Rachel House warms hearts with simple gesture

Rachel House Pregnancy Resource Centers exist to offer compassionate care to men and women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Our focus is to holistically empower the family unit through advocacy, education, mentoring and discipleship. Our goal is to positively impact families now and for generations to come.

Now entering their 27^th year of ministry, Rachel House has grown to serve approximately 3500 men and women annually through their 4 locations in Lee’s Summit, Independence, Midtown and the Northland in Kansas City, Missouri. Standard services in all locations include pregnancy tests, first-trimester ultrasound, pregnancy and parenting education, Fatherhood support and a newly added mentoring program that clients can participate in for long term assistance.

“We are really excited about how our Fatherhood program has grown in just one year”, said Kathy Edwards, ministry CEO. “Contrary to what you might think, unplanned pregnancy is not just a woman’s issue. These unborn children have a father and a mother. Whenever possible, we want to engage the baby’s father and help him find his voice regarding what he wants for his child’s future”. When a young man comes into one of the centers he is greeted by a male advocate. Man-to-man, the mantel of family leadership is presented. “The desire is there, it is just not cultivated in our society today. Most of the young men we talk with awaken rapidly to the responsibility of protecting and providing for their family” reports Mike Eklund, Fatherhood Education Coordinator for Rachel House. In the last 12 months a recorded 363 men have been seen at the Rachel House centers. A male volunteer staff of 22 has been trained to meet with the fathers who come in. “At the end of 2018 we were awarded a grant through the National Fatherhood Institute to cover training and curriculum to help prepare these dads to be actively involved in their child’s life, Eklund said. Whether the couple marries or decides to single parent, they will always be the parents of their child.

This year Rachel House has a special initiative to help demonstrate the genuine care they have for their clients. After completion of the initial visit, a special thank you card is given to each person who has been served. In addition to thanking them for coming in, the card explains a little more about why Rachel House exists, it also includes the next appointment time and date, contact information and a $5.00 Quik Trip gift card. Edwards explains, “Often we hear gasps of disbelief as various needs are met through this simple gesture. We are asking for donations of Quik Trip Cards throughout the year”. Cards can be dropped off or mailed to any of the 4 locations.

Rachel House invites you to visit their constituent website at www.rachelhousefriends.org. There you can learn more about the organization, location addresses, volunteer openings and sign up to receive email updates.

January is Sanctity of Life month in recognition of the landmark case legalizing abortion in our country. Since 1973 when the law was passed over 60 MILLION children have been legally put to death. Help Rachel House Pregnancy Centers promote the Sanctity of Life. Contact them today!