Insurance for Maternity Homes – Kirk Thomas

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Christine Grimmett

Valerie Harkins brings in Kirk Thomas from Johnson-Witkemper Insurance to talk about considerations when choosing insurance for your maternity home. He covers questions surrounding what insurance companies will ask and how to keep insurance costs low for ministries.

Resources:
–Click here to contact Kirk Thomas at Johnson-Witkemper Insurance
Email housing@heartbeatinternational.org to connect with Valerie Harkins

Notes:

Remember to cover your physical assets and people assets with insurance
Take into consideration your home structure – single family, multi-family, or mixed use property
Utilize things like security cameras, sprinklers, fire alarms, etc. to help minimize costs of insurance
Have a plan in place ready to implement in a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or home evacuation for other reasons.
Set clear expectations for residents

Engaging Pastors as Partners – Marc Newman

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Christine Grimmett

Tracie Shellhouse speaks with Marc Newman, President of Speaker for Life, about equipping the body of Christ to be a voice for life. Marc gives us insight into ways that we can encourage our churches to be outspoken advocates for the unborn in effective and compassionate ways, and to keep the pro-life conversation going year-round.

Resources:
–Order a copy of Contenders here
-Speaker for Life – Marc Newman
-Join us at Heartbeat’s Annual Conference in April to attend Marc’s In Depth Day training!

Notes:

Statistics show that there are likely people within most congregations (or even the pastors themselves) who have abortion in their background.
It’s essential to continually bring up life issues in churches; it’s not a one-time teaching.
Not speaking out on the pain of abortion leaves a void for those in churches that are still asking questions and may be vulnerable to make an abortion choice, or to encourage someone else to have an abortion.
Churches have the opportunity to speak the truth of God’s mercy and redemption to those who have abortion in their past and to direct them to PHOs or church groups that can offer healing programs.
If abortion is not rejected by society, we see other life issues such as euthanasia and assisted suicide accepted.
Syllogism – It is wrong to intentionally kill an innocent human being. Abortion intentionally kills an innocent human being. Therefore, abortion is wrong.
Approach your pastor with a “giving” mindset, not an “asking” mindset. Bring your subject matter expertise to them. Offer to speak and take the burden of doing the research and planning talks from them. Be willing to speak anywhere at anytime.
Thank the pastors and churches of your volunteers for their part in supporting a culture of life.
Share this podcast! Spread the word!

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

This is the time of year when we hear a message of peace and good will, and it’s even common to hear Christian Christmas tunes in secular settings. However, we still look at the world and see so much turmoil! Valerie Harkins takes us through a message of what God’s peace provides us during these times both as individuals and as ministry workers.

Sponsored by: Heartbeat International’s Annual Conference

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What is a Pre-Abortion Screening?

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

Heartbeat International Director of Affiliate Services, Beth Diemert and Senior Director of Medical Impact, Christa Brown, discuss what is involved in a pre-abortion screening and why a center might choose to offer this service.

Resources:

Notes:

Abortion pills are sold online with little to no medical intervention or assessment, leaving women in the dark about their options and their pregnancies
An ultrasound is essential in dating the pregnancy and in checking for ectopic pregnancy, which would be a life-threatening situation for the mother.
Pregnancy help clinics empower women with information and details about their pregnancy and what choices are available to them
Pre-abortion screening is about providing her with information that she may not receive online or at an abortion clinic, which then empowers her to make an informed decision about her pregnancy.
Heartbeat’s Medical Impact team is available at medical@heartbeatinternational.org

Reacting to Election Results

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

David Mahan from Center for Christian Virtue joins Heartbeat team members Andrea Trudden, Jessica Warner, and Lora Current to discuss the national ramifications of the recent election in Ohio that resulted in the enshrinement of abortion into the state constitution.

Visit www.heartbeatservices.org/gotv for “Get Out the Vote” resources

Sponsor: Option Line
OptionLine.org info@optionline.org

Notes:

Amendments