js photo studiosMy name is Vannessa. I am a moth-

er of three children ages seven, four and two. I am also the caretaker for my grandmother who had a stroke last year. I am challenged to accom-plish my daily responsibilities because I also work two jobs while earning my Bachelor of Nursing degree from Col-lege of Saint Mary. Although I lead a busy life, I’m grateful for the support I have, especially from the community I have found at EPS.

I sought out EPS by recommenda-tion of a family member. I was not in a good spot at the time. During my pregnancy with my now two-year-old son, my then husband was pressuring me to have an abor-

tion. I was also experiencing emotion-al and physical abuse. He didn’t want me to go to work or school. I was iso-lated.

At six months pregnant and against the wishes of my husband, I walked into EPS. I was nervous but I was so thirsty, so ready for some support, support that I also didn’t have when I was pregnant for the first time.

During my first pregnancy, I was 17 years old when I went to an abortion clinic. I remember the feeling of dis-belief when they told me I was preg-nant because pregnancy was not the reason I went there. The nurse noticed the shocked look on my face. Instead of offering me help, information, ed-

ucation or asking me what I wanted, she just handed me a phone num-ber and instructed me on how to go about getting an abortion. She was very cold and it felt business-like.

I didn’t end up talking to anyone else about my pregnancy; not even my family. I felt it was my only option, so that’s what I ended up doing.

I had a really hard time emotionally after that. I floundered without ther-apy or follow up support.

Now, as I walked into EPS years later, I felt embarrassed but I also felt as if I was breaking a chain.

Vannessa’s story continues, page 8.

friendsofeps.org summer 2017 issuenews

JS PHOTO STUDIOS

mission Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) is a private non-profit providing assistance to expectant women and parenting families to build a healthy future through support, education, health services, material assistance and referrals.

EPS provides services at no cost, including: pregnancy testing; ultrasounds; STI screenings and treatment; parenting, childbirth and personal growth classes in English and Spanish; professional counseling; material assistance including access to boutiques carrying maternity and baby essentials at two EPS locations; GED classes; and referral services for adoption, medical care, housing, food, and more.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Lisa WellendorfVice President Larry Roland

Secretary Dan McMahon Treasurer Mike Masek

Laura BuddenbergMike DraperAaron FilipiKevin FlintAmy Foje

Dr. Nick Steinauer

Executive Director Brad Burks

AUXILIARY LEADERSHIPPresident Marguerite McLeay

Secretary Vicki SempekTreasurer Diane McGill

STAFF EXECUTIVE TEAMDirector of Finance & Business

Operations Janet HolthausDirector of Client & Volunteer Services

Connie MacBrideDirector of Nursing Theresa AlarconDirector of Marketing Mary Crosby

GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLERI recently sent a text message to my mom. It read:

“I’m sorry if I’ve seemed aloof the past couple of weeks. A lot of tough cases at work. Made me realize all the times I’ve taken sacrifices you made for granted...the love, support and ed-ucational opportunities you provided – just to name a few. Wish I would’ve recognized it sooner. I love you very much.”

Opportunities for me to lead a suc-cessful life were never in question thanks to my mom. She encouraged us to pursue our goals and when things didn’t go our way she never allowed us to dwell on the setbacks. She always made us think ahead by immediately asking the question:

“Well, what are you going to do about it?”

I despised this question when I was younger. I’ve grown to appreciate it now.

Unfortunately, so many of our clients at EPS do not have family support which fosters an environment of encouragement and unconditional love. With this understanding, staff have many restless nights as we worry about the well-being of women and men who seek our help.

After a few long weeks, a recent experience provided me with peace. I walked into our resource room during a class and observed women laughing and sharing stories with each other. I saw babies being fed, a diaper being changed, and a little baby boy crawl-ing toward a toy on the floor. I picked

the boy up, held him in my arms and he smiled and giggled as he peered into my eyes.

As I held that little boy, I thought about the potential that would’ve been lost had he fallen victim to a procedure that has robbed this world of millions of inventors, surgeons, entrepreneurs, electricians, teachers, mothers, fathers and so much more.

