Celebrate Life

Celebrating the One Year Anniversary of the Dobbs Decision

On June 24, our country celebrates the first anniversary of the Dobbs ruling which overturned Roe v. Wade. While many of us celebrated the ruling in 2022, others wondered what the decision would mean for women in crisis: for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies, for women with no support system, for women wondering what they should do next and how they would manage a job or school with a baby.

At One by One, our goal has always been to walk alongside pregnant and new moms – without judgment - throughout their pregnancies and at least until their children turn one. Our mentors offer friendship and support, teach moms how to meet their babies’ safety and developmental needs, and share parenting and life skills lessons. Most of all, our mentors are there to remind every scared mom she’s not alone – because One by One is right there with her.
 
A friend of our ministry, Sarah Gargala, wrote the following and gave us permission to share. We feel this passage is a good summary of what we mean when we say we’ll walk alongside new moms.
 
“I’m not taking you camping."But I will….

· Sit with you when you’re scared.
·  Hold you when you cry.
·  Drive you to a pregnancy clinic to help make sure you and baby are healthy and thriving.
·  Help connect you to resources whether it be for adoption or assistance programs for when      baby arrives.
·  Pick you up for church on Sundays and make sure you know God loves you so, so much.
·  Cook you meals, collect donated groceries, or organize a meal train to help you get through      those long, tired nights.
·  Support you every day in your decision in any way I can and make sure you know that your       baby already loves you so much for choosing life.

You aren’t the first woman to feel the uncertainty and fear of motherhood, and you won’t be the last. Many before you have been changed for life by motherhood. They have overcome battles and achieved dreams they never knew possible because that little face was looking up at them, pushing them to do better.
 
God gifted you with the precious living soul inside your womb. You may never know His intentions but know He has a plan for you and that child. And at the end of the day, no matter what choices you make or how bad you think you’re screwing up as a mom, God will always love you, forgive you, and shower you in grace.
 
You are never alone and you are unconditionally loved!
 
"I’m here for you.”
 
While One by One mentors cannot provide transportation, babysitting, or money, they can provide friendship and support, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen. They can help you learn good parenting skills and how to meet your baby’s needs. They can help you connect to doctors to make sure you’re getting the care you and your baby need. They can help you connect to other agencies to help with food, rent, child care, and related services. And they can help you connect with a local church whose members will also be there to support you, pray for you, and remind you just how special you and your baby are to God.

If you’ve just learned you’re pregnant, or if you have a baby three months old or younger, and you’re wondering what to do next, let us help you. We provide mentors to meet with you in person or virtually; we also have Spanish-speaking mentors available. Text “help” to 901.808.0566 or apply online here. There is no cost to participate in our program.
 
If you have a heart for helping moms needing support and would like to serve as a mentor, apply to volunteer with us here. Training is free, and we provide you with all of the lesson plans and information you need to mentor a new mom. We have a need for in-person, virtual, and Spanish-speaking mentors.