Category: Our Programs

The following is an excerpt from the speech shared by Ruth Tisdale, Executive Director at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), given at the ministry’s annual banquet. Here, Ruth shares the heart of Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) – how we continually work to reach women who feel they have no other options or help, women who are truly hurting and need the love and compassion that we can give them.

You . . . You were instrumental in changing women’s lives! Your gifts, your prayers, your time does make a difference for life.

By the end of September, 2014, about 54% of the women that had found and contacted us were at risk for abortion. By the end of this September, that number went to 64%. However, by the end of last year, 56% of those that we performed pregnancy tests on were at risk for abortion. And this year, after our marketing efforts, 84% of the women we performed pregnancy tests on been at risk for abortion. That is exactly why we are here.

Part of our strategic plan this year had us looking not only at the marketing, because we want to make sure women in need find us first, but we also looked at the operations of this ministry. We wanted to see what kinds of things do we want to enhance so that women would know they are not alone. We upgraded the look of our offices, we’ve added a live chat to our website, and we even hired someone from the National Affiliate of Pregnancy Centers to come to Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) and do a special training on talking about abortion. We want a woman’s experience at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) to be like nothing she’s ever experienced before. And we want her, when she leaves our doors, to know that she has been in a very special place.

As you can see, we have so very much to be thankful for this year. And as we enter this season where our hearts are turned to thoughts of giving thanks, we indeed find ourselves in deep gratitude for all who have had a part in helping us reach hurting women. All that we have accomplished, and all that we have reached have been because of your efforts and God’s abundant blessings. As we look ahead to 2016, incorporating even more changes that allow us to reach a greater number of women, we ask for your continued support and prayers.

We do, indeed, have much to be thankful for!

*Jackee is  willingly giving us permission to share her story so that others can realize there is hope in the midst of a difficult situation. All client experiences with Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) are kept with the highest confidence. The stories that are shared come from the real-life experiences that our clients, staff and volunteers had during their unplanned pregnancy.

*Her name has been changed but her story is true.

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Pregnancy was NOT in my plans
I am 28-years old, married, and have a 2-year-old son. The beginning of 2015 came with promises of a year filled with accomplishment of many goals. I was studying at college and I was to graduate this year. I had started my own family business … and it was growing like I never imagined. But at the beginning of February, I realized I was pregnant. I felt like my whole world collapsed. It was the worst news at this moment in my life. I felt like this wasn’t the right time for all the plans I had for my life and I didn’t realize what God wanted. I was blinded and angry at myself. The very same day we figured out that I was pregnant, I looked online for abortion options. I found a clinic that provided abortions, but the cost was too high and we did not have that kind of money. So I decided to search (more) online and found several places, and Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) came up with some others. I went to their website and began to read about my options. I wrote down the address and went to their office the next day.

I thought I knew what we should do
My husband went with me to that appointment and the first thing I told the receptionist was that I wanted information about an abortion. I felt like my entire body was shaking because of the decision I was about to make. She had us go in with a Client Advocate . . . We went in to a very cozy room which made me feel so much more at peace, though my nerves continued to shake. When we began talking to our Client Advocate, we let her know our situation and that we definitely wanted to have an abortion. She asked us many questions and slowly but surely, I began to realize what we thought we wanted wasn’t the right option at all! Our Client Advocate spoke to us with words that came directly from God. She touched our hearts and helped us to realize that the decision to abort was not the best option. She also helped us to understand that though I felt like my life was falling apart right now, God had allowed this pregnancy to happen, and He had a purpose for it, even if I didn’t understand at this time. That day, I felt God’s mercy over me.

That day, I simply arrived at the right place, at the right time and I met with the right person.

A wonderful change of my plans
I broke down and sobbed with our Client Advocate, allowing me to let go of all my fears. When we left that day, my husband and I couldn’t get over how thankful we were for God leading us to this place. If we had not gone to Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), I think that we would have aborted our child.

In conclusion, I want to express how grateful I am that there are places like Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) in a country where abortion is completely legal. Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) is there, daily fighting for the mothers, helping them see that there are other options besides abortion.