He also reminded me of the glimmer of light EPS can be in the deep, dark tunnel that exists in so many of the lives of our EPS parents and their children. Thankfully, with your help, we are able to provide a safe place that fosters love, support and a sense of belonging in this world.

EPS’ Bright FutureI am excited to share with you that we recently held a strategic planning session which helped formulate a vision for the future of EPS. Our focus question for the planning session was:

Over the next 3-5 years, how will EPS sustainably provide the most effective solutions to meet the life-affirming needs of our clients?

After a full day of planning, we landed on several strategic directions, includ-ing: improve client experience, invest in expanding and sustaining the mis-sion, and cultivate high performance execution.

In the coming months, several com-mittees will develop concrete initia-tives, timelines and accountability roles for each strategic direction.

As we move forward, I thank you for your continued prayers, generosity and support for the courageous wom-en, men and children we serve and for our staff and dedicated volunteers who minister to them with such love and care!

Sincerely,

Bradley D. BurksExecutive Director

essentialps.org | friendsofeps.org

empowering women. educating families. saving lives.

EXECUTIVE OFFICES6220 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68104

p/ 402.554.0121

CLINIC LOCATIONSBenson | Maple Village | Bellevue

EPS STATISTICSJanuary 1 - December 31, 2016

fundraising updateGLOW Annual Benefit DinnerSponsors: Access Bank & Village Point Pediatrics

Bluejay Watch PartySponsors: Anthony’s Steakhouse & Lutz

Bellevue Baby Bottle Campaign

Mother’s Day Tribute

Omaha Gives!

Diane Quinn Membership Society

$200,000

$5,000

$25,400

$10,000

$49,633

$18,300

grateful to serve others

eps baby antonia betty

THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

E D U C AT I N G FA M I L I E S T H R O U G H C L A S S E S & M AT E R I A L A S S I S TA N C E

1,385clients who attended educational classes

1,576boutique visits for childcare

necessities

E M P O W E R I N G W O M E N T H R O U G H A D V O C A C Y, C O U N S E L I N G & R E F E R R A L S

50percentage of visitors who were

post-abortive

3,181women and men

who accessed EPS’ services

1,931referrals made to other agencies for

additional resources/services

S AV I N G L I V E S T H R O U G H P R E G N A N C Y T E S T I N G ,

U LT R A S O U N D S & C O U N S E L I N G

1,579pregnancy

tests provided to women

visiting EPS

685number of ultrasounds performed

348women who indicated they were considering abortion but chose life after learning their options

COUNSELING, HEALING FAMILIES

PRO-LIFE WORK DOESN’T STOP WHEN A CHILD IS BORN. IT IS A COMMITMENT.

A CHANGE OF HEARTA young woman walks into my office. With her shoulders hunched forward and her gaze fixed downward, she appears defeated. She avoids making eye contact as we face each other, seated in the comfort of two rocking chairs. Her voice quivers when she tells me she will not change her mind. Her abortion appointment is sched-uled for the following week. Her story is heartbreaking. A former foster child who never found her for-ever family, she has no one to lean on for support. The child she carries was conceived in a casual relationship with a man she can’t imagine a future with. She’s only months away from gradu-ating college, she dreams of traveling the world as a journalist. She longs to escape Omaha, and leave behind a past of broken dreams and haunt-ed memories. The promise of a fresh start and a different life has kept her

BIRTH Please keep these babies and their parents in your daily prayers. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” JEREMIAH 29:11announcements

ableyborn to Constance

baby boyborn to Mu

ocionborn to Oranda

emmaborn to Letisia

zeus and hadesborn to JaQuetta

king arthurborn to Christina

nathaniel born to Melody

angelina moniqueborn to Reyna

carter nicholasborn to Brittany

edward earlborn to Tyerra

carstenborn to Chika

evelynborn to Christina

santiagoborn to Karla

HEALING THE HURTRejection. Despite our many differences, all of us know its sting. Most of us become familiar with the pain of rejection in our youth, and the pain continues throughout adulthood. None of us are spared.

