SPRING 2019 - First Choice for Women
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FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 1 AT WESTMINSTER PRESBYTARIAN CHURCH 2801 WEST RIVERSIDE AVENUE MUNCIE, IN REGISTER FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL WALK FOR LIFE! \ IT’S AS EASY AS 1-2-3! • Come rain or shine • Receive a free T-shirt by registering online by April 26th and collecting $50 or more in online donation sponsorships • Receive a chance to win great door prizes • Walk on your own if you can’t join us STEP 1: Register online, by mail, by phone, or with your group leader TODAY. STEP 2: Ask EVERYONE you know to donate. You will be amazed how many people will say YES! STEP 3: Bring completed pledge form(s) and collected pledges with you the day of the walk and/or utilize our online fundraising site – it’s fun, easy, and friends and family can sponsor you from anywhere in the country! Share a link via Facebook, Twitter and more! Glad Tidings 100 th Anniversary Additional information is available at Celebrating 100 years of God’s blessings. firstchoiceforwomen.org, by clicking on the Give Some Help button and selecting Annual Walk for Life from the Our Events menu.
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 2 Message from the Chair by Cindy Costerison, Chairperson of the Board Where does this divisiveness and Word of God. His Word is truth and animosity come from? John 10:10 we can trust in it. We must live out says, “The thief does not come except our faith at all times, demonstrating, to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”, but not preaching to the world, that but the good news is, it doesn’t stop there is a truth they can believe in, Life today can be difficult to there. It goes on to say, “I have come hope in, and trust. navigate. We live in a world that is that they may have life, and have it in turmoil, hearing voices that tell us more abundantly.” These were When many people are what is right and what is wrong, yet Jesus’ words at a time when there surrendering to the ways of the when we see it through a Biblical was conflict over His claims to be world, we must always go to God. worldview, these perspectives are the Messiah. Jesus explained that When our humanness makes us proven faulty. We are divided in our spiritual blindness was the cause of want to lash out in anger, or towns, cities, counties, states, and their unbelief. participate in divisiveness, we must our country. We make laws that resist the schemes of the devil and save baby animals, but end the lives The thief is, of course, Satan. He focus on what we know to be true. of baby humans. And people are wants to destroy our cities, counties, country, and our world. “The Lord is my strength and my angry. Angry at everything they shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He don’t agree with, and angry with He wants to kill our hopes and dreams and our joy. And he wants to helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and those who have differing beliefs. with my song I praise Him.” They march, they protest, and they steal our belief in a good and gracious Savior. It is critical that we ~Psalm 28:7 make a lot of noise. It is confusing and disruptive to our daily lives. open our spiritual eyes, and filter what we see and hear through the We Do Food • Catering for Fine Dining • Casual Catering Experiences • National School Lunch Programs
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 3 SRA Update First Choice has already brought by Sharyll Martin, SRA Director the abstinence-only message to thousands of students this school positive health benefits of year. Recently, a Central High waiting to be sexually active until School sophomore wrote, "these marriage. lessons helped me further understand why abstinence is An article written by Kirk important to practice, because it Johnson and Robert Rector for is worth it throughout your life. Abstinence Only Education The Heritage Foundation, reports [It] showed me the there is strong support, and consequences of what sex could In our last newsletter, we many benefits, for teaching lead to and how to avoid the described the difference young people about abstinence – infections and diseases. It helps between abstinence-only and it just makes sense. me consider relationship education and comprehensive sex education. The article may Social science data shows that commitments and acknowledge have initially caused some teens who abstain from sex: self-goals." confusion about what program we use in our local schools, so I • Are less likely to be Another Central student gave wanted to take a moment to depressed or attempt permission to publish his CPR clarify. suicide poem: “Having clap isn't great • Experience fewer Abstinence means that you can First Choice for Women’s Sexual wait!” (See why we enjoy occurrences of STDs Risk Avoidance Program (SRA) working with these kids!) uses an abstinence-until- • Have fewer out-of- marriage curriculum called wedlock children Student comments are one of the Creating Positive Relationships, • Are less likely to live in many reasons we do this job, and (CPR). poverty they are written