 This spring, two new babies have been born! We are overjoyed for both families. From the moment we heard each had a new little one a part of their lives, we new knew their world would grow more full, and so would our hearts. We celebrate alongside them and are honored to support each growing family on their journey.
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 When Biatah D. was a first year university student she joined the Sanctuary Outreach volunteer team and, over the course of a few years, assisted with office work, social media and tabling at a community wide event. We so appreciate her and all she contributed to the program! Here's what she had to say about her time at Sanctuary Outreach:
 One summer day in 2023, the Sanctuary Outreach 24/7 helpline rang. On the line was a young couple who had just discovered they were pregnant. They were terrified. She was working full-time to support them, while he was enrolled in a post-secondary program. Her income was their lifeline and barely enough to get by. Without it, the fragile blueprint they'd built for their future would collapse. Abortion seemed like the only option. They had no family to turn to, no close friends and no community network strong enough to offer the kind of support they'd need to raise a child while staying on track with their plans. The thought of adding a baby and losing an income made life feel utterly unmanageable. Over the following week, the couple and the team at Sanctuary Outreach chatted about how a baby would change their lives and types of support available. Then, during one pivotal moment after much discussion, the couple made their decision: their preborn baby would live.
 In Spring of 2023 we were overjoyed to share the wonderful news of the birth of a precious baby born to one of our amazing Sanctuary Outreach mommas. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from Sanctuary Outreach throughout her pregnancy journey:
 We are very grateful for our Sanctuary Outreach 24/7 Helpline Team, which includes staff and trained volunteers. They are often the first point of contact for women reaching out and they meet each one with compassion. No matter the situation, our Helpline Team ensures each person is enveloped in warmth, dignity and care. Here is a quick glimpse into the heart of service from one of our dedicated 24/7 helpline volunteer team members:
 We are honoured to share with you a note from parents of adorable twins, born in 2023. Their journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, beautifully encapsulates the essence of hope, resilience, and community support that Sanctuary Outreach strives to provide. Their story is not just their own, but a reflection of the powerful impact that compassion and collective effort can have on transforming lives...
There are no words strong enough to truly articulate how grateful I am to Sanctuary Outreach. Without their support, there is no possible way I would have found the strength to make it through this pregnancy and welcome two beautiful babies into the world. A few years ago, I had an ultrasound and was subsequently told I was most likely unable to have children due to severe PCOS in both ovaries. It therefore came as a huge shock to my husband and I when we found out in March 2023 that I was pregnant. At 7 weeks pregnant, we were blown away a second time when we found out I was pregnant with twins. It was terrifying for both of us, as we have no support system whatsoever and – like so many – our finances were destroyed due to COVID-19. I'll never forget how hopeless and afraid I felt when I first contacted Sanctuary Outreach in June 2023 as I sat outside alone sobbing so uncontrollably that I could barely make out any words. I didn't know what to expect by reaching out and all I hoped for was someone to talk to. I had no idea I'd end up being blessed with so much support, compassion and generosity. (...) they provided both my husband and I with the priceless emotional support, understanding and encouragement we so desperately needed. We've both come so far from those early days of my pregnancy, when we were completely paralyzed and overwhelmed with fear that we were considering the unthinkable. I know for certain that God is working through these incredible, selfless, extraordinary women at Sanctuary Outreach, and I feel so blessed, honored and humbled that they were so willing to help us, unconditionally and without judgement. I've often thought about how I wish I could repay Sanctuary Outreach and all their generous donors somehow, and I now realize that being the best mother I can possibly be to these babies is the best way to do just that. I will also make sure to pay it forward, and tell as many people as I can about Sanctuary Outreach – especially young women who have no idea this incredible resource exists and feel abortion is the only option for them. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the courage to choose life. You will all forever be in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget all you've done for my family. - K  Audrey contacted Sanctuary Outreach early 2024 after finding out she was unexpectedly pregnant. Her first thought was to keep her baby but, after hearing from the baby’s father, she felt pressure to abort and confused about what to do; in her heart she knew she didn’t want to abort her baby but her situation made her feel trapped and like she had almost no other option. She called Sanctuary Outreach and spoke about her circumstance. After speaking on the phone and then having an in person conversation, Audrey found the courage to stand up to the baby’s father and told him she was keeping the baby. He continued to insist she abort until one night he threatened her life. Audrey knew she had to make big changes to keep herself and her preborn baby safe. With the support of Sanctuary Outreach, she found a temporary place to stay and acquired baby essentials including a crib, crib mattress, stroller, car seat, newborn items and a packed hospital bag. Audrey’s baby was born in the Fall of 2024 and we are so proud of her-- she courageously chose her baby’s life despite the extreme difficulty she faced. We consider it an honor to have journeyed with her throughout the past year.
If you, or someone you know, is pregnant and not sure what to do please contact Sanctuary Outreach today. We are committed to providing free, confidential, and non-judgmental support to all women experiencing unexpected pregnancies. We are just one call or text away. Contact us anytime, 24/7, at 519-803-0313. "A mother's courage knows no bounds, for she will do anything to protect her children”—unknown  Gerda’s passion for supporting women with unplanned pregnancies comes from her own personal journey. At just 17, while still in high school, she faced an unexpected pregnancy. Thanks to the unwavering love and support of her boyfriend (now husband), parents, and in-laws, she not only chose life but also completed high school and earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. Her son, now 20, is thriving at the University of Guelph, pursuing a BSc in Human Kinetics while playing rugby at the university, provincial, and national levels.
Driven by her journey, Gerda is committed to helping other mothers embrace the same blessings she’s experienced. To join us in providing hope and support to women facing unexpected pregnancies, reach out to us and join our dedicated team of volunteers! |
About us...At Sanctuary Outreach, our heroes include women and couples who have pressed through all obstacles to keep their baby despite extreme challenges. Against odds, they have successfully carried their baby to term. This blog is dedicated to these individuals and celebrates their success with stories from along the journey. ArchivesCategories |
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