Whether the rejection we experience is significant or relatively minor, it’s always painful. Scientific studies have shown that the same areas of our brain become activated when we experience rejection as when we experience physical pain. Rejection hurts, and usually more than we expect it to. Human beings are social creatures, and most of us go to great lengths to feel included. We tend to shy away from decisions that might ostracize us from others, especially the people we love most. Our fear of rejection is a powerful motivator in our lives.

eps counselor + writerHINKE JENSEN, MS, LMHP

But what if our deep fears of rejection proved valid? What if you were to make a choice that would alienate you from those you loved most dear? What if you faced rejection from your parents, your significant other, or your closest friends? What if your partner left you? What if your parents threw you out of the house, leaving you homeless and without sup-port? What if your friends looked down on you and spoke behind your back? What if your coach kicked you off your be-loved team? What if your trusted youth pastor or teacher turned their backs on you? What if your decision would not only disappoint others, but would leave you with no support or security? What if all or most of these fears came true?

Sadly, this is the reality many of our moms face when they choose life over death for their children by saying no to abortion. The pain of experiencing rejection by loved ones and community is absolutely paralyzing. As helping professionals, we hurt for these women. We pray with and encourage them. For some, we are all they have.

There is no quick fix to heal deep wounds caused by rejection, but love and compassion helps. Kindness matters. When they walk through our doors, these brave women join a new family of sorts; OUR family. We promise our moms support, acceptance and community in addition to our many services.

We assure them that they don’t have to face the greatest challenge of their lives alone. They leave with hope. And hope makes all the difference.

larissaborn to Akossiwa

journeeborn to Ciara

rodriecoborn to Rosenda

bamiyaborn to Laresia

william josiahborn to Megan

axelborn to Laura

jesusborn to Ellen

lucaborn to Maira

paisleyborn to Paige

danielborn to Monica

tylerborn to Mikel

minaborn to Angelica

suvaborn to Nibha

now i lay me down to sleep,

i pray the lord my soul to keep.

angels watch me through

the night, and keep me

in their blessed sight.

amen.

going these past few years. She is so close she can almost taste it. A baby does not fit into her carefully laid out plans for the future.She appears steadfast in her deci-sion to abort, yet speaks with the brittle confidence of someone who, underneath, is greatly burdened and unsure. While exploring her feelings I touch a nerve and hit a wall of defen-siveness. She insists her feelings on the matter are of no consequence - she will be a journalist and as a jour-nalist she cannot raise a child. It’s time to shift gears. A long pause precedes a difficult question that needs to be asked: “Are you ready to let go of who you used to be?” She stops staring at her feet to finally look me straight in the eye with a puzzled expression on her face. “Are you ready to let go of who

you were to accept who you are? Be-cause...” I pause. “You’re a mother.” Tears flow. And a long silence follows as she sobs into tissue after tissue. Fi-nally, after several minutes the silence is broken. “Is this the first time you’ve cried?” She nods.A window of opportunity and raw honesty opens up before us. The carefully constructed defensive wall begins to crumble. There is love in her heart. A child’s life was saved that day. And her mother began the long and hopeful journey towards healing and wholeness. And God willing, a path that still leads to a successful career in journalism. *Stories told from the counseling room are shared with client permission. Names and personally identifying infor-mation have been redacted or omitted to protect confidentiality.

our stories

ravenborn to Jessica

emily rubyborn to Esther

zeppelinborn to Amanda

dre’yaniborn to Andrea

zy”airborn to Klassie

baby girlborn to Javona

makenzieborn to Christina

diegoborn to Maria

matthewborn to Atange

baby girlborn to Akouvi

jaydenborn to Karina

ava marieborn to Michaela

freyaborn to Patricia and Gavin

It is a YES to all life; that is, the life of a mother, father and all children. And we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve each one in some capacity!

Meet Chika. Chika, with her husband Kel’s support, joined the EPS Mother Matters program on July 18, 2016. Their children, Khloe and Carsten, are 22 months and 3 months. Chika participates in EPS’ program by attending resource room hours and our weekly parenting class.

