A Wisconsin-based family foundation made a one-time bequest to Pro-Life Wisconsin, tasking us to use those funds to help women in Brown County who were abortion oriented but chose life AND needed help with tuition expenses for obtaining their GED, associate or college degree*, we were excited and up for the challenge.
*More proof that pro-lifers care about the moms and their babies after they are born!
I called every pregnancy resource center and state health agency in the area and I found an executive director of one of the Brown County pregnancy resource centers who said they had someone who fit our description–and she was due to give birth in late October. A road trip was in order!
The next day, our Program Director, Therese Aukofer, and I set off for Green Bay. Although I drive about 15,000 miles every year for Pro-Life Wisconsin, by the grace of God, I’ve been able to avoid getting a speeding ticket. That day, on the road to Green Bay, as we passed a trailer full of baby llamas, I noticed a State Trooper in the median.
The Trooper pulled me over and asked why I was speeding. I said, “Did you see that trailer of baby llamas? I couldn’t take my eyes off them! I’m sure that’s what distracted me.” Then he asked where we were going. I said, “We received grant money for moms in Brown County who were abortion-oriented, but chose life for their child, and want to complete a higher education –we’re going to Green Bay to meet with an organization that knows someone who would qualify.” The State Trooper emphatically responded, “That’s awesome!” Then he asked for my driver’s license and insurance. Therese was praying fervently while he was gone. When he returned, he said, “…What you’re doing here today is bigger than us. I’m going to give you a warning, but please know that a lot of people are dying on these highways because of high speeds, so please watch your speed…and I really love what you are doing!”
So, thanks to God (and those cute little llamas), we were on our way again. As providence would have it, the young mom we were destined to help came by the pregnancy resource center that very day when we were meeting with the director. We met Katy* and learned her story. Pro-Life Wisconsin worked with Katy for several weeks to secure her housing situation and set up her education funds. In October, Katy gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Now Katy and her family have a place to call home, and she can pursue her social work degree, which she chose so she can to give back to the community that helped her so much.
Our work at Pro-life Wisconsin is a road filled with adventures. There can be profound sadness or tremendous joy. But there is always abundant hope—and there are many many miracles along the way. Thank you for your gifts throughout the year and for your unceasing prayers and support. We are so grateful that you continue on this road with us, so together we can see the day when abortion is nothing but a speck of dust in our rear-view mirror.
*Name changed for confidentiality