At the time I was 19 pregnant and traveled to LSM in Gloversville New York, it was in 1990 and had my daughter in 1991. My experience was less than positive. I am sharing this story years later because I found my voice and I would like to share my experience. I didn't know this platform was here and I am grateful for it, maybe the staff of LSM will find this information useful.
The food was donated from a local store we would eat ravioli from a can and day old baked bread no vegetables, the doctor we would go to for checkups was physically rough during examinations and passive aggressive, I had to get a lawyer because the people who worked there wanted me to give up my child to people they chose ( I had a family who was ready to adopt already) they tried all they could to get me to change my mind. When I was in the hospital while I was birthing the woman who was the supervisor of LSM at that time was present at my bedside. I was screaming (I was in a lot of pain and the labor lasted for 38 hours. The woman said to me "I do not know why you are screaming, no one can hear you". I was taken into surgery because I was in labor to long and when I woke up I was in agonizing pain and the nuns did not want to give me pain medication. I was sent home 3 days later on a plane with an infection and my incision started to bleed, I do not even remember much about being on the plane. I do know they wheeled me off of the plane in a wheelchair and my shirt was wet with blood. When I got home I had a 104 fever and my mother called the Dr. after that I cannot remember much else. I was 19 years old eating food I shouldn't have and in a place with a strangers who supposedly had my best interest at heart. There is so much more to the story and I hope LSM has improved how they treat the girls who come to them for help. I believe I am not a sinner for my situation, I was not educated by my parents about sex, I was not educated about life, I was a child having a child.
I have been volunteering with Life Saver Ministries for over three years. This organization provides not only the basic needs for pregnant and parenting teens, but also provides the training, classes, and opportunities that are necessary for these moms to take care of their families on their own. This organization seeks to bring the love of Christ to the people they serve, and they truly do. This house becomes a home to those who come through the door.
I have been involed with this ministry as a direct care worker since February 2009. It has a great loving and nuturing staff, committed to helping these young moms learn how to live and take care of themselves and their babies in the real world. The girls that come through the doors are in need of so much, and the needs are met here. Recently I had a conversation with a 2 former residents with toddlers now, that still follow the schedule for their children. In fact these young moms still call staff and come to visit, as some other former residents do. This speaks for itself. The love of the Lord is in this place, and the girls know it
I have been with LSM, Inc for one year and have loved being a part of such a wonderful ministry. The directors, staff and supporters truly care and provide for the residents at a level of Christian excellence Each resident and child is treated with respect and dignity and offered tools for self care and parenting that have a potential to change thier lives for the better.
I have been with the ministry since 2001, and have seen many success stories with the young women who come through our doors. They learn parenting skills and life skills to become effective parents and to manage a household on their own. The staff here is loving and supportative and we have a clean, safe environment in which the moms and babies are nurtured.
The volunteers and staff at My Father's House are extraordinarily committed to helping young mothers and expectant mothers. Most of these young women come to live at My Father's House with really very little knowledge about even the most basic life skills, such as cooking, budgeting their money, applying for jobs, managing their own or their baby's health care, or even how to properly clean house. The girls are teenagers who have made the very grown-up decision to raise their children despite the up-hill road they will have to travel. At My Father's House, they really are given both the nurturing and the education they need to succeed--weekly mandatory life skills classes, optional Bible studies, and daily mentoring in child care, housekeeping, cooking and nutrition. And above all the mothers and babies are in a safe, warm Christian home filled with genuine love.
When I first entered the home provided by Life Saver Ministeries, I felt a warmth. I knew that homeless pregnant and parenting teens lived there and I could sees Christ's love for these young mom's and babies in action. The well trained staff team knew the needs of each teen and their babies. Every detail of their lives was being supported by those who worked and volunteered there. The program is outstanding. These young women are taught everything they need to become independent. Each girl has a customized plan to promote their education, job search, parents skills, life skills, daily planning, financial planning, and medical needs. No where have I seen such joy on the faces of babies for they now have a loving, Christian home in which to grew. I have the privilege of teaching their mom's how to teach them. How to talk, read, play, sing and care for their babies. Many of these mom's never were parented. The environment created at the home enables these moms and babies to have a chance for a new life where they are loved so they can learn.
I have been a supporter of Life Saver Ministries for over a decade. During this time the consistent, committed leadership has provided a loving, nuturing, growth-oriented home for pregnant and parenting teens. I know that lives have been changed for the better - both residents and volunteers alike. Many young women have found a true home during a stressful and challenging time in their lives. The staff and volunteers care deeply about each one who take advantage of the opportunity to be there. The participitory nature of the house rules provide structure and stability that many experience for the first time. Classes on such things as parenting, nutrition and health result in a measurable increase in self-sufficiency and self-confidence. Anyone with a heart for these young women can find out how to help at www.lifesaversministries.org
I've had extensive interactions with the staff and directors at "My Father's House" (Life Saver's Ministries) in North Chelmsford. They are selfless, focused and driven by their desire to help young, unwed mothers in need. The larger driving force behind this ministry is faith in Christ, and a genuine desired to do His work. Even to non-Christians, the practical and obvious benefit to these new families and to society as a whole speaks to its worthiness of your support. The girls must complete their education while taking on responsibilities in the house (cooking, cleaning) all while preparing to provide a loving home for their babies. In short, they are equipped to not only survive in our society, but to thrive.