EPS is able to help Chika and Kel’s family acquire much needed material assistance from our boutique located at our Benson Center.

Above: EPS parents Chika and Kel with their newborn son, Carsten. Left: Their firstborn daughter, Khloe.

our stories

“We are more than proud to say that EPS has been a saving grace to us. EPS is the most loving family that we could have ever asked for. They were always there for us when we needed anything, both emotionally and with material support.” - Chika, May 2017

summer 2017 issue | page 6

A MIRACLE AT MAPLE VILLAGEA woman, new to the United States, walked into the EPS Maple Village location feeling 100 percent confident in her choice to have an abortion.

A college student and a faithful Muslim, she was dev-astated about becoming pregnant. She sobbed uncon-trollably when she received her positive pregnancy test. EPS staff comforted her and suggested she pray since her faith was so important to her.

"I can't," she said, "I'm so ashamed. I just have to abort. I can't tell my family."

With heavy hearts, staff said goodbye after providing her with facts about her pregnancy and spending a cou-ple hours comforting her. The woman thanked everyone for being so kind and supportive.

Over the next few weeks, staff heard nothing from the woman but they continued to pray.

Thankfully, the young woman showed up for her 4-week follow-up appointment. She walked through the door with a smile on her face. She expressed how happy she was.

Joy could be heard in her voice as she said, "I am keep-ing my baby! I am so happy! Having a baby is not so bad. I can do this."

more storiesIT’S A GIRL! In July 2016, a woman named Christina and her young son walked into EPS for a pregnancy test. She was met by EPS' Suzie Lewandowski and invited to a private room where she shared some of her medical challenges.

After completing her initial intake and waiting for the results of her pregnancy test, Christina explained to her son that she had visited EPS when she was pregnant with him. Unsure and frightened about what she was going to do, EPS was supportive of her. She then shared with Suzie the joys of her new marriage. Her husband had just adopted her son!

The pregnancy test came back positive. This time, Christina wasn't worried about the arrival of a new baby. She expressed the peace she felt about the great place she was in at this time in her life. In hopes to meet other mothers and to serve as a mentor, Christina joined the EPS Mother Matters program before leaving that day.

On March 14, Christina and her husband welcomed their little Evelyn into the world. Eleven days later, Suzie had the joy of holding baby Evelyn at EPS' first-ever baby shower.

*A photo of Christina’s baby Evelyn can be found below and on page 8 in the Honors & Memorials tribute.

Comedy Night: Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, Bethany Lutheran Church, ElkhornGLOW Benefit Dinner: Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, Embassy Suites, La Vista

SAVE THESE EPS EVENT DATES

BONUS CONTENT

new teamWe’re grateful to welcome these new staff members to EPS:

members

FIND USONLINE

Cullen Herout, Father’s Program InstructorLinda Maiefski, Benson Admin AssistantMaggie McElravy, Client Advocate Debbie Roberts, Benson Client Services SpecialistSarah Spencer, Staff NurseKim Williamson, Maple Village Manager

Find us on Facebook at Friends of Essential Pregnancy ServicesNewly posted bonus content includes: an update from our nurses, additional photos relating to the stories you read here, event updates, volunteer requests, boutique needs, and more!

We have a YouTube channel: EPS NEBRASKAFind the video we debuted at GLOW featuring EPS moms, Vannessa and Aledia, as well as other inspiring testimonies.

WATCH EPS TESTIMONIAL VIDEOS

eps baby evelynjs photo studios

eps baby aria grace born to megan

Saturday, August 19, 2017 9:15 a.m.St. Robert Bellarmine Mainelli Center11802 Pacific Street, Omaha, NE 68154

Catered by Wheatfields

7TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST FOR LIFEauxiliary invites you

with guest speakerSTAR PARKERStar Parker is the Founder and President of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE), a public policy think tank promoting market-based solutions to fight poverty.

From welfare mother to businesswoman, national celebrity, and international author, she exemplifies hard work, aspiration, and individual responsibility. Star has first-hand knowledge of the pain and lasting effects of abortion.