proof of the • Are more likely to have impact the abstinence message is stable and long-lasting having in their young lives. marriages as adults If you would like to see firsthand This article also reveals findings what is so great about teaching on academic performance in Sexual Risk Avoidance to young CPR is an Indiana based company teens who practice sexual people, please contact me before located in Carmel. You can learn abstinence. Sixty percent (60%) the school year ends to observe a more about this program, as well are less likely to be expelled from class. I'm praying you will! as link to the CPR site from the school; fifty percent (50%) are First Choice website at: less likely to drop out of high https://www.firstchoiceforwom school, and are almost twice as WANT TO HELP GUIDE OUR YOUTH? en.org/services/abstinence- likely to graduate from education/ college. Volunteer to be an SRA Instructor and help Abstinence Education Benefits educate our youth about healthy relationships To read the entire article go to: and the importance of abstinence. Contact us In keeping with our mission and https://www.heritage.org/educ today to learn how you can make a difference! vision, First Choice uses a ation/report/teenage-sexual- SHARYLL MARTIN, SRA DIRECTOR curriculum that advises students abstinence-and-academic- abdirector@firstchoiceforwomen.org to consider the facts about the achievement (765)286-6085
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 4 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT JANET POWERS Client Connection by Leslie Hatcher, Muncie Center Director Fathers Matter Our ministry is called First Choice for Women, but we all recognize the important role fathers play in the lives of their children. The could die of SIDS,” (Sudden Infant article “Fathers’ Involvement and Death Syndrome). Children’s Developmental Outcomes: Nate has been meeting with A Systematic Review of Longitudinal volunteer mentor Dee Moore who Studies,” notes, “An active recognizes the value of educating fatherhood role not only reduced young fathers. “ParentCare is an Janet Powers has been a volunteer the frequency of behavioral important tool to prepare young with First Choice for Women in problems in boys and psychological people for parenthood. I’m Muncie since 2016. She serves in the problems in young women, but it impressed with Nate’s desire to ministry as a ParentCare Mentor also had a positive effect on learn how to be a good father. I’m and a post-abortion recovery cognitive development, along with looking forward to continuing to program leader. decreasing delinquency and meet with Nate and to eventually economic disadvantage in low- meet his baby!” “As a retiree, I felt this was my time income families.” to give back,” notes Janet. “I enjoy Would you like to make a difference connecting with the clients, praying At First Choice, we welcome the in lives of dads, moms, with them, and just being there for dads, step-dads and grandfathers grandparents and babies? Join us in the moms through their pregnancy who come each week to our center. our vision to achieve a community journey.” Sixteen year old Nate(1)and his in which every child is wanted, Janet attends CommUNITY Church girlfriend are expecting a baby in cared for and nurtured! and enjoys quilting, sewing, June. Nate heard about our services gardening and raising chickens. She from an agency staff member who Children in Fatherless Homes are: (2) and her husband of 30 years, encouraged him to participate. Charlie, love spending time with Upon learning he was going to be a their nine grandchildren. father, Nate shared, “I was in disbelief at first. Everything else I Thank you Janet for your was doing, partying, everything - it’s commitment to the clients of First gone, over, done. I knew I had to Choice for Women – we appreciate ‘man up’ and do what I needed to do you! for my baby.” Currently Nate is working toward WANT TO BE A BLESSING? earning a crib and mattress set and BE A VOLUNTEER! hopes to continue attending Are you, your small group, or anyone you know ParentCare classes after the baby is interested in learning more about our born. “I have some nieces and programs or how to become a volunteer at our nephews, so I knew the basics about Muncie location? childcare, but the worksheets and Please Contact: homework have helped me learn LESLIE HATCHER, CENTER DIRECTOR about all that could happen, like if I leslie@firstchoiceforwomen.org sleep in the same bed as the baby, it (765)286-6085 (1) To protect our clients’ privacy, names have been changes. (2) https://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood-data-statistics
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 5 Together for Life! Thank you for making the 2019 First Choice for Women of Anderson & Madison County Annual Banquet a wonderful success! Because of the generosity of our sponsors and caring people like you, nearly $25,000 was raised to give hope to women who are faced with an unwanted pregnancy, provide material support to families in need, offer healing to those who have suffered from a past abortion, and instruct young people in the importance of abstinence before marriage.
