A guest column by by Barbara Lockhart and Judy Cunningham
Birthright volunteers
A 17-year-old girl walked into the Birthright office. A refugee from Africa, she was seven months pregnant. At the age of 7, the girl had witnessed a massacre that killed her father – who laid his body across his daughter’s, to protect her.
After 10 years in a refugee camp, the young woman was given the chance to come to the United States, having to leave behind her boyfriend, but hoping to be with her mother. However, the mother rejected her daughter when she learned of the young woman’s pregnancy.
The girl was then sent to live with her aunt in Lincoln, and she came to Birthright, thinking that she could not have her baby.
We listened and loved her unconditionally. We found her a doctor, provided maternity clothes, gave her referrals for food, and helped her choose life. We kept in touch with her. We were there when her beautiful baby boy was born. We then provided a layette— a basket full of baby items—and continued to offer her support. This is one story out of the thousands who have needed and received our help over the last 55 years that we have been in Lincoln, the city’s first pro-life organization.
Birthright is an international organization and is run by all volunteers. We have no paid staff. We are financially supported through donations from individuals, families and church organizations. We are so thankful for those who support us. Right now, donations of new or gently used size newborn to size 2 clothing and baby blankets are very appreciated by our moms.
The Nebraska Catholic Conference, in a Southern Nebraska Register column, recently featured Pregnancy Help Organizations (PHOs) in Nebraska, and how donors can receive a special tax credit for supporting them. The column included a list of the 15 PHOs that are registered for these tax-credit-eligible donations throughout the state. The state has a good program and has helped many women, but our international Birthright by-laws prevented us from becoming a part of the group.
However, we are determined to keep going because we continue to see the need. In this past year, our wonderful donors allowed us to provide 230 cribs or car seats to moms. There were 239 women who gave birth to their babies. They come back monthly for diapers and clothes until their little ones are 2 years old. Many are refugees and all are struggling, but they are always proud to show us their beautiful babies.
Right now, our biggest need is for volunteers. If you have two hours a week to come to our office and work—with another volunteer—we would be very thankful. It is easy and rewarding and if you find a friend to join you, it’s fun. We started volunteering at Birthright when our children were young. We were blessed to be there one day a week for two hours. One of us took care of the kids when the other volunteered. All that you need is a heart for the unborn and their mothers.
Please pray about this request and call us at 402-466-2609 and leave a message for one of our directors, Marty Miller or Jeanne Tunnison, who have each volunteered for more than 35 years.
You will get back more than you give!