Event Cost$35 each or 4 for $100RSVP preferred by August 15

A FUNDRAISER FOR ESSENTIAL PREGNANCY SERVICES

3 Ways to Buy Tickets pay online by credit card or ACH www.friendsofeps.org/breakfastforlife pay by check payable to EPS, 6220 Maple St., Omaha, NE 68104. In memo indicate Breakfast and # of tickets requested make a phone reservation, call EPS Benson Office, 402.554.0121

Friends of Essential Pregnancy Services

HELP PROMOTE THE EVENT ON

FACEBOOKfind us at

MICHAELA ALTENHOFENVictoria Cullan ROSEMARY ANDREWSTheodore & Colleen FrancoTEENA BEEHNER and ELIZABETH ROLANDLawrence & Amy RolandKATHLEEN BOWERSMatt & Traci MooreKRISTY BRANNENMichael & Jan BrannenANN BURKS, KIM BURKS,& SUSAN LUHRSBrad BurksJESSICA CHARF, MELISSAGODFREAD, MARYILYN LONG, MARY ANN OSBORN, and KAY ROBINSON Rebecca Robinson MARY JO COFFEYDick CoffeySUE CONNELLY andSUZIE LAWLERDave & Kelly Lawler FREDA COURY andDONNA MORTENSONJames & Dawn CouryMARGARET MARY COYLEJohn & Susan Naatz

MARY CROSBYDavid & Monica Mora-HandlosCARRIE D’AGOSTOSUSIE D’AGOSTOAlan & Deanna D’AgostoDELORES & ROSEMARIERon & Lauri CharvatCORINNE DINEENChris & Molly GoedkenLINDA DYMEK, CAROL HENGDustin & Stephanie Kremla-HengGEORGIA’S MOMGeogia & James Ford SANDY GILSDORFWayne GilsdorfPAM GROSSE andJAN KROBJake & Nicole KrobYASMIN HAUKERalph Hauke KATHLEEN HAYDEN,CARRIE HOARTY, COLLEEN HOARTY, andMAUREEN KUBATTom & Margaret HoartyBARBARA HECKJohn HeckSALIE HOLTHAUS andEMILY SCHUMANJim & Janet Holthaus

MOTHER’S DAY 2017OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTING EPStributes

memorialsALICEMargaret Austgen EILEEN ATHERTONRobert & Mary AthertonIRENE BEZOUSEKRobert & Deborah BezousekFRANCES BOYCE andEMMA KORTHJohn & Elaine Boyce MONA BRAUNSheri MuckeyMARIE BUGLEWICZ andLILLIAN LEIMBACHMargaret & Richard LeimbachGLORIA BURKEMarianne & Michael HollandELEANOR BURROWSGreg BurrowsNADINE CAVANAUGH and WANDA WILHELMIMary Ellen & John WilhelmiLORETTA CIUREJ andSOPHIE DYRDARonald & Patricia DyrdaPEARL CRISPIN, BEVERLY HOFFMAN, and RENAE MCKENNYJake & Nicole KrobJOSEPHINE D’AGOSTO andJULIA VELLINGAAlan & Deanna D’AgostoVIRGINIA ENNANancy & Toni SchroederFAITH, HOPE, CHRISTIAN,and GRACEQuinn & Monica ColdironJEAN FRANCO andJOAN McGILLICKMark & Nancy FrancoVERNA GHUSSINGKevin & Lauri BousemaLUELLA GROSSE andBEVERLY HOFFMANRandy & Pam GrosseMARGARET GUZIEC and MARY KAY HOARTYTom & Margaret Hoarty

