Taurian smiles as she recalls her first memories of her father– his arms wide open asking her to come to him. Sadly, however, those same hands did not tuck her in each night, nor did they hold her hand as she walked home from school. Her parents were unable to care for her because they were teens themselves, so she was raised by her grandparents in South Central Los Angeles. When Taurian talks about her life she repeatedly and enthusiastically states: “I’m so blessed.”

Graduating from NYU with a bachelor’s degree, she knew that she wanted to spend her life helping people. Her dedication to serving and fighting for refugees took her to Ghana, Africa. Unfortunately, while she was there, she found herself in desperate need of help. She was 23 years old, pregnant and the baby’s dad was nowhere to be found. She eventually was able to return to the States just in time to give birth to her beautiful daughter, Meridian. Taurian gave birth at home, completely unassisted, and absolutely convinced that the Lord saw her through.

Just two weeks after Meridian was born, Taurian began to search for help within her community. That search led her to WPC, where she not only received the parenting tools and support that she had been desperate for, but also incredible relationships that would see her through this new experience. Her WPC counselor began mentoring her through “mommy-hood”, something she had never truly been on the receiving end of. Her counselor continually expressed a sincere love and care for Taurian and her family and shared her own personal experience, which not only created a space of trust in the relationship but challenged Taurian’s will and ability.

As she continues in the Parenting Support Program, Taurian is learning skills specific to her life and the needs of her baby. In her own words, “My deepest desire is to change the tide of absent parents in the lives of their children. With the help of WPC I have a shoulder to lean on, and believe I can overcome my past circumstances and truly make a difference.” With this new found hope, Taurian is ready for a fresh start and she and her baby girl moved to Paris, France this past fall to start her singing career.

Initially, she came to the center seeking healing for a past abortion, which had been a struggle for her. She was sure she did not want to repeat the past. She was adamant that she wanted to keep her child.

This young woman was scared, depressed, and very much alone. Her family was not there to provide support. Shortly after she discovered that she was pregnant, I received a phone call. You see, I was the father of this unborn child.

Enter the Westside Pregnancy Clinic. Throughout those somewhat dark months, the angels, or should I say counselors at the Center reached out to us both. They helped us explore all our options, they supported us in our decision to be parents, and they referred us to a family counselor who assisted us. The Center didn’t just care about the mother, the Center reached out to us both. The Center cared about the whole picture, about what was going on in our lives. Most importantly, the Center cared intently for a little princess named Isabelle before she was even born.

Beyond a doubt this experience has completely changed my life. Looking back those were some of the most unexpected and difficult months I have ever faced. You go from being responsible for yourself, which is tough enough, to suddenly being responsible and caring for a precious new life.

I can wholeheartedly tell you that I am very thankful that I am the proud Daddy of Isabelle.

-Tom, Culver City, CA

When I told the people I was staying with that I was pregnant, I expected support in making one of the biggest decisions of my life: to have a child. Initially, they advised me that they would support any decision I made, until I made it clear that I was keeping the baby. I was then told how irresponsible, selfish and in so many words unfit I was as an individual to raise a child. I knew immediately that in order to keep my baby, I must obtain a healthy, affordable and supportive place to live just to think out the decision I had made in my heart. I crumbled, feeling the desperately needed support dissipate from people I considered my only family here in California. I was going to go at it alone in this.

Humbled, I reflected on my experiences as an experienced social worker and program manager; I was someone who had traveled many parts of the world and spoke nearly three languages. Was I not resourceful, educated, and fearlessly resilient when difficulty crossed my path? Did I not deserve a chance to at least try?

Confused, I scheduled the abortion that my friend and her mother strongly advocated for while crying inside that I was going against my moral code. I cried non-stop while sitting in my car to talk to a close friend in my native state of Michigan. I just needed a way out of this living situation. A chance to breathe; an opportunity to regroup and focus on changing the variables in my life. If I were meant to bring this child into the world, a way would be found to do it. I worried: How would I afford this baby? Who would support me through this pregnancy? Where would I live? What would people think of me, now that I was already being judged by those closest to me? But most importantly, by choosing to have this child, would I fail?

It was while searching for symptoms of pregnancy on the Internet that I “accidentally” clicked on WPC’s website and not so accidentally changed my life. I had never heard of WPC or even cared about the available resources until I saw that they offered free counseling. I immediately scheduled a counseling appointment for the following day since I felt hope slipping away. That day, I met with a WPC counselor. After our meeting, she asked if I would like to receive an ultrasound. I answered yes.

When I saw and heard my baby’s heart beat so strong and clear on that screen, I knew I had to try harder and believe more. One of the women at the Clinic made some phone calls and before I left that afternoon, gave me the telephone number for a local maternity home. After leaving WPC, I immediately called and scheduled an interview. Two days later, I moved into my own safe haven. Presently, I am employed by a fantastic non-profit in the area and planning for my Christmas baby this December. Without WPC’s resourcefulness and non-judgmental compassion, I would not be in the position I am in now. They helped me rediscover who I am and strengthened my faith that things are possible, against immeasurable odds. Due to my current employment, I can afford an apartment, healthcare for myself and provide relatively well for my child when the time comes. I also know that I have support from WPC and the residents and staff of the maternity home when I need it. In choosing to become a single mother, I am choosing to sacrifice the rest of my life for this baby. But it is this baby that, in many ways, saved my life and is bringing out the best in me by renewing my sense of perseverance, joy, family and faith.

-Rafaela, Los Angeles, CA