On December 1st, A Hope Center was awarded a $40,000 grant by The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation for their service of women, men and families in the Fort Wayne area. Medical services offered include testing for pregnancy and STDs/STIs, limited ultrasounds and educational parenting classes. The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation partnered with A Hope Center to bring hope to individuals. A Hope Center uses these programs in an effort to help reduce the infant mortality rate.
A staff nurse recalls a specific client that exemplifies how A Hope Center brought hope and encouragement to one individual. *Mary was in her first trimester when she walked into the doors of A Hope Center.
Michelle recalled “she was sure the baby would be unhealthy due to her lifestyle choices, the father was not going to be involved, and she had no family support. When I told her the test was positive she cried and was scared she was going to be a bad mom.” Mary was given a list of appointments to which included Brightpoint to obtain presumptive eligibility for Medicaid and her follow-up STI/STD result and an ultrasound. Mary accepted the help and support A Hope Center offered.
The next time I saw Mary, she had quit smoking for the health of the baby. She was going to keep the baby and wanted me to continue praying for her baby’s health. She also found a job that was less physically demanding.
Mary continued to keep in touch with the staff nurse and received a beautiful picture of a healthy baby boy!” Michelle said, “Mary thanked A Hope Center again for being there for her and stated that it seemed just like yesterday that she saw him for the first time on the ultrasound screen.”
Mary’s first visit was as a woman hurting and hopeless. Today, she is a mother with a son hopeful and happy. We thank St. Joseph Community Health Foundation for their support of A Hope Center helping us show women, men and families in Fort Wayne that they matter and we care.
