

abdirector@firstchoiceforwomen.org

(765)286-6085

SRA Update

by Sharyll Martin

As a way to measure our impact in the classroom, we routinely ask students to give us feedback on the information they have received. Recently, a 7th grade girl said, "I'm glad you are teaching this because lots of people don't know the consequences of their actions." Other students say they like the opportunity to talk about sex and have their questions answered. One high school student said, “It was very helpful to learn about all the complications sexual activity can present [if you become active] before you are ready to deal with it”. THAT is exactly why we put our heart into bringing this information to them - so they can make healthy decisions.

God has brought talented people into this ministry. They look forward to being in the classroom, and that translates into an energy that makes learning fun for the students! Please pray for our efforts to educate teenagers in our community. Pray for Vicki Baur, Neil Habegger, Shannon Ulrich and myself as we prepare each week to teach abstinence to young people throughout Delaware County. Please ask God to strengthen our influence as we reach out to the area youth groups and organizations. And lastly, please pray God brings us more passionate people to deliver this important message to our youth as we continue to expand our program.

Fall Statistics

Our Fall Semester started just two weeks after the students went back to school in August. Since August 22nd, our 4 SRA Instructors have presented the Creating Positive Relationships program to over 900 Delaware County youth in 6th through 10th grade. At the end of the fall semester, we anticipate having presented abstinence education to over 1500 precious young people.

0 AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

0 How do I shop at AmazonSmile? To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

0 Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations? Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages.

0 Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile? YES, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.

0 How do I select to support First Choice for Women when shopping on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), before you begin shopping, you need to select First Choice for Women, Inc.as your charitable organization in order to allocate donations from eligible purchases. AmazonSmile will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

For more information please visit http://smile.amazon.com/about/ref=smi_ge_rcl_lm_raas

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchase to First Choice whenever you shop on AmazonSmile!

Shop on Amazon? Help First Choice Offer Hope Through

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

First Choice for Women would like to give special recognition to The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County for awarding the ministry’s SRA Program a $5,000 grant from the Jeanne and John Smith Fund.

These funds, along with the generous contribution of our supporters, has enabled us to reach every public school in Delaware County, expand our abstinence education program to private and parochial schools, as well as other youth organizations in East Central Indiana.

We are very grateful for the financial support First Choice has received from The Community Foundation, and for its mission to encourage philanthropy within the Muncie and Delaware County community.

Thank you!

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

of Muncie & Delaware County

“Train up a child in

the way he should

go; and when he

is old, he will not

depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 5

As I ponder the accomplishments, trials an set-backs we have experienced in my short tenure at the center, I can’t help but be in awe of God’s goodness - He never fails or falls short. Over the past 30 years it has been evident that, in His time, and by His grace First Choice has, and will continue to play a role in His preeminent plan.

Since the launch of the ultrasound in September of last year, we have:

shared the Gospel over 336 times.

performed 255 pregnancy tests (up 58%).

provided 71 Options Counseling sessions (up 56%).

distributed 1,010 jars of baby food and formula.

distributed 12,600 diapers.

provided more than $36,000 of material assistance, including new cribs, clothing and toiletries (up 36%).

have seen 27 babies saved from abortion!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”. First Choice for Women exists to share the grace and truth of Jesus Christ and uphold the sanctity of human life

by serving those facing unplanned pregnancies, promoting premarital sexual abstinence and caring for those hurt by abortion through health services, education, mentoring, material assistance and biblical principles. That is our ministry’s’ mission – to provide a future for the unborn and the hope of Jesus to all we serve. Our organizational vision states, First Choice for women is a compassionate, Christian ministry working with individuals, churches and organizations in our area to achieve a community in which every child is wanted, cared for and nurture.

As we continue with our mission, ministry leadership has developed a strategic plan and is working with the staff and volunteers of First Choice to implement new goals and objectives (see Pg. 8, Presidential Perspective). We thank God for each of you who have enabled us to expand this ministry through your generous support. We are truly grateful for your passion for life and your desire to make a difference.

To achieve our vision, we need the ongoing support of our community. We need your help in promoting the ministry and enlisting your church, family, and like-minded friends to partner with us in this life saving, life changing mission. Will you help us as we seek to grow the ministry and provide “a future and hope” to the unborn, to young women in despair, and to families in need? Please prayerfully consider how you can join us in this important work.

SPECIAL THANK YOUS

David Gilliam

Special thanks to David Gilliam for producing and promoting the Kings Brass Benefit Concert on behalf of First Choice for Women. We are so grateful your continued support of this ministry, THANK YOU!

Jane McDowell

Thank you for your commitment to the cause for life and for helping to make this year’s banquet a great success! THANK YOU!

The Laundry Basket

Thank you for allowing First Choice to wash and dry over a hundred of pounds of laundry completely free of charge! We are so very grateful. THANK YOU!

Operations Overview

by Lisa Miller, Chief Executive Officer

One-Time Gift Recurring Monthly Donation

$15 $25 $50 $100 $250 $500

$1,000 $2,500 $5,000 $10,000 $

Check Enclosed Charge my credit card (complete section below)

Master Card Visa

Card#

Expiration: / Three digit CVC (on back of card):

Billing Address:

Charge me $ on the day of each month

Name:

3rd Qtr. NL-2016

YES! I Want To Give the Gift of Hope Today!