KATHLEEN HANLEYMargaret Ross

ELLEN MAE HUDIK andKATIE KAIPUSTChuck & Ellen KaipustJOANNE KOESTERAnonymousCOURTNEY KAUTTER and EDITH KUTILERRay & Jeanne HuelskampLOIS KIZERLucy Smith PAULINE LAMOUREUXJan LamoureuxELLEN LAWLER and SHIRLEY SMITHMichael & Suzie LawlerELLEN LAWLERRita LawlerANGELA LUSIENSKIAnn BurksSHEILA MAIEFSKILinda & Larry MaiefskiSHIRLEY DORAN MARCILRichard & Michaela BelattiELEANOR MCCANDLESSDave & Nonnie FrenzerDELIA MCGUIREMary Jo McGuire GENEVIEVE MCLAUGHLIN and IRENE PETERSDerald & Susan PetersHAZEL MILLER and FRANCES STIRTZJeff & Suzanne MillerREGINA MINTONJohn MintonMIRELLACarla Petrick-MartindaleMARIE OLDENBURGShirley EikeLUCIE PATTERSONBill & Mary Katherine Helget CECELIA RAMAEKERSPatrick & Shirley RamaekersGERTRUDE ROSSBACKFritzi FryEMMA STOKERMary Anne DworakINA WILCOXJason & Maggie RiefMARLENE WILWERDINGTerry & Susan Wilwerding

SYLVIA HOTOVYSharon SwobodaBETH JARESKEAnn & Levi BauerELIZABETH KAUTTERRay & Jeanne HuelskampCECILIA KEATING andGRACE KELLOGGJohn & Mary Ann KelloggLUCILLE KNIEVELDale & Theresa MackelTHERESA KOHANEK andBILGE QUINLANMark & Jennifer QuinlanHELEN KRONSCHNABELJohn KronschnabelEVELYN LANGEKaren LangeSUZIE LAWLERMichael Lawler Paul & Leah LawlerROSIE LENZJustin & Mary CrosbyLESA LINDSAYWilliam, Cameron, Sydneyand Torrie Lindsay-LongBETTY MARTINBrenda Langenberg JUDY MCKERCHERLarry & Linda MaiefskiGLORIA MEIERTerry & Susan Wilwerding JACKIE MILANIRobert & Deborah BezousekDORIS MOHRPatrick & Shirley RamaekersLOURDES O’LEARYGreg O’LearyMARIAN PICKHINKE andMARGE TERNEUSDenise & Michael TerneusFRANCES RACHWALIKLinda & Larry MaiefskiJANE RIEFJason & Maggie RiefGERLADINE ROGERSTom & Jean LundSTEPHANIE M. SEVERSONMike & Kathy WieseROSE SHRAMEKNancy & Toni SchroederMARY ANN SHURTLEFFWilliam & Joanne HazellBETTY SMITHAnonymousMARY JO SUNDFr. Joseph SundMARY WALSHMike & Jacqueline Walsh

CONTRIBUTIONS IN HONOR OF EPS MOMSLaDonna Ahlers, Anonymous Contributors, Theresa Blum, Theodore & Jeaniene Bolamperti, Gerald & Debra Bosanek, Bernadette Bresnahan, Patricia Brennan, Scott & Kathy Coziahr, Brian Derby, Michael & Susan Dobel, Dan & Rita Dolan, Diane & Dorene Drauer/Brichner, Dave & Nonnie Frezner, Timothy & Gretchen Koziel, Jane LaHood, Connie MacBride, Gretchen Mack, Peter & Carol McLeay, Larry & Linda Maiefski, Thomas & Annie Messersmith, Stan & Lori Miles, James & Sarah Moenssen, Nocturnal Adoration Society at Christ the King Church, Scott & Roxy Radicia, Daniel & Vickie Ramaekers, Ed & Ann Rejda, Joseph & Jeannette Scott, Suzanne Shepherd, Dennis Tierney, Michael & Teresa Whitaker, and Mary Worshek