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 6 • Develop a Volunteer Operations Overview • Recruitment Strategy Create a Client Marketing by Lisa Miller, CEO Plan • Develop a Comprehensive about Kailee and her extensive Succession Plan history with First Choice on Page 6! • Implement STD/STI Testing • Implement a Safety & We are very excited about these two Security Plan ladies and believe they complement the exceptional volunteers and staff • Locate a Permanent facility already serving in the ministry. for the Anderson Center With the passing of winter, we see • Identify Satellite Locations the cold fade to warm, and spring for Muncie What’s New burst forth with brilliantly beautiful • Identify Satellite Locations arrays of color and new growth Some change comes unexpectedly, for Anderson popping up over the landscape like but that doesn’t necessarily mean a Bob Ross painting. These are the it’s a bad thing. For instance, a few Although this may be our most seasonal changes we expect in weeks ago I received a call from our challenging Three Year Strategic Indiana - in fact, we look forward to landlord informing me that he was Plan yet, we are confident that this them! putting the building that houses our type of forward thinking will equip Anderson facility up for sale. the ministry for growth. The immense joy I feel when spring Additionally, these objectives will arrives accurately reflects the Initially I panicked, but then I enable First Choice to reach more excitement I have with all the remembered Philippians 4:19. ”And women and families in need, while amazing changes we are my God will supply all your needs furthering our influence in the experiencing at First Choice for according to His riches in glory by communities we serve. Women! Christ Jesus.” First Choice is God’s ministry, and He will help us find We hope you are as excited about Who’s New these opportunities as we are, and the perfect place - a place with If you missed the press release in easier client access, additional look forward to partnering with you the Harold Bulletin or the email- parking, and room to grow our on this bold new adventure! eblast sent out by First Choice last ministry. February, you can meet our new WANT TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE FOR With this change comes opportunity Center Director of Anderson and LIFE IN EAST CENTRAL INDIANA to sow into the community. If you or Madison County, Alyssa Ritchie, on someone you know would like to First Choice for Women is compassionate ministry Page 8! make a building donation or capital committed to helping women and families in our contribution, we would be honored community. Are you are interested in learning We began talks with Alyssa last fall, more about how you can make a difference in the and were very excited to have her to discuss the possibility. life of a young mother? begin leading our Anderson First Choice is a 501 C 3 not-for- Please Contact: Madison County team earlier this profit, and all gifts are tax deductible LISA MILLER, CEO year. Please reach out to Alyssa if as permissible by law. lisa@firstchoiceforwomen.org you would like to learn more about First Choice, how we are making a (765)286-8798 What’s Next difference in the community, or how you can become a part of the great Over the past few months the Board work happening there! of Directors has developed a new Three year (2019-2021) Strategic First Choice for Women is also Plan that includes the following welcoming Kailee McKnight to the objectives. ministry. Kailee joined the team in late February as our new Office • Create and a Implement Manager and brings immense New Development Plan passion and exemplary skills to the • Create a Board organization. You can learn more Development Plan
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 7 First Choice Welcomes New Office Manager by Lisa Miller, CEO much of her time as life Kailee holds an Associate of First Choice for Women is permitted. She has participated Applied Science Degree in excited to welcome our new in, and co-lead our Surrendering Business Administration, and Office Manager, Kailee McKnight! the Secret post-abortion study; plans to complete her Bachelor’s provided advocacy services to Degree in Human Services. We women facing an unplanned believe God has placed her at pregnancy; and helped with a First Choice with a purpose and variety of administrative support are very excited to have her in services, including a short stint this role! We look forward to as Administrative Assistant in seeing what the future