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Additional stories of women and families who didn’t feel that having a baby was in their plans at that time:
Nicole’s Story – Unplanned Pregnancy & Abortion
Jason’s Story – Choosing To Parent

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If you are pregnant – and don’t know where to turn for help – we are here.
You don’t even need to talk to anyone on the phone to schedule the appointment. Schedule your appointment online – at your convenience and when you are ready.

We will be here for you!

The situation repeats itself daily. Someone, somewhere, suddenly finds themselves suddenly in the unplanned situation of being pregnant. There are many variables – single or married, young teen or career woman, married or not even in a committed relationship.

But the one thing that doesn’t change in each case is that the woman experiencing this feels vulnerable, scared and shaken to her very core. What choices does she have? Does she have to do this alone? Is there anyone who can offer a listening ear, a comforting word and guidance?

Ruth Tisdale, Executive Director here at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), shares through this radio blog talk how we are here to help women of all ages and in all stages of an unplanned pregnancy. Listen as she shares the many ways that Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) can truly be the answer that is so desperately needed.

 

We have a private, confidential 24-hour helpline available to you. When you are ready, call us at 913-962-0200. There is no judgment and no pressure, just a comforting voice on the other line who can offer you the help you are looking for.

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To learn more about the programs and services that Ruth talked about in her interview:
Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) Programs

Walking through the front doors of Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center), you enter the inviting and peaceful lobby. A Client Advocate warmly greets you at the front window, asking if you have an appointment. You tell her yes, and give your name. She gives you some paperwork to fill out as well as a copy of our privacy practices. You go ahead and find a comfortable seat and begin the paperwork process, which take just a few short minutes. You return your completed paperwork to the reception window and the Client Advocate thanks you, telling you that they’ll be with you in just a few minutes.

The door opens, and your Client Advocate appears. She smiles, introduces herself, and explains that she will be the one meeting with you today. Walking down the hallway, you see several counseling rooms that are all bright and welcoming. You walk in to one of these rooms and have a seat on the couch. Your Client Advocate says that there are some questions to go over first before conducting a pregnancy test. She then goes through your completed paperwork, taking the time to get to know you. She also addresses any concerns or questions you may have at that time. Throughout this conversation, you begin to feel more safe and secure. You find that your Client Advocate cares for you as an individual, and that you have value and worth here. After going through your paperwork, the pregnancy test is performed by your Client Advocate. It’s a medical grade pregnancy test, and the results take just 3 minutes. You sit quietly, processing what the result may be and knowing very well that the result be life changing. The timer beeps, and the results are read. Two lines means the test is positive, one line means negative.

Your Client Advocates asks how you’re feeling about the results. You have an opportunity to discuss whatever is on your mind, and know you’ll be listened to without judgement. Your Client Advocate offers you resources and referrals that are applicable to you, and if the test is positive, explains the possibility of scheduling an ultrasound. You are also given information on the Journeys class we offer. You walk out with the information on parenting, adoption and abortion that you need to make an informed and educated decision about this choice in your life.

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If you are interested in visiting one of our offices, we want you to know that a visit with us looks very much like what is described above. It is comforting, peaceful and in no way judgmental. This is a safe place for you to consider all aspects of your unplanned pregnancy.

For our office locations, click here.

For additional information about the various services at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid):
Our Programs Blog Articles

The following post was written by *Mark, a volunteer with our Bridges Program here at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center). He is sharing his experience and knowledge so that others can realize there is hope in the midst of a difficult situation, and that other men can know they are not alone.

The stories that are shared here come from the real-life experiences that our clients, staff and volunteers had as they dealt with unplanned pregnancy. *All names have been changed.

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It’s been a long time since I starting talking with the young, dedicated dads who joined the Bridges* program. I’ve been blessed to get to know dozens of men who weren’t sure on day one that they even wanted to stick around and yet now, they are becoming great dads. There is so much powerful learning in the Bridges classes. Plus, the brotherhood experienced in going through a challenge together is amazing. All the guys learn from each other, not just the mentors.

Many of the guys in the program didn’t have the benefit of great parenting role models when they were growing up. Often, they didn’t know how to parent effectively, or how to support their girlfriend in a positive way to take care of their baby. It can be overwhelming.

