“Joslyn” was frantic. She had just taken a pregnancy test and found out she was pregnant — a total surprise. The father didn’t want to have anything to do with “her” baby and insisted that she get an abortion. If not, she would be on her own, without his support.
Joslyn didn’t want an abortion but didn’t think she had a choice either. Overwhelming circumstances were mounting; she would be living on the streets — homeless, trying to survive while carrying a baby.
Her mind was reeling with a thousand questions: How can I support myself and a baby? Where would I live? How could I afford a doctor and the hospital? I don’t have a car, so how would I get to my part-time job? I can’t even afford a bus pass. I don’t have enough money for groceries, so how and where would I get food?
So many questions and no solid answers. Joslyn was devastated by the thought of an abortion, but there was absolutely no way she could afford a baby.
Abortion appeared to be her only option, so Joslyn anxiously started looking online for a place that would terminate the child in her womb. She felt that she had to get rid of her baby quickly or her world would crumble.
Fortunately, Joslyn called Human Coalition and spoke with a compassionate nurse who helped calm her anxiety, refocus on her situation, and think through all the options she really had. Those opportunities included adoption or parenting the baby herself. The latter alternative seemed impossible, but Joslyn was willing to meet with the caring staff at a pregnancy center. Here she would confirm her pregnancy and see how far along she was with an ultrasound. She would also learn what kind of support Human Coalition offered.
That was the moment everything changed.
Once Joslyn saw her baby moving and heard her child’s heartbeat, she wasn’t sure she could go through with an abortion, but she still did not feel confident that she could parent.
The staff at Human Coalition surrounded Joslyn with emotional, spiritual, and tangible support, encouraging her not to give up. She was paired with a social worker who provided hope through the Continuum of Care program, a long-term support system that helps moms access housing, food, transportation, and more. Joslyn’s social worker helped to connect her with housing and food assistance so she could live on her own. She also got help with bus passes, maternity clothing, and finding medical care.
With the compassionate support from everyone working with her, Joslyn saw that it was possible to raise her child and was empowered to choose life! Soon, stability started to set in, especially with the extra help from Human Coalition’s Holiday Connections program, which helps struggling families experience Christmas, and our pro-life care partner, Embrace Grace.
Even with all the help, Joslyn’s spirit was still broken, and she urgently needed a place of belonging in a judgment-free community that would cheer her on and help her to be brave.
That’s when Joslyn joined a 12-week support group facilitated by Embrace Grace in her local community. And that’s where she found the additional encouragement and assistance she needed. She made lifelong friends with women who had gone through similar experiences. She also learned parenting and life management skills while gaining reassurance in every way.
“Thank you … for introducing me to Embrace Grace,” Joslyn told Human Coalition. “I don’t know how my pregnancy journey would’ve been without this group. These past 12 weeks have been nothing but amazing and enlightening. I am very thankful for you all.”
Joslyn was connected with a pro-life church that discipled her in God’s Word too. Her new church home helped her gain the confidence she needed to become the woman and mom she wanted to be. To celebrate, the church held a baby shower in Joslyn’s honor.
Joslyn gave birth to a happy, beautiful baby girl who brings endless joy to everyone around her. With a huge smile, Joslyn says, “Thank you so much, ladies at Human Coalition, for encouraging me to keep my daughter. This feeling is like no other.”