Honors Memorials

&

IN HONOR OF... ROSEMARY ANDREWS by Paul & Cheri Andrews; BARBARA DELEHANT by Michael & Barbara Lynn Jones; MIKE DRAPER by William & Judy Wimmer; AMY FOJE by Brad & Amy Knuth and Tom & Kathryn Sudyka; FOUT FAMILY by Mike & Madalyn Fouts; RENE GARVEY by Mary Belfiore, Jeffrey & Sheila Garvey, Joseph Garvey, Michael Garvey, Terry Garvey, and Kathleen Ormer; BOB GOLDSMITH by Licia Downard; GOLDSMITH FAMILY – Bob, Lisa, Matt, Kelsey, Erica and Spencer by Mary Anne Goldsmith; HOLDEN by Tyler & Renee Yost; ED & CLEO LAMOUREUX by Tyler & Renee Yost; TERRY MAIDES by Kathleen Bennett and Thomas & Rita Hejkal; DAN MCMAHON by Mike McMahon; MILITTI FAMILY by Mike & Madalyn Fouts; MARY CLAIRE RINGEL by Philip & Kathleen Popelka; MARY ELLEN SCHOLZ by Juli Sump; and LAURIE YOST by Tyler & Renee Yost.

IN MEMORIAL OF... VIOLA BECKER by Mary Anne Dworak; RICHARD (DICK) BENE by Fred Franco, Michael & Elizabeth Jareske, and Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier; MARGARET CONIGLIO by Mary & Charles Kluver; MARIAN FLEMING by Randy & Molly Wilson; SHARON GORDON by Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier; ELLEN GREENE by Ronald & Lauri Charvat, Mary Anne Dworak, Teresa Ellis, Brenda Fleck, James & Marnie Hamilton, Julie Johnson, Taina & David Kelly, Bettie Kenny, Bob & Diane McGill, Nancy & Donald Miller, Terry & Kathleen Sibbernsen, Todd & Regan Smith, John & Tamra Sova, Gary & Ann Thomsen, Katherine Waring, and Michael & Julie Waring; MARGIE HOULIHAN by Mary Anne Ramge; RITA HOWELL by Fred Franco; KEVIN JACKSON by Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier; HELEN JENKINS by Michael & Suzie Lawler and Marjorie Shaddy; MARY ANN LANGER by Mary & Jeffrey Cooper and Ann Wieberg; RYAN LENZ by Justin & Mary Crosby; TERESA LOUISE by Lauren & Jeff Green; ALICE JANE MALOY by Debra Ciullo, Roger & Rita Hermsen, Brad & Amy Knuth, Patrick & Anne Mahoney and Gregory & Mary Pflaum; KAY MUNSON by Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier; JACOB DAVID REISER by Rev. Richard Reiser; SHA-RON SCHLEICH by Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier; CAMI SHOLES by Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier; FRANK STINN by SBT Hair Specialists; BILL STOCKDALE by Mary & Charles Kluver; STEVE SULENTIC by Mary Anne Ramge; JAMES R. THIBODEAU by Tome & Margaret Hoarty; and DANIEL VERMILLION by Ronald & Colleen Peitzmeier.

js photo studiosNov. 3, 2016 - April 30, 2017eps baby evelyn

summer 2017 issue | page 8

To my relief, I was warmly welcomed by staff. Each person expressed compassion and care for me. I was offered an ultrasound, non-judgmen-tal support and counseling. I made the decision that day to keep my baby. I really felt God had put EPS in my path to prepare me for what was coming. One of the biggest hurts I’ve had was always thinking that I was not worthy of love. I was so wrong. I know now that there are people here to listen, take care of my family emotionally and spiritually, and those who will try their best to help. This realization has been so powerful.Looking back, my journey has been difficult. But, being a mother has been my salvation. My chil-dren are my inspiration and I’m determined to become a nurse. I’m also now empowered to help my children overcome adversity and live healthy lives.”

Left: Vannessa with her young-est son who she chose life for at EPS.Above photos: Vannessa and her beautiful children at the ice cream shop.

Vannessa’s story continued from page 1...

connie macbrideDo you need pregnancy help or have questions about EPS’ approach to options counseling for women in crisis? Send ques-tions ConnieM@essentialps.org or call 402.554.0121.

clientADVOCATES

voices of love + compassion

dedicated volunteers

FIRST BABY SHOWER HELD MARCH 25 Twenty EPS mommies and their babies attended!

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICESSeveral members of the EPS Staff attended the annual Heartbeat Conference held this past April in Chicago. The conference offered our staff an amazing op-portunity to grow in the knowledge of what Pregnancy Resource Centers should and can be.

