Five months into the pregnancy of my second child, I moved to Living Grace. Even though I was dealing with drug addiction, domestic violence, and legal problems, I was welcomed there with open arms. I had dropped out of college. I had never had a job. I had no insurance and nowhere to go.
I got assistance in finding an internship that soon led to a job, one that I have been at for two years. I stayed at Living Grace Home for the duration of my pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Eventually I went on to live in a transition home, but the love and support I received from everyone never ceased.
Now I have my own home for myself and my daughters. I work full-time and I attend school full-time. I'm so very grateful for the everything I received from Living Grace Home. I don't know where I'd be had I not been given the opportunity to be blessed by them.
Living Grace Home is a continuous flow of God's goodness in the lives of expectant mothers who have chosen life and provides transition as well. As the only home of its kind in the whole Las Vegas area, it reflects that speck of faith that illuminates the world, a ray of hope that ripples outward, and charity from hearts to hearts (of mom and baby).
Without Living Grace, I can only ponder what alternative our young mothers-to-be could be forced into. Would they be left homeless, would they be unable to benefit from counseling, medical treatment, learning home skills as well as caring and tending of a newborn, continue their education or continue to work as some of them do? And worst of all, be so overwhelmed and feel pressured, that they would make a rash decision to terminate their pregnancy and suffer emotiionally for years to come. All of the above are serious problems and endanger the health and well being of not just the mother-to-be, but the child within. However, small as it may be, Living Grace offers the answer, alternative and accepts the responsibility for our community to provide shelter and care for young women who are going through a very difficult time alone and need a helping hand.
47 years ago, I too was an unwed mother, and benefitted from the help of an unwed mother's home. Today, life is great for not just me, but my beautiful 47 year old daughter. "It takes one to know one", and I know that Living Grace fits the bill when it comes to contributing to a community which offers none or very little assistance toward maintaining the life of an emotionally, physically, struggling, pregnant young lady and the innocent of our society. I have contributed and visited the home, and I have seen and heard, first hand, what a viable and most needed shelter Living Grace is for our community. I highly recommend that they be applauded and most generously awarded for what they contribute for Life!
This organization is one that I have had the privilege of donating to in the past. I strongly support it's mission to help young women who have exercised their "choice" to give the gift of life to their baby.
I am a former elected official in Las Vegas and have seen the great works of this organization firsthand. The young women who are fortunate to find Living Grace Home find a supportive environment in which to prepare for motherhood. They are in a home environment and are assigned roles of responsibility. They also have access to family counseling and medical care. Living Grace Home is truly making a difference in the lives of young women in Southern Nevada.
As a part-time volunteer at Living Grace Homes, who works on the house and books, I have a special view of this organization. My view is from the Inside-looking-out; I see how the moms enter our home as little, scared girls and leave as more mature, confident young mothers, ready to care for themselves and their charges; and from the outside-looking-in; I see Living Grace is a beautiful home, full of concerned, loving adults who give of their time, and talents in unique ways to help young women in need. It is a privilege to be a part of this organization, which has taught me so much and helped me grow to be a more caring and involved member of the Las Vegas community. Every mommy who has walked through our doors has a story to tell and if we take the time, we may become part of their stories.