Whispering Hope’s life-saving efforts have found new optimism and leadership in 2009.
Just a few months ago, the nonprofit women’s resource and pregnancy center faced a budget shortfall that threatened its future. But a plea to local churches raised enough support to keep it open.
Among those who contributed to the center was Pastor Richard Lee, founder of First Redeemer Church and There’s Hope Ministries.
Following a series of discussions between the Whispering Hope board of directors and Lee, the board approved a new slate of officers and directors, made up primarily of There’s Hope Ministries leadership.
Lee was elected to serve as chairman of the center’s board. Though they resigned their posts, previous board members serve as an advisory team to the new officers.
“I have always had a heart for that ministry,” Lee said. “It will still be a community-operated facility, we’ve just moved in to help them and to help the community keep it vital and active.”
With the new team in place, Lee hopes to broaden financial assistance and volunteerism to expand the services of the 12-year-old organization.
In the last five years, the organization says it has helped prevent 238 abortions, provided emotional and material support to nearly 5,000 women, and helped 35 women finish high school and receive work force training.
In 2008, nearly 90 babies were born with help from Whispering Hope, which has a nurse on staff and is equipped with a new ultrasound machine. Because of the amenities, monthly operating costs run about $11,000.
There’s Hope Ministries, now celebrating its 25th year, shares the Christian faith with audiences across America while encouraging community service through its There’s Hope for the Hungry program.
With its national reach, There’s Hope Ministries could bring increased awareness and funding to Whispering Hope.
But for now, Lee said “we’re going to have to take it a step at a time, in that it is already a very well organized and vital organization.”
“We’re basically coming in to join hands with them and to aid them, meaning the directors that are currently there day by day, to facilitate any improvements and ongoing stability,” he said.
“It is a ministry to everyone in Forsyth. It really does not belong to one [group], it belongs to the people of Forsyth.”
E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.
Just a few months ago, the nonprofit women’s resource and pregnancy center faced a budget shortfall that threatened its future. But a plea to local churches raised enough support to keep it open.
Among those who contributed to the center was Pastor Richard Lee, founder of First Redeemer Church and There’s Hope Ministries.
Following a series of discussions between the Whispering Hope board of directors and Lee, the board approved a new slate of officers and directors, made up primarily of There’s Hope Ministries leadership.
Lee was elected to serve as chairman of the center’s board. Though they resigned their posts, previous board members serve as an advisory team to the new officers.
“I have always had a heart for that ministry,” Lee said. “It will still be a community-operated facility, we’ve just moved in to help them and to help the community keep it vital and active.”
With the new team in place, Lee hopes to broaden financial assistance and volunteerism to expand the services of the 12-year-old organization.
In the last five years, the organization says it has helped prevent 238 abortions, provided emotional and material support to nearly 5,000 women, and helped 35 women finish high school and receive work force training.
In 2008, nearly 90 babies were born with help from Whispering Hope, which has a nurse on staff and is equipped with a new ultrasound machine. Because of the amenities, monthly operating costs run about $11,000.
There’s Hope Ministries, now celebrating its 25th year, shares the Christian faith with audiences across America while encouraging community service through its There’s Hope for the Hungry program.
With its national reach, There’s Hope Ministries could bring increased awareness and funding to Whispering Hope.
But for now, Lee said “we’re going to have to take it a step at a time, in that it is already a very well organized and vital organization.”
“We’re basically coming in to join hands with them and to aid them, meaning the directors that are currently there day by day, to facilitate any improvements and ongoing stability,” he said.
“It is a ministry to everyone in Forsyth. It really does not belong to one [group], it belongs to the people of Forsyth.”
E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.