holds for 2014. Kailee in this ministry! Kailee has also shared her personal testimony with multiple churches and women’s Troubled by a past groups on behalf of First Choice, in hopes of demonstrating how abortion? We can help. God causes all things to work Abortion can be one of the most together for good (Romans 8:28). traumatic experiences in a person Conveying a message of hope life and First Choice for Women is and grace through her own here to help. adoption story, sharing of a time Born in Tennessee, Kailee and Our Surrendering the Secret post- when she too faced an unplanned abortion recovery program is a 6 her parents moved to pregnancy, and the life altering Alexandria, Indiana when she step biblical healing model for choices that ultimately lead her women who feel they have never was in the first grade. Graduating to accepting Christ as her Lord completely healed or recovered from Alexandria High School, and Savior. from an abortion experience, or this Madison County native has a that a past abortion may be heart for helping others. “God never had a ‘plan B’ for my affecting their current quality of life” Kailee stated. “When I was life. Kailee is a devoted wife to her younger, I had dreamed of one husband, Jeremy and mother of day opening a place that could Surrendering the Secret is three young daughters. She loves designed to bring women help women who were faced spending time with her family together who understand the with circumstances similar to need for seeking peace with the and especially enjoys traveling, those I had experienced. Then I reading, writing poetry, making past and desire a better found First Choice for Women! understanding of God’s plan for meals for the Muncie Mission, Although only God knew what making the most painful losses of and helping her church family. laid ahead, in a sense, I felt that our past work for His glory! Kailee was placed for adoption at my dream had come true and I Our mission is to provide a birth. God knew her future from was doing what I had been called supportive and confidential the beginning and would use her to do for His glory.” environment that facilitates experiences to make a difference healing and restoration while Kailee has already proven to be a in the lives of women and bringing a sense of hope and valuable asset to First Choice for purpose for the future. families through the First Choice Women and continues to use her ministry. skills and experience to help the Call our 24-Hour CareLine at Kailee began volunteering at First ministry achieve its’ mission (765)286-6060 for help today. Choice over 7 years ago, giving as throughout East Central Indiana.
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 8 No gift to your mother could ever equal… Honor your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend by giving a special Mother’s Day honorarium or memorial gift in her name. Your gift will help young moms who have decided to give life to their baby despite pressure to end their pregnancy. It took great courage for them to follow their convictions and choose life... …and many more are in the process of making additional life choices that will impact them and their children forever. Will you help us be there for these young women by honoring a special person in your life and give in this meaningful way? Your generous gift empowers First Choice for Women to support these young ladies at this important time in their life by providing ultrasounds, education, practical assistance, and most of all, hope … …. hope that the Lord gives us; “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope…” ~ Romans 12:12 Of all the gifts you could provide, giving this special gift today will make a difference for a lifetime, and perhaps an eternity. We’ll acknowledge your gift with a beautiful card of appreciation per your instructions on the certificate below. Simply return your certificate and gift on or before April 30, 2018 (this will ensure that the recipient will receive the card by Mother’s Day on May 12, 2019). What better way to honor a special mother than by helping another mom during her time of great need. …her gift to you – Life! Yes! I’m giving a gift to honor a special mom… Gift Designation: Muncie Center Anderson Center ☐ YES! I want to become a monthly giver. Go to ☐ $15 ☐ $25 ☐ $50 ☐ $100 ☐ $250 ☐ $500 www.firstchoiceforwomen.org, click the DONATE menu button OR complete this form and mail it to: ☐ $1,000 ☐ $2,500 ☐ $5,000 ☐ $10,000 ☐ $__________ First Choice for Women ☐ Check Enclosed ☐ Charge my credit card (complete section below) 3020 N Oakwood Ave ☐ Master Card ☐ Visa Muncie, IN 47304 Card# Expiration: / Three digit CVC (on back of card): ☐ In Honor of ☐ In Memory of Billing Address: Name: Charge me $ on the day each month Notify: Printed Name: Address: Signature: MD2019 City/State/ Zip:
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 9 To Everything There Is a Season by Alyssa Ritchie, Anderson Center Director - spending time in and around the prepare to make life-affirming water are our favorite things to do. choices. In my personal down time I enjoy Galatians 6:2 states “Carry each reading, writing, and snuggling with other’s burdens, and in this way you In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God informs us my rescue babies (I have 6 rescued will fulfil the law of Christ”. that, “to everything there is a season, animals). a time for every purpose under the While believing there is a season for heaven…” As a devoted Christian Vison for the Future everything, I also stand firm in the and woman of God, this scripture During this new season for First belief that as Christ followers we are has proven to be true time and time Choice in Anderson and Madison called to love and serve just as Jesus again throughout my life. County, we want to ensure that did. There is a great need for every member of our great compassion and support in the As First Choice for Women moves community knows about First Anderson and Madison County area, forward in 2019, I am honored to be Choice for Women and the variety of and a great need for people like you. the new Center Director of free services we offer. Anderson and Madison County. My As we venture into this exciting new hope is to ignite those I meet with a We are also dedicated to partnering season, I encourage you to search desire to make a difference and with the other organizations that your heart and prayerfully consider serve God alongside of our ministry. serve our community. Together we partnering with us. There are many I feel so blessed to have been called can help ensure that the women, opportunities to make a real to lead our center into a new season men and families in Anderson and difference in the life of someone in of growth and excitement! Madison County are receiving the need through First Choice, right assistance they need to fully care for here in Anderson and Madison About Me themselves and their children. County. I look forward to all God has My name is Alyssa Ritchie, my in store for this ministry and I look husband, Matthew Ritchie, and I are As we approach our two year forward to hearing from you! blessed to be the parents of our anniversary in Anderson, one of our three wonderful children. Our goals is to expand center hours so family attends Madison Park Church that we can better meet the needs of WANT TO BE A BLESSING? of God and we actively serve our community. With expansion BE A VOLUNTEER! through our church missions. and growth, comes the need for Are you, your small group, or anyone you additional volunteers to serve in the know interested in learning more about our I have spent 6 years in the Human ministry. Together, our staff and programs or how to become a volunteer at Services field and look forward to volunteers are prayerfully seeking our Anderson location? using my skills and experience to those special people called from the Please Contact: benefit the women and families in Anderson and Madison County need throughout Anderson and churches, businesses, and ALYSSA RITCHIE, CENTER DIRECTOR Madison County. fcamcdir@firstchoiceforwomen.org educational institutions to work (317)922-7204 alongside First Choice and surround When I am not working, I enjoy the women and families of this spending time with my family. Our community with love, compassion, children are very active in clubs and and prayer. The more volunteers we athletics, which keeps us on the go, have available to serve, the more but we are always looking for hours we are able to open our activities that allow us to spend center to the public and allow Jesus quality time together. We love the to shine His light over the outdoors - hiking, fishing, kayaking community as women and families
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 10 Community Connections Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those who come to us in need each week. Cardinal Catholic Council students volunteer in donation maintenance! Hooked on Helping knit and crochet group blessed First Choice with beautiful handmade blankets! TrueLight Baptist Church small group helps with a big mailing!
