Green Acres Baptist Church housed this year’s Sanctity of Life Conference. Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the beauty of life. The Event was put on by C.A.R.E. and Living Alternatives. C.A.R.E. (Christ Centered Abortion Recovery) is a recovery group for women who suffer from the physical and emotional effects of an abortion. Women that have been involved with this support group opened up and talked about their emotional struggles after having an abortion. They opened up about the trails they endured and choices that they made to numb themselves from the memory and emotional emptiness they felt from the abortion. They spoke of their struggles with alcohol, self-image, and even abusive relationships. C.A.R.E. helped these women fill the emptiness that they felt, with the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
The different branches of Living Alternatives help young women who are pregnant and need support. The Pregnancy Resource Center, which is located by Tyler Junior College, offers free pregnancy test, counseling, and sonograms. Building Blocks offers new single moms with support, counseling, and even free baby stuff that were donated for families in need. Father Heart is a large home that houses many pregnant women and allows them to finish up their high school education if needed. Living Alternatives also has a great adoption program. They find great families that would raise a child in a safe and loving home.
This year’s Sanctity of Life conference was amazing. A young girl took stage and spoke about her testimony. She was only alive by the grace of God. Claire Culwell decided to meet her birth-mother for the first time when she was about 19 years of age. Soon after meeting her, her birth-mother confessed that when she was only thirteen she found out she was pregnant with Claire. Afraid of the future the young girl was advised to have an abortion. She went to a clinic and had the abortion; she thought life would go on as it did before. When she was about six months pregnant she realized that she was still growing as if she was pregnant, so she returned to the clinic to see why she still felt pregnant. They had told her that much to their surprise she was pregnant with twins. They succeeded in aborting one twin, but the other baby was still alive. Because the young girl was too far along in her pregnancy the clinic could not do another abortion, so they sent her out of state. As they prepared her for her second abortion they realized that it would be to dangerous on this young girls body and she was going to have this baby soon. Two weeks later she delivered a three month premature baby girl. Claire was than adopted into a loving family, and lives to tell all about the gift of life and the mercy of the Father.
U.S. Representative, Louie Gohmert, spoke at the program about being Pro-Life and the sad percentages of young women who have had an abortion in the United States. David Dykes, Pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church prayed and shared a word of encouragement, and so did the director of C.A.R.E. ministries. This event was a great encouragement for so many people, and a great time to reflect on the purpose of the gift of life.
1003 South Baxter Avenue
Tyler, TX 75701-2212
Phone: (903) 592-4495
When you are a teenage girl the world of pregnancy is intimidating and lonely. I do not think that anyone can really understand that statement unless they have been there themselves. I can say this. I remember finding out that I was pregnant and only being 18 years old. I felt so alone even though so many people were around me supporting me. The truth of the matter is that no one around me had been there. I had no idea what to do, what doctor to go to how to get on insurance or Medicaid. I was like a deer caught in head lights. The world seemed so empty and I could see disappointment every time someone looked me in the eyes. I felt like there was no one to talk to about my concerns. But there was someone.
As I walked into the Pregnancy Resource Center I thought that I knew what to expect, because I have grown up having relatives work there and my Bible study group even met there at one time. As I walked in I thought I would get the looks of disappointment and condemnation. After all, I grew up in an extremely Christian home, went to a Christian school and I did and still do have a very true relationship with Jesus Christ. How could I screw up? How can I be pregnant? I figured that they would not understand that everyone sinned; I just wore the evidence of my sins under my shirt. I did not just want to be preached to, but I needed to be heard, and understood.
They handed me a couple sheets of paper to fill out, so that they understand where I am coming from. After a few minutes of waiting, they led me to the small bathroom and handed me that small cup to fill up for the pregnancy test. As I figures the test was positive and instead of words of condemnation, they offered an embrace of love. I had no idea how I was going to face the world, but right at that moment I felt loved and cared for. After they quickly talked to me about my plans of parenting, adoption and discouraging against abortion (which was never ever an option), they let me talk. They answered questions of how to break the news or where to go from here; they ended my time by praying for me. I knew I was going to raise my now two year old daughter, I just did not know where to start. Since I had no insurance they talked to me about how to get on Medicaid and where to go for the best health care. They gave me numbers and even made a few calls for me. I was great to have a little understanding of how to start my new life with this child.
After a couple months they asked me to come back in for a completely free sonogram. That day was one of the most memorable days of my life. I was preparing for my wedding that was going to take pace in a coupe weeks, through all the chaos this day seemed to slow everything down. As I was asked to lie on the padded table, I began to get anxious to see my child. The room was packed by my family and my now in-laws. This was the first day I saw my little girl. I knew she was real. I saw her hear beat, her hands moved, and her legs kicked in excitement. It was almost like she knew I was watching her. When the lady told me that my child was a girl, tears quickly filled the room. I loved her more at that point. I could not afford a sonogram at that point, but the Pregnancy Resource Center in Tyler Texas made it possible for me to see my little girl for the first time.
To this day, I am very thankful for the help that the Resource Center offered to me. I am only one of the many young girls that they support. The women that work there do not do this for a paycheck. They volunteer everyday because they want to help the young women of our society, and to make a difference. Every pregnancy test is free, and every sonogram is free, and run by professionals. They are there for you. To show the love of Christ to women of all ages. I have heard many stories of woman whose lives were changed because they decided to go to the Pregnancy Resource Center. I am just one of those women.
