We have an immediate challenge in the Baltimore/ Annapolis/ Washington DC metro area.  An increasing number of single, expectant mothers and babies in very difficult situations need help.  A few recent examples:

• At 13-15 years old, several single expectant young girls asked Bethany for help.  They came to us through the suggestion of their local CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center), and from internet inquiries.  A Bethany counselor assisted each girl (and their family where possible) to consider options for a short term plan during the pregnancy, and a long term plan for the baby and a family.

  

• A woman 6 months pregnant, after being physically and sexually assaulted, asked Bethany for help.  Bethany helped her during her pregnancy with counseling and support.  The mother carefully considered what would be best for her baby and decided that adoption was the best plan. 

 

• At 1 day -3 years old, several babies were referred to us that have special needs like fetal alcohol syndrome with developmental delays, and Downs syndrome with medical and behavioral challenges.  Bethany found extraordinary families who were willing to adopt them and lavish their care and love on them.

 

Bethany is called to help these expectant women and babies by providing options with MORE LOVE!  So far this year we have served more than 80 expectant mothers and many babies.  If needed funding becomes available we estimate we will serve many more in 2009.  

Our referral sources have shared that intentional outreach is needed—many expectant mothers are aborting their babies because they are unaware that help and options exist.  Some need pre-natal care.  Some need housing, education and transportation assistance. All needed legal representation.

Also, because of the strong communities of families, we are able to find adoptive families for the babies with special needs referred to us.  Already many families have opened their hearts and their homes to adopting these babies—some are bon with fetal alcohol syndrome or drug exposure and need parents who can provide extraordinary love.  These families need access to Bethany during their adoption as well as afterward for on-going support.

To provide for the needs of these expectant mothers and babies in our community, I need your support.   I’m starting with my personal gift of $200.  Will you join me with a gift before December 20, 2009 to help raise $20,000?  Here are a few great ways your support can help right now:

$  30 could provide transportation to prenatal medical care

$100 could provide one hour of counseling

$300 could provide one month of foster care for a newborn

$500 could provide housing at a maternity home for one month

 

Please share this information with 5 friends

It will take more than you and me to achieve this goal! It’s so easy to link this webpage to your Facebook page, or to send the link in an e-mail.

LINK:   http://www.firstgiving.com/moreloveinMaryland

 

Please call if you’d like to know more or to pledge and send your gift via check. 

410.721.2835

Sharing More Love,
Paulette Holloway
Director, Bethany of Maryland