Even in the Hardest Seasons, Hope Remains

Even in the Hardest Seasons, Hope Remains

One of the greatest privileges we have at Care Net Peninsula and Alcove Health is witnessing firsthand the way your generosity changes lives. Every gift you give becomes a lifeline of hope, strength, and encouragement for women right here in our community. Today, I want to share with you a letter we received from Mircile, a mom whose life, and little boy, Ja’Mari’s life, have been forever impacted by your support.

“As I reflect on this journey of motherhood, I feel compelled to share just how deeply your kindness and support have impacted my life. 

As a woman with PCOS who underwent a laparoscopic right paratubal cystectomy just a year before conceiving, my pregnancy journey was filled with uncertainty. On top of that, I carried the weight of going through this season without the support of my child’s father. I often found myself feeling vulnerable, confused, and unsure of my next steps. 

But from the moment I walked through your doors, Alcove Health Women’s Clinic became a safe space for me to simply be myself. You welcomed me with open hearts, listened to me even in my silence, and spoke life into me when I needed it most. Your encouragement reminded me that I was not alone and that I was stronger than I realized. 

I will never forget the ultrasounds with the sweetest, most down-to-earth nurse, Kinta, whose gentle spirit helped me treasure each milestone. My advocate, Jenn, was truly a blessing—checking in on me, reminding me of my worth, and constantly affirming that I am an amazing mother. Those words have carried me through sleepless nights and challenging days. 

Even after my son was born, your generosity continued to shine. You provided us with clothing, blankets, a diaper bag, diapers, and wipes. With your help, and the support of a few other organizations, I have not had to buy a single diaper or pack of wipes in nearly a year—and now my little boy will soon be turning one. That is an incredible gift, and one that has lightened my load in ways I cannot fully express. 

The strength and poise I carry as a mother today are in part because of the love, light, and encouragement I received from all of you at Alcove Health Women’s Clinic. You reminded me that even in the hardest seasons, hope remains. 

From the depths of my heart, thank you for being a light in my life and in the lives of so many women. I will forever be grateful for the way you poured into me and my son with such compassion and grace.”

Mircile’s words are a powerful reminder that your giving is so much more than a donation, it’s meeting practical needs for Ja’Mari, it’s hope in the midst of fear, and it’s strength for a mom learning to believe in herself.

Stories like theirs are only possible because of you. Thank you for pouring love and light into women like Mircile and her son every single day.

Below are Ja’Mari’s newborn photos taken in 2024 by one of our Volunteer Photographers, Cindy Matthews.

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

No Longer Silent: A Father’s Story of Loss & Redemption

NO LONGER SILENT:

A Father's Story of Loss, Redemption, & Forgiveness

I always tried to make myself the easygoing guy, anyone could talk to, always smiling and capable of blending into the different groups around me. I wanted connection — friends, a girlfriend, people to see the “me” I didn’t think anyone did. Three high schools later, she finally saw me. I continued on in the relationship despite signs to turn around. We were together for two years. Finally out of high school and free to start our lives. Young and trying to figure life out, we talked about marriage and quickly moved in together. We were playing house.

Two months into trade school, I got a text:
“I’m late. I might be pregnant.”

On my way home, I stopped and picked up a box of pregnancy tests and waited at home in a hurricane of emotion. I’d always wanted to be a dad, even if I had no idea how to be one.

THE TEST WAS POSITIVE . . .

We started calling and driving around, looking for a clinic to get a blood test to confirm the pregnancy. But an actual hurricane was coming through town, and everything was closed. We sat in my car, searching and calling for clinics, when she looked up and said, “I have an appointment for next week.” I asked, “For the test?”  She replied, “No. For an abortion.”

I WAS DEVASTATED.

We hadn’t talked about it. We hadn’t processed it, and suddenly it was decided.

I fell silent for a few minutes. I didn’t know what even to say. The only road forward I knew was: “Her body, her choice.” I thought being a good man meant supporting her decision. So, I kept quiet and took care of her. The following week I called out of work to take her to the appointment. But the next day, I had to go back to work as if nothing happened.

I felt my heart being ripped out of my chest, but I numbed it with justification that I wasn’t ready to be a dad.

Looking back now, I know I sinned, not by ending the life of our child with my own hands but by listening to the world’s wisdom and failing to protect that life. I didn’t speak up, I didn’t lead, I didn’t stand between my child and death. That haunts me.

We named him Michael. I say “him” even though we’ll never know for sure. I just know it in my heart. He would’ve been four years old this year.

For a long time, we didn’t talk about it. My girlfriend and I stayed together for two more years, but we never processed the loss. Birthdays became quiet reminders of what could have been. Eventually, we broke up. I moved back to Virginia. And God began breaking through my hardened heart.

One day I hit a stop sign — literally. I was driving, carefree, and ran into a stop sign. It sounds small, but God works through anything. For the first time, I faced my mortality. I started asking questions. What about Michael? Where is he? Would I see him again? And then the deepest realization hit me: I wasn’t on the path where I would see him again. If he were in heaven, I wouldn’t be.

God used that realization to begin drawing me to Himself. Through conversations with believers, reading the Bible, and wrestling with the truth, I began to see, really see, my need for a Savior. Desiring to share the news of my faith, I got baptized in November of 2022. That baptism wasn’t the finish line. It was the starting point of a new life in Christ.

Healing hasn’t been easy. But the church and my family have been lifelines. God corrected my relationship with my parents and gave me a community that helps bear this burden with me. He gave me brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t minimize the pain but point me toward hope and purpose. My story doesn’t end with regret. It concludes with redemption.

My ex-girlfriend, now a believer herself, reached out to ask for forgiveness. That conversation brought a kind of closure I didn’t know I needed. She was holding her newborn baby when we spoke. And as much as it hurt to hear, I felt nothing but joy that God had given her another chance at motherhood.