1305 S Baxter Avenue
Tyler TX, 75701
Phone: 903-593-3522
Building Blocks is a program designed to help parents with the things they need most –education about childcare, support as they step into their new family role and practical help with baby items and equipment.
Building Blocks offers workshops and training, one on one sessions with a personal mentor, and a huge resource of helpful books and videos on various aspects of childbirth and childcare. Once you sign up to be part of the program you can opt to earn points by attending and learning and these can be exchanged for diapers, baby clothes etc. Building Blocks will also help their clients find larger items like car seats, cribs and high chairs if needed.
Anyone can sign up for the Building Blocks program and they don’t need to have a referral. Building Blocks has a large amount of clients who are pregnant or new Moms but others with 3 or 4 kids. Some clients have difficult family circumstances and appreciate the counselling sessions at Building Blocks while others just want to learn as much as they can in order to be the best parent they can be. Many come because they want to take advantage of the incentive program and get help with baby items.
A ministry of Living Alternatives and staffed entirely by trained volunteers, Building Blocks provides all their services free of charge. They have some bilingual staff who will help those who speak Spanish as their mother tongue.
Building Blocks has links with a local maternity home, the Pregnancy Center and an adoption agency. They will provide information and advice about lots of other local services. They have a great community support base in Tyler so are able to provide nearly new items in their ‘shop’ plus some free diapers and wipes for each client with a baby.
Building Blocks is located opposite TJC. Parking is behind the Pregnancy Resource Center next door. It is currently open 2 days a week – Monday and Tuesday from 10 am but sessions with a personal mentors may be more flexible. Large group training sessions take place once a month and include topics such as breastfeeding and first aid, tips for a contented baby and discipline for the preschool child. A free lunch is provided.
The atmosphere at Building Blocks is warm and friendly, there is a playroom and playground for the children and the staff want to do all they can to help you in your parenting role. Call Aimee if you want to find out more.
1003 S Baxter Ave
Tyler 75701
Open M-F
Call for opening times.
903 592 4495
You can think about nothing else. What if I’m pregnant?
Maybe you have even taken a home test … and another and another. Are they really accurate anyway? You might be thinking – what is going to happen to me if I really am expecting a baby?
Don’t be terrified. There are people waiting to help you. Call the Pregnancy Resource Center in Tyler before you do anything else. You need someone to be on your side and help you process what is happening to you.
The Pregnancy Resource Center is in a little house opposite Tyler Junior College. Don’t be put off by the homey atmosphere and the fact that they give their services for free – these guys are professionals. Firstly they have lab-accurate pregnancy tests and can give you proof of pregnancy, an expected date of delivery and later, a sonogram. They also have access to all sorts of information to help you decide what you are going to do next.
The ladies at the Pregnancy Center will listen to you and discuss your personal circumstances. They will talk about your choices and can refer you to a local maternity home (Fatherheart) and an adoption agency (Loving Alternatives) should you want more information about these options. In addition they can tell you about the methods of abortion used to end pregnancies.
At the center there is also information about other Tyler support agencies for women and children. They also offer post-abortion counseling and can refer you for help if you struggling with grief over the loss of a baby through SIDS. They have information on WIC and Medicaid and sexually transmitted diseases.
Finally, should you be struggling with finances, the center can help with maternity and baby clothes and equipment through their sister organisation ‘Building Blocks’ which is right next door.
One of the things I love about the Pregnancy Center is that they are loving and non-judgemental. Many of the volunteers have made mistakes in their lives and are helping because of their own experiences. Be sure that you will be treated with care and respect and that even if you are now feeling despair at your circumstances – there is hope.
Living Alternatives is an area ministry which comes under the auspices of Youth With A Mission. Living Alternatives was founded in 1982 by Beverly Kline, as a ministry to young women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. The ministry is of course a prolife institution whose aim is to provide happy, humane alternatives to abortion. Initially it offered merely a free pregnancy test and some one on one counseling. As the ministry and staff grew, other related needs revealed themselves. Today there are essentially four component parts which make up the Living Alternatives ministry.
Located across from T.J.C. the Resource Center offers free pregnancy tests, sonograms, and counseling to expectant young mothers. The dedicated volunteer staff can also offer referrals for numerous sexual health concerns. The office is full of literature which helps give direction to those who find themselves in crisis.
Fatherheart
Frequently, when a young woman finds that she is un-expectantly pregnant she also finds that for whatever reason, she is without a place to live during her pregnancy. Fatherheart is a home for unwed mothers, who have made the decision to carry their children to term, but are in the process of deciding whether to raise their children alone, or place them for adoption. Located in Garden Valley Texas, the facility has twelve bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a live in staff. The Tyler Texas Ministry offers counseling and morning devotions, as well as educational opportunities for girls who have yet to finish high school.
Loving Alternatives
Founded in 1987 the Loving Alternatives adoption agency provides counseling to both the mother considering the option, as well as the adoptive parents and their family. It is located at 430 S. Vine in Tyler, well away from the associated mother’s home. Wisely, the separation allows the expectant mothers to make their own decisions in regards to the placing of their children. Loving Alternatives is state licensed and places children in Christian homes.
Building Blocks
Building Blocks offers assistance to young single mothers who desire a new start in life. Counseling is available to help with parenting, and forming healthy new relationships. Tangible help with diapers, clothes and even basic foods is also available.
After nearly thirty years of service to the community, Living Alternatives continues to grow and assist the Tyler area. For services call (903) 882-0182 or 1-800-447-2891.