YES! I want to become a monthly giver. Go to www.firstchoiceforwomen.org, click the GIVE SOME HELP button then click on the DONATE menu OR Complete this form and mail it to:

First Choice for Women 3020 N Oakwood Ave

Muncie IN 47304

Get a Choose Life license plate today!

Visit: http://www.in.gov/bmv/2794.htm

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 6

Donor Name Auction Item Retail Value

Amanda Kishel Photography Photography Session with 3 Accordion Books $300

Bethany Raymond Handmade Tote Bag and Quilt with Gift Certificates $175

Paws, Inc. & Creative Framing Framed & Matted Garfield Reproduction Strip Signed by Jim Davis $220

Sight & Sound Music Center Autographed Arnel Pineda (Journey) Guitar $850

Wasson Nursery 2 Mums $60

Parlour Salon 60 Minute Massage $60

Al Holdren Stained Glass Art $250

Karrie Littler Mary Kay Gift Certificates with Storage Containers $150

David Gilliam 10 Tickets to Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass $100

David Gilliam Artisan Jr. Rollerball Handmade Pen & Custom Pen Gift Certificate $200

Diane Allen & Barbara Thornburg Pampered Chef Gift Baskets with Gift Certificate $210

Janet Trowbridge & Jane Allerton Colts Longaberger Basket $150

Reed Levitz Autographed Cook and Belle Acoustic Guitar $250

Michelle Tinch Tastefully Simple Gift Basket $35

Anne Santoni Pierre Cardin Suitcase $300

Heidi J. Hale Heidi J. Hale Custom Jewelry and Gift Card $375

The Lotion Company Gift Basket $75

Rachael Grile Premiere Jewelry Watch $90

Vera Mae Vera Mae’s Gift Card $50

Rachelle Phillips Bebe Luxe Décor Basket $115

Cathy Hardwick Rodan & Fields Gift Basket $90

Mariah Tester “Real Life” Baby Dolls $250

THANK YOU SILENT AUCTION DONORS!

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Glad Tidings

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 7

Dear friends of First Choice for Women,

I recently heard an excerpt from Mother Teresa when she spoke at the 1994 National Day of Prayer. After a discussion of other social ills, she said the following:

“But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself.

And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love and we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts. Jesus gave even His life to love us. So, the mother who is thinking of abortion, should be helped to love, that is, to give until it hurts her plans, or her free time, to respect the life of her child. The father of that child, whoever he is, must also give until it hurts…

…Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.”

At First Choice for Women, we are celebrating 30 years of teaching men and women to love.

This doesn’t just apply to the abortion vulnerable women whom we council, but also to those we minister to through our Creating Positive Relationships programs, our Parent Care ministry, and our Post-Abortion Recovery service. First Choice has always been about loving our neighbors, and we will continue to do that as we plan for the future of our ministry.

This year, the board put together a 3-year strategic plan that built on many of the successes we have had in the past. Space precludes listing all of our objectives or going into detail, but I would like to discuss a few significant items.

We are making organizational changes that will better enable us to communicate the mission and needs of First Choice to like-minded people who we can then enter into a partnership with in order to have a greater impact on our community.

We are planning to expand hours of operation as well as the health-related services we offer so that we can reach more people with the message of Christ’s love for them by taking care of their practical needs.

As some of the health services will be available to men, we may need to reevaluate our branding to encompass the scope of the ministry.

Although we are in every public

school in Delaware County, we desire to expand our abstinence education program into youth groups, community groups and other organizations that may benefit from the teaching.

This is just a brief overview of our intentions. If you are interested in discussing any aspect of the strategic plan in more detail, or to learn how you can help us achieve these goals, please do not hesitate to contact me or Lisa Miller.

We are excited about what the Lord has accomplished through First Choice, and are ready to face the challenges that the future will bring. We couldn’t do this without your support. If you are interested in learning more about how you might partner with First Choice for Women, or if you feel that God is calling you to explore becoming a First Choice for Women board member, please reach out to me through First Choice.

May God bless you and keep you!

Todd Lail, Chairman Board of Directors

The Presidential Perspective

by Todd Lail, Chairman of the Board

I would like to be a table host at the next banquet.

I would like to be a team captain at the next Walk for Life.

I will be a prayer partner and commit to pray for this ministry.

Please add me to your email list in order to save postage expense.

I am considering a gift or becoming a monthly donor, please contact me.

I would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer Abstinence Education Instructor.

I would like to be a Life Ambassador for First Choice with my church/group/organization.

I would like to learn about becoming a First Choice for Women volunteer or board member.

Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

GET INVOLVED TODAY!

FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue 11 8

3020 N Oakwood Ave

Muncie IN 47304

[Addressee] [Street Address] [City, ST ZIP Code]

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

MUNCIE, INDIANA PERMIT NO. 866

24-Hour Help Line (765)286-6060 Appointments (765)286-6085 www.firstchoiceforwomen.org