A young man who had served in the Army in Afghanistan spoke to me one night about how unsure he was about raising his child. He was still getting used to life back in the states when his son was born. As he held his 8-week-old baby during our talk he asked a very challenging question.

“Is it ok that I haven’t bonded with my son?”

I didn’t expect a question like that. But we talked about what it means to bond and that for some it takes a little while longer than others. I was able to encourage him to see the positives his new family had going for them. I think he felt better after our talk and he became a regular at Bridges. He wanted to be a good father.

With the right attitude and time spent talking about their parenting approach with their girlfriend, the guys we work with often get it figured out. They determine what works for them and their new family. It is so amazing to see the growth from week to week. I think the most impressive thing I’ve witnessed is simply the willingness to try new things and learn about how to raise a child. It’s easier to pretend like they don’t need help, but these men make the effort and show courage in getting help to be a better dad. Despite what the world says, it takes a real man to ask for help!

I think some of the most rewarding times I have seen is when a young man or woman in Bridges learns to trust again and ask for help. It is often the broken dynamics of their childhood that contribute to the decisions that lead to unexpected pregnancy. Many times, they have lost the ability to trust. It is an important step to help them learn that they can trust again. When they learn to trust, getting the right help for their family becomes much easier.

The most rewarding part of helping the young families in our program is that they are all trying hard and they are so grateful for our time together. The guys are appreciative of the time we spend with them on Tuesday or Thursday nights. They can hardly believe that someone is willing to give their time to talk with them about the challenges in raising a family. For many of the guys I spoke with, they hadn’t seen much giving from the men in their lives growing up, so they didn’t know what to think at first when somebody offered to help them. Now they know that Bridges volunteers are there to love and serve them.

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If you are a man who could use the encouragement and training from a group of men who are there to help you succeed at the tough job of parenting, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Begin by making an easy call (913.962.0200) to ask about our Bridges program

*Bridges Program
Bridges is Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid)’s parenting support group. The goal of the program is to equip and support new parents who face either an unplanned pregnancy or a planned pregnancy but need additional assistance by providing a safe, loving, compassionate environment where they can grow and flourish. We do this by offering a two year program that includes large group education, small group connecting, and creating community through meals and special events.

Additional stories by Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) volunteers & staff:
Emily’s Story – Why I help Others
Abby’s Story – Unexpected Pregnancy & the Information You Need Most

You are having a baby.

Maybe that statement brings a sense of joy and excitement with it. Maybe it brings some uncertainty and apprehension. Either way, having a baby is a life-changing event. Whether this was planned or unplanned, you are alone or part of a larger family, this is your first time or not – having a baby can have a lot of unknowns which may cause you to feel a little anxious.

One way to be ready for the big day is to have as much help and information at your disposal as possible. Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) has developed a class specifically for the mother-to-be; to give you the information, hope, help and confidence you need to take away the fear and mystique of the birthing process.

Our Labor & Delivery classes are taught by retired Labor & Delivery nurses. Their skill, knowledge, experience and compassion make them exactly the right fit for this class! It is our belief that with knowledge comes confidence. Imagine heading into the birth of your baby with complete knowledge of what to expect. That confidence can actually help the process go smoother.

Our classes cover all of the topics that are most on your mind:

• The early signs of labor
• What to expect during active labor
• The specifics of both a vaginal birth and a cesarean birth
• How to deal with pain during the birth experience
• Breathing & visualization exercises
• Epidurals
• Education on the postpartum phase

These helpful classes are scheduled for every other month, and clients must be in at least their 25^th week of pregnancy to participate.

During this time in your life, you can have someone with experience and knowledge available to talk you through every stage of the process. You can know ahead of time what to expect in order to be fully prepared to handle this momentous event. You can have access to a compassionate and experienced nurse who is available to answer every question you might have.

You are having a baby – Congratulations!

Let us help you prepare for this exciting day. We can help you feel empowered and prepared as you look forward to the arrival of your baby. All it takes is for you to pick up the phone and call us at 913.962.0200.

We are ready . . . are you?

Additional help if you or someone you know is expecting:
Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) has additional programs to help. To learn more, check out these posts:
Our Bridges Program
Our Journeys Program
Our Hotline & Online Chat