For Those We’ve Lost…

Last year, some of our generous donors helped us create and open our Memorial Room for the Unborn at our Hawthorne headquarters. The room offers a place for those who have experienced the loss of a child, whether through termination, miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, to find solace and healing. This year, we invite everyone in our community to visit this meaningful memorial.

The journey of loss often brings a natural range of emotions for mothers and fathers, encompassing grief, sadness, anger, and even guilt. It is vital to understand that there is no prescribed path for grief, and it’s perfectly acceptable to take the time necessary to process these emotions and mend.

At Lighthouse, we are committed to assisting parents in navigating their unique grief journey and preserving the memory of the children they have lost. This serene sanctuary provides a haven for mothers and fathers to reflect, pray, and remember in peace. Importantly, this space is not exclusive to Lighthouse parents; it is open to anyone in our community who has experienced such a loss, regardless of when or how it occurred.

Additional Help

Many women and men with an abortion in their past come to us for counseling, feeling overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, pain, and regret.  Our Forgiven and Set Free Bible study provides healing and wholeness for women who have experienced abortion. Healing a Father’s Heart walks men through a similar journey. These programs literally set people free from years of heartache, forbidden grief, anger and regret. 

In 2022, three Forgiven and Set Free groups took place. In addition, many women and men had the opportunity to speak confidentially with our caring staff about their abortion experiences. Over 170 conversations related to abortion recovery took place, and another 33 peer counseling sessions focused on the grace and forgiveness found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The study helped me realize that having an abortion affected me more than I thought. I can’t take it back, but the study helped me grieve and most importantly, I confessed to God and asked for forgiveness. During the study, I realized that I have a baby in Heaven waiting for me. It was a beautiful experience. Being surrounded by women who went through the same thing helped me realize that I wasn’t alone.” — A participant of Forgiven and Set Free

If you would like to participate in an upcoming Forgiven and Set Free group, you can contact us confidentially at help@lighthouseprc.org.

To Remember and Honor…

The loss of a child, whether it be through termination, miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, is a devastating and heartbreaking experience. We know that mothers and fathers feel a natural range of emotions, including grief, sadness, anger, and even guilt. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and that it’s okay to take the time you need to process your feelings and heal.

One of our goals at Lighthouse is to help mothers and fathers process those feelings, and to remember and honor children that they’ve lost.

To that end, a few of our generous donors have helped create a Memorial Room for the Unborn at our Hawthorne headquarters. This memorial room will provide mothers and fathers with a quiet, peaceful place where they can reflect, pray and remember. This room isn’t just for Lighthouse parents; this room will be available to anyone in our community, no matter how or when they experienced their loss. 

Learn more about how you can contribute a nameplate to our memorial wall.

We’re inviting our supporters to a brief dedication ceremony on Sunday, January 29th at 2pm. We are also creating a display with Christian crosses of all types, and would welcome your donation of a cross that is special to you, for display in the memorial area. Donations can be brought to our HQ, 297 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, weekdays, 9-5pm, using front/street entrance; call 973.238.9047.

 

Additional Help

Many women and men with an abortion in their past come to us for counseling, feeling overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, pain, and regret.  Our Forgiven and Set Free Bible study provides healing and wholeness for women who have experienced abortion. Healing a Father’s Heart walks men through a similar journey. These programs literally set people free from years of heartache, forbidden grief, anger and regret. 

In 2022, three Forgiven and Set Free groups took place. In addition, many women and men had the opportunity to speak confidentially with our caring staff about their abortion experiences. Over 170 conversations related to abortion recovery took place, and another 33 peer counseling sessions focused on the grace and forgiveness found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The study helped me realize that having an abortion affected me more than I thought. I can’t take it back, but the study helped me grieve and most importantly, I confessed to God and asked for forgiveness. During the study, I realized that I have a baby in Heaven waiting for me. It was a beautiful experience. Being surrounded by women who went through the same thing helped me realize that I wasn’t alone.” — A participant of Forgiven and Set Free

If you would like to participate in an upcoming Forgiven and Set Free group, you can contact us confidentially at help@lighthouseprc.org.