So why share this story now? Because there are too many men like me: quiet, confused, and sidelined. We have stopped using our voices because we’re told we don’t have one in this space. But that has to change. Our silence comes at a cost. If this story helps even one man find Jesus, find his voice, or find healing, then it’s worth telling.

I want to live my life in a way that honors God. I want to serve, speak out, and stand firm, not because I’m strong, but because Christ is. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may know what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect.” That’s what God did for me. He renewed my mind, restored my soul, and gave me a mission.

This is for Michael. This is for the men still searching. This is for the God who forgives and redeems.

At Care Net Peninsula, we're not just here for Moms and Babies — we're here for Dads like Christian, too!

At Care Net Peninsula, we believe that reaching fathers is critical to achieving a lasting impact in the lives of our clients and their babies.

That’s why we launched a Men’s Ministry Program. For more information and to find ways to get involved, click here.

Christian Morales, CNP Supporter

Friday, September 12, 2025

Three Generations of Love 💜

Three Generations of Love

We loved capturing this beautiful family – three generations gathered together in love. Grandma, Mom, Big Sis, and Baby Sis filled the room with smiles, laughter, and tender moments. 

These sessions are a sweet reminder of why we do what we do each week. Thank you for joining us in providing help and hope to so many across our community. 

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

Welcome, Baby Zariyah! A Sweet Start to a Beautiful Story

Welcome, Baby Zariyah!

A Sweet Start to a Beautiful Story

We had the sweetest little visitor recently—baby Zariyah! Her mama, Sha’Naya, came in for newborn photos, and it’s safe to say we were all smiling the entire time. Watching the love between this beautiful mama and her baby girl was such a sweet reminder of why we do what we do each day. Moments like these are a gift.

We’re so grateful to walk alongside Sha’Naya in this season and can’t wait to see little Zariyah grow in the years to come.

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

Moments in Motherhood

Moments in Motherhood

We recently had the joy of hosting a mom and baby photo session right here in our offices, and the results were absolutely heartwarming! A little one bundled in soft fabrics, adorned with bright florals and angel wings, while a proud mama wrapped her baby girl in love and gentle kisses. These precious moments captured not only the sweetness of new life but also the powerful bond between mother and daughter. It was a beautiful reminder of why we serve this mission each day, and we LOVE getting to see this space filled with LIFE!

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

Mom, Dad, and Baby Ezekiel

Mom, Dad, and Baby Ezekiel

Meet one of the beautiful families YOU helped this year—a mom, dad, and their sweet baby boy, Ezekiel, enjoying a peaceful afternoon at Newport News Park. These photos capture the joy, love, and hope your support makes possible every day.

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

A Mom You Helped & Her Boys

A Mom You Helped & Her Boys

This beach session with our client and her three sons was simple, natural, and full of genuine moments. The boys ran, climbed rocks, and shared easy smiles with their mom. A relaxed morning by the water that captured their connection and energy. A beautiful way to freeze this season of life.

Photos By: Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Michelle’s Story

Michelle's Story

In her Own Words

“I was surprised when I found out that I was pregnant. I had two previous high-risk pregnancies that ended in loss, and was told I wouldn’t be able to have children. I was career-focused; I had a job working with the city and I wasn’t ready or expecting to have a child at the age of 30.

I felt a bit overwhelmed because I would be a first-time mom. I was an orphan myself without family support, so I wasn’t sure I could perform my best or know what to do to provide for my baby.

I experienced top-tier services at Alcove Health, free healthcare services, and tons of resources, including baby supplies and free maternity classes, which helped a lot. They provided me with postpartum and anxiety support through resources and someone to communicate with, without judgement.

Alcove Health has changed my life and helped me become a confident mom. They are the village that every mother needs.

Pictures from Michelle’s Photo Session:

Photos By: Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

April 28, 2025

Bonita and Everett

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett. And while not pictured, Grandma was there too, and it was so sweet seeing these three generations together. Thank you friends for all you do to provide help and hope to local women in our community, you help to make these moments possible. 

Photos By: Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

A common question that pregnancy centers often face—whether from supporters or critics of the pro-life movement—is how we continue to support a woman after she chooses to keep her child. It’s a valid question, especially for faith-based providers who are called to love and serve others in tangible ways.

While no organization can meet every need for every individual, at Care Net Peninsula, we strive to provide essential services at no cost to women facing unplanned pregnancies. However, even with our commitment, there are limits to the extent of care we can offer. But that doesn’t stop us from doing everything we can. Here are a few of the ways we support women throughout their pregnancies and beyond:

Essential Support:
At Care Net Peninsula, we offer free parenting programs to women and families, alongside a generous “baby shower basket” filled with essentials, including six months’ worth of free diapers and wipes.

Caring Connections:
Our dedicated client advocates remain in contact with mothers for up to a year after the birth of their child, providing ongoing resources and emotional support.

Mentorship:
Through our partner churches, we connect clients with trained mentors who walk alongside them, offering spiritual guidance and building lasting relationships. Some of these connections last for a season, while others become lifelong bonds.

Community:
Care Net Peninsula also runs a private Facebook group, moderated by experienced mothers, where past and current clients can ask questions, share experiences, and find camaraderie during this exciting and challenging time.

Cherished Memories:
As an additional gift, CNP offers free photo sessions through our staff and volunteer photographers, capturing beautiful moments of newborns with their families. Just this past weekend, we held a special mini session for women from our clinic’s Moms Group!

By supporting Care Net Peninsula through your time, prayers, or financial contributions, you are directly impacting the lives of mothers during one of the most important seasons of their lives. Let’s continue to serve these women when they need it most.

Anne Sych, Director of Development

Tuesday, April 15, 2025