As a PRC, EPS is providing above and beyond what the average Pregnancy Re-source Center in America is offering women facing an unplanned pregnancy. EPS is more than a step-ahead when it comes to data collection and the option coun-seling method we offer clients. Our educational resources, boutique services and professional counseling approach to client services is unique.

As a modernized agency, EPS has accomplished much in just the last two years. We are coming closer and closer to offering what our clients request; a same-day ultrasound following confirmation of a pregnancy and the opportunity to speak with a nurse during their first visit.

We are making progress each day with the help of dedicated volunteer Client Advocates and your generous support. Thank you!

EPS is in search of volunteer Client Advocates who are responsible for the emotional support of women who face crisis pregnancies. Client Advocates are trained to assist with pregnancy testing and discuss abortion vulnerability, abstinence and community referrals. Signing up for two, 3-hour shifts per month is requested but not required. For additional information, please contact Connie at conniem@essentialps.org or call 402.554.0121.

we need you

cindy rector30 years of service to EPS

“The most rewarding part of this position oc-cur when I believe that my time and my words have made an impact on a client and altered the course of her life for the better. It may be as sim-ple as providing emo-tional support during a pregnancy confirmation or influencing a client to consider continuing a pregnancy.”

darlene crane10 years of service to EPS

“This is an opportunity to put your faith into ac-tion. It is an eye opener when you realize how many young people are lost and confused and living without faith to help them make good decisions. Without be-coming a preacher, it is a chance to explain how your spiritual self needs nourishing as well as your physical self.”

elaine boyce15 years of service to EPS

“The experience of be-ing a Client Advocate has made me see the need for being there for young girls in troubled times of their lives. God has to be involved in EPS to make it work; that is, I have to rely on Him to help me know what to say at times.”

margie o’brien3 years of service to EPS

“I am very pro-life and enjoy helping people. As a grandmother of 3 adopted children, I’ve seen all sides of parent-ing. Our extended family is not what I anticipat-ed but I am extremely grateful for the process of open adoptions.”

eps baby antonia betty

APPRECIATIONvolunteer

EPS hosts an annual brunch in June celebrating the good work of our volunteers. This year, we recognize these dedicated people for their years of service.

summer 2017 issue | page 10

AUXILIARY MEMBERS5 yearsMary Kennedy Marguerite McLeayAimee Melton Carla Petrick-Martindale

10 yearsRose Regan

15 yearsCarol Kramper

20 yearsJan Brannen

25 yearsAnn McGill

EPS BOARD MEMBERS5 yearsDr. Nick SteinauerLisa Wellendorf

CLIENT ADVOCATES5 yearsMary CorriganDawn Coury

15 yearsElaine Boyce

30 yearsCindy Rector

PROGRAM SERVICES10 yearsCandy Masek

DATABASE ASSISTANCE5 yearsMarie McLochlin

JS PHOTO STUDIOS

thanks to these volunteersAnn Burks, Kelly Epperson, Lynn Garcia, Lisa Goldsmith, Libby Grotewohl, Rosie Lenz, Mary Mascarello, Lauren McCarthy, Kelli McCumber, Deana O'Hare, Jessica Scheuler, Jack and Missi Schembari, Cindy Shimerda, Carol Speckman, and Becky Walters.

EPS also thanks all those who gifted in-kind donations to our boutique in preparation for the shower. Each mother received a gift bag, including: diapers, wet wipes, blankets, paci-fiers, infants socks, and baby shampoo and lotion.

more volunteer thanksSt. James Catholic Daughters, Eagle Scout Jackson Taylor, Jim Eisele, and Elizabeth Ninneman

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NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

OMAHA, NE PERMIT #6565

ESSENTIAL PREGNANCY SERVICES6220 Maple StreetOmaha, Nebraska 68104-0956

JS PHOTO STUDIOS

Benson Center6220 Maple StreetOmaha, Nebraska 68104402 554 0121

Bellevue Center908 West Mission AvenueBellevue, Nebraska 68005402 933 2988

Maple Village Center3029 North 93rd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68134402 763 8768

clinic locations

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