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 11 In each issue of First Choice This gives the congregation an recruitment of former board Quarterly, we like to take the opportunity for fellowship before treasurer and current CEO, Lisa opportunity to highlight one of our worship, prayer and deliverance of Miller. Pastor Overton states, “She supporting churches, and recognize the Word. has hung the moon with her sense of their involvement in the excellence! It is amazing to see what Kingston Avenue Baptist Church Lisa has been able to do in her community. Anderson’s Kingston offers many opportunities and position and I am so proud of all she Avenue Baptist Church is in the encourages small groups, has accomplished.” spotlight this quarter. involvement within the community, and youth engagement. Young In his second year at Kingston people have an opportunity to Avenue, Pastor Overton shared, participate in monthly youth group “Last year, our church decided to outreach programs, as well as the add First Choice for Women to our ability to attend camp annually. The budget. We give each month and women of Kingston Avenue are encourage other churches to do passionate about God and enjoy a likewise. Our church,” Concludes monthly Saturday journaling class Pastor Overton, “enthusiastically where they are able to write, pray, supports First Choice for Women and share their love of Jesus. because this ministry truly saves lives. Mothers and fathers are Kingston Avenue proudly hosts an challenged to treasure life. At First Lead by Pastor Tim Overton, the annual Easter egg hunt with a carry- Choice, they are offered church is located at 5403 Kingston in luncheon, a firework show in July, opportunities to learn how to Avenue Anderson, IN 46013. This and a fall festival that includes a physically care for themselves and small, 50 person gospel-focused Trunk or Treat. These fun family infants, as well as develop parenting congregation has shared the Word events are free and open to the skills. All training is done from a of God for over 50 years. entire community. Pastor Overton Christian perspective that lovingly stated, “We want be a place of offers the Gospel. Testimonies of Kingston holds weekly Sunday refuge where people in our lives saved and changed school classes at 9:30am, worship community are able to find Jesus, demonstrate why this ministry is services at 10:30am, and Sunday enjoy time with their families, and worthy of support.” evening services at 6:30pm. They come to a place where they can also offer midweek services on transform their lives. We welcome First Choice for Women appreciates Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. anyone to walk through our doors”. Kingston Avenue Baptist Church and THANK YOU for partnering Kingston Avenue values building Pastor Overton, a long-time with us! relationships within their church supporter and former board family and provides dinner before member of First Choice is their midweek services, at 5:30pm. passionate about the ministry. He was pleased to claim his
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 12 You Make a Difference ♥ Get Involved Today! ☐ I would like to learn about becoming a First Choice for Women volunteer or board member. ☐ I would like to be a Life Ambassador for First Choice with my church/group/organization. ☐ I would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer Abstinence Education Instructor. ☐ I am considering a gift or becoming a monthly donor, please contact me. ☐ Please add me to your email list in order to save postage expense. ☐ I will be a prayer partner and commit to pray for this ministry. ☐ I would like to be a team captain at the next Walk for Life. ☐ I would like to be a table host at the next banquet. Name Address City State Zip Phone Email YES! I Want to Stand Together for LIFE! Designation: ☐ Muncie ☐ Anderson YES! I want to become a monthly giver. Go to www.firstchoiceforwomen.org, click ☐ One-Time Gift ☐ Recurring Monthly Donation the GIVE SOME HELP button then click on the DONATE menu OR Complete this form ☐ $15 ☐ $25 ☐ $50 ☐ $100 ☐ $250 ☐ $500 and mail it to: ☐ $1,000 ☐ $2,500 ☐ $5,000 ☐ $10,000 ☐ $ ☐ Check Enclosed ☐ Charge my credit card (complete section below) 3020 N Oakwood Ave Muncie IN 47304 ☐ Master Card ☐ Visa Or Card# 1817 N Madison Ave Anderson, IN 46011 Expiration: / Three digit CVC (on back of card): Get a Choose Life license plate today! Billing Address: Charge me $ on the day of each month Visit: https://www.in.gov/bmv/2620.htm Name: First Choice is a 501 C 3 not-for-profit ministry; donations are tax deductible as permissible by law. TIN# 35-1695860 2nd QTR. NL2019
FIRST CHOICE QUARTERLY | Issue #20 13 Thank you Sponsors! CORNERSTONE Bret Overdorf RETREAT Insurance Church Street Commons Ministries Inc Cathy Matthew & Alyssa Ritchie Grollimund NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MUNCIE, INDIANA PERMIT NO. 866 3020 N Oakwood Ave Muncie IN 47304 [Addressee] [Street Address] 1817 N Madison Ave [City, ST ZIP Code] Anderson IN 46011
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