An Amazing Morning of Grace…

On November 5th we held our second annual Thanks-giving For Grace Breakfast Fundraiser at the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel. We had 325 supporters join us to help make life choices possible for women and men facing unexpected pregnancies in our community. Between sponsorships, seats, Lighthouse Keeper pledges and one-time gifts, we’ve raised $77,000 towards our $150,000 goal.

Our featured speaker was Amy Ford, the co-founder and President of Embrace Grace. She shared how God has used Embrace Grace to stir up His church to pour out love for mothers facing unexpected pregnancies. We also heard from Diana Organowska, an incredible mother and an Embrace Grace graduate who went on to earn her Masters Degree in special education.

Thank to you every sponsor, guest and donor who supported this year’s event!

Forever Loved, Never Forgotten

In honor of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center hosts a remembrance ceremony on October 15 at its Hawthorne headquarters.

This annual ceremony, which has become a cherished tradition, is open to anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, still birth, ectopic/molar pregnancy, a fetal anomaly, SIDS, or other circumstance. The observance includes music, words of reflection, and prayer – all designed to provide compassionate support for those who too often grieve in silence. It concludes with a candle lighting which coincided with an international wave of light at 7 pm.

“We want to provide a meaningful way for those we serve at our centers, and those in our communities to honor precious lives who were with us for too short a time,” explained Debbie Provencher, Lighthouse Executive Director. “The ceremony offers a special time of remembrance for parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and friends who have shared this hurt and grief.”

In the United States, as many as 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. The percentage is highest in the earliest stages of pregnancy and among undiagnosed pregnancies. “Many of our staff have experienced this loss firsthand and understand the need to acknowledge and remember the child who was lost,” said Provencher.

Those attending the ceremony receive small tokens of remembrance, including a “forever loved, never forgotten” bracelet, and an ornament in memory of their children, for their holiday tree. Through the end of October, these mementos are available at the front desk of all Lighthouse centers (Hawthorne, Hackensack, Paterson and Wayne) for anyone who has suffered a pregnancy or infant loss.

Holiday Hours 2021

Please note our hours for the upcoming holiday season! Please also note that our donation drop off Saturdays will be closed on Sat. 11/27 and Sat. 12/25. We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season!

2021 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Ceremony

In honor of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center is hosting a remembrance ceremony and candle lighting on Friday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. at its headquarters, 297 Lafayette Ave in Hawthorne, NJ (parking is available in front of the building or on nearby streets). 

Lighthouse welcomes anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, still birth, ectopic/molar pregnancy, a fetal anomaly, SIDS, or other circumstance, to attend the ceremonies. In addition to the lighting of candles, the observances will include music, words of reflection, and prayer – all designed to provide compassionate support for those who too often grieve in silence.

“It is our hope to provide a meaningful way for those we serve at our centers, and those in our communities to honor precious lives who were with us for too short a time,” explained Debbie Provencher, Lighthouse Executive Director. “We want the ceremony to be a special time of remembrance for parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives and friends who have shared this hurt and grief.”  

In the United States, as many as 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. The percentage is highest in the earliest stages of pregnancy and among undiagnosed pregnancies. “Some of our staff have experienced this loss firsthand, and understand the need to acknowledge and remember the child who was lost,” said Provencher.

Those attending the ceremony will receive small tokens of remembrance, including a “forever loved, never forgotten” bracelet, and an ornament in memory of their children, for their holiday tree. From October 15-31, the bracelets will also be available at the front desk of all Lighthouse centers (Hawthorne, Hackensack, Paterson and Wayne) for anyone who has suffered a pregnancy or infant loss.

YoungLives Changes to Keep Changing Lives

What do Easter and Summer Camp have in common?  Both are important dates on our YoungLives Paterson calendar that were impacted by the pandemic – and both demonstrate our determination to bring the hope of the gospel to pregnant and parenting teens – no matter what!

YoungLives Paterson, a collaboration of Lighthouse and Young Life Bergen County, typically meets every second Saturday for Club, which includes lunch, games, crafts, and a gospel-centered talk, plus childcare to keep the youngest guests happy and safe. Twice a month, the pregnant and parenting teens gather for Community Group – a time focused on Bible study, discussion and prayer. 

This spring we found creative ways to continue supporting our teen moms, such as Zoom meetings and texting links to RightNow Media. With social distancing in full swing, several leaders donned masks for door-to-door deliveries of Easter baskets packed full with God’s love. The expressions on the moms’ and children’s faces made this Good Friday even better!

This summer, the much-anticipated YoungLives Camp looks a lot different. Most years, camp is a sleepaway experience in August — full of laughter, fantastic food, great conversations, and resort-quality facilities. It’s often called the “best 5 days of your life” and we look forward to it every year! 

This summer, we’re having “Virtual Camp” from August 3 – 7! The young moms are able to choose from typical camp activities, like dance class or arts and crafts, and enjoy a “cabin time” debrief after hearing from a great speaker each evening. The big difference this year — it will all be virtual! We’ll be connecting via Zoom as a group — but plan to meet together in person (with social distancing, of course) for a Live camp kickoff celebration Monday night at a local church. 

Along with an exciting box of goodies from YoungLives, we are looking forward to a memorable and life-changing week together!

From Lost to Finding YoungLives

Please pray with us that despite the differences due to the pandemic, Lighthouse can continue to make an eternal difference in the lives of young moms like Melis:

“When my daughter and I arrived in America two years ago, I was totally lost. I trusted nobody. I was so constantly afraid of being judged that sometimes I told people that my daughter was my sister.  At this time of my life, I was falling into depression. I could not stand to live, and I had no friends to confide in. Talking to my own mother was impossible. 

“I will never forget the day I met Jess, the YoungLives Paterson leader. I was so amazed that she did not judge me!  My first Saturday with the group was beautiful. I was so relieved and finally happy to be part of a group of young people like me, I couldn’t stop smiling. YoungLives is, frankly, the most beautiful experience of my life and I wish other girls will be able to experience it, too.” 

To register for Virtual Camp or inquire about volunteering when YoungLives’ meetings resume, please contact Coordinator Jessica Rexford at 732-893-7353 or Jessica@LighthousePRC.org.  

Summer Book Club: 7 Secrets Guys Will Never Tell You

Calling all Teen Girls for a virtual Book Club this summer featuring “7 Secrets Guys Will Never Tell You”. This book gives you a sneak peak into the mind of the average teen guy and what they really think about love, sex, and relationships! This book will empower, equip, and encourage you to make healthy relationship choices while giving real life relatable examples.

Join us Tuesday nights at 7:30pm starting July 7 – August 18 at no cost to you besides buying the book!

REGISTER here: https://forms.gle/mAzWJDFzi48Ak15a6. Register by July 2nd to ensure your book arrives by July 7!

You can buy the book (https://bit.ly/2zQHuWY) using the promo code REALife for 10% off, OR save on shipping and get 10% off when you order your book through the registration link above for pick up at our Wayne Center!

Please email Lauren with any questions at laurenk@lighthouseprc.org. We can’t wait to see you virtually!

Love in a Bottle

Singer-songwriter Jim Croce wanted to save time in a bottle, but Burt Bacharach believed that what the world needs now is love – not just for some, but for everyone.  I agree with Burt.  Having time but less love might lead to more senseless acts of violence like the one (in Minneapolis that) our nation is mourning. 

When questioned about the greatest commandment of all, Jesus answered with two: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” These two go hand-in-hand. As our love for God deepens, it naturally grows our heart for loving others.

Burt Bacharach also observed that “love was the only thing there is just too little of.” Sometimes we see that “too little” at Lighthouse when the partner of a pregnant woman threatens to leave her if she continues with their pregnancy. Or the baby’s father abandons her just before the baby is due. Other times I’ve witnessed it when a young man wants to be a good parent, but has not experienced the love of a father in his own life.

Lighthouse responds to this shortage by bringing God’s love to life. We extend a small measure of God’s unconditional love to those facing unexpected pregnancies, parenting challenges, relationship struggles, or post-abortion pain. Our free services and ongoing support – funded and fueled by those who have experienced God’s love in their own lives – expresses that love in practical ways. For some, it is a free ultrasound to medically confirm pregnancy when they have no insurance or no one to turn to; for others, it is a listening ear throughout their pregnancy journey that equips them emotionally, spiritually and materially to be a loving parent. For teens looking for love in the wrong places, it is guidance toward wise choices that protect their hearts and future.  For those hurting from a past abortion, Lighthouse offers a confidential place to discover they are not alone and that healing is possible. 

The New Testament makes another extreme statement about love. “Perfect love drives out fear,” we are told in I John 4:18. At Lighthouse, we see that even imperfect love can overcome the fear a newly pregnant mom or dad is feeling. As love is brought to life, those we serve can see past the fear of the moment to make wise life-giving, life-transforming choices. 

During this uncertain season, Lighthouse is asking friends to push past our own fears, and fill a bottle with love – a virtual baby bottle. Every other spring, we would be distributing baby bottles to be filled with cash, checks or change to fund the free services that bring God’s love to life. But this spring is different, so our bottles are virtual, but the need for your generous support is very real.

I pray you will join us with a gift today at www.LighthouseBabyBottle.org so there is more love in our world tomorrow.

Ready or Not, Another School Year is Here!

As another school year was getting underway, the staff of Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center geared up to guide women, men and teens of all ages to healthy, life-enhancing choices by tangibly showing them God’s love. Four of our key staff took part in CareNet’s national pregnancy center conference in early September, and returned with resources and insights to better serve “Gen Z.”

Our Paterson partner, RENEW Life, was preparing for their fall “Getting Ahead” workshop, which began in October. RENEW’s “Getting Ahead” program is a 10-week workshop which equips moms (and dads!) with the tools to overcome generational poverty. Parents gain confidence and conviction to continue their education, while also learning to manage finances and pursue stable employment.  Through this safe learning environment and grace-centered approach, Lighthouse moms are prepared to be change agents and role models in both their families and communities. “Getting Ahead” graduates continue to come for mentoring and a “Think Differently” Bible study that reinforces their transformation with spiritual truth.

Screen Shot 2019-09-12 at 9.52.47 AMIn late August, Lighthouse and RENEW Life families were blessed by donations from the Passaic County Commission on the Status of Women and Star of Hope Ministries. The Commission, led by Ernestine Dukes, toured the center and presented our children with colorful bags filled with nutritious lunch snacks. Afterwards, the children received backpacks filled with school supplies from Star of Hope Ministries. These combined donations equipped our families for a healthy, happy start to the school year.

Educators, youth leaders, and parents can likewise make a difference this school year by hosting our REALife Relationship and Love Training. REALife is a Lighthouse program that educates teens and young adults about sexual risk avoidance and the value of saving sex for marriage. REALife offers free, age- and context-appropriate presentations to churches and schools focused on topics like character development, goal setting, responding to peer pressure, and healthy relationship choices. The curriculum is medically accurate and aligns with core curriculum content standards.

God has given us the conviction that we need to actively help our community by educating youth on the dangers of unhealthy sexual behaviors, and provide teens with the resources and wisdom they need to choose abundant life.  When they make mistakes or experience painful consequences from their choices, our prayer is to show them that there is always a way to find healing and renewed perspective. If you are interested in being a part of our mission to help teens and young adults choose healthy, life-giving relationships over risky behaviors, contact Lauren Caron at laurenk@lighthouseprc.org or visit REALife’s website. To help fund all of our life-giving programs, click here.