This April, I am taking part in Handmade with Purpose. Over 20 handmade shops are taking the opportunity to give back to their communities and donating proceeds to charities of their choice, including Autism Speaks, the SHINE Project and Compassion International. I'm exciting to be participating and have created a special painting with proceeds going to a ministry that is very close to my heart. Keep reading to learn more!
My mom has been the executive director at the Bowie Crofton and Severna Park Pregnancy Clinic since 1982. As a little girl, I went to work with my mother on her work days. I spent my Tuesday and Thursday mornings on a couch in a counseling room watching cartoons. As I watched my kids' movies and used the fetal models as dolls, I knew something important went on there, but didn't realize of the impact of the work going on around me. But once I started reaching my elementary, middle school and high school years, I grew to understand the life changing ministry more and even volunteered there for many years.
Countless women and girls each year are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and have little or no resources to help them make life-changing decisions. The Pregnancy Clinic offers completely free services from pregnancy tests and counseling, LifeSense classes (on subjects from breastfeeding to budgeting), STD testing and counseling to 3D/4D ultrasounds, and post-abortion counseling.
From their website:
"The Pregnancy Clinic is a faith-based, medical non-profit serving those facing pregnancy related and sexual health issues by offering physical, emotional and spiritual support, and empowering them to make healthy and life-affirming decisions. Established in 1982, the Pregnancy Clinic has served over 21,000 women and their families with totally free services, empowering thousands of women to choose life instead of abortion. Two offices, Bowie Crofton and Severna Park meet women at their point of need, listening with compassion and offering help, healing and hope. The Severna Park office was opened in what had been a large abortion clinic and is now a life saving- life changing sanctuary.".
I've painted this "Mama Bird" Cutie on 6x6 canvas especially for Handmade with Purpose.
Proceeds will go directly towards the Pregnancy Clinic, helping them keep their services free and continue to minister to thousands more men and women.
Wondering how something as little as $20 can help?
$1.70 pays for one pregnancy test for a girl who may be scared and feeling lost.
$25 pays for 10 Bibles for clients who need to hear the encouraging words of Jesus.
$200 pays for one sonogram that can make the difference between life and death for an unborn child.
Hop over to my shop to purchase "Mama Bird" and give the gift of life. You may also want to visit the Handmade with Purpose blog to find out about the other shops donating to charities of their choice and how you can help.
Mahalo and have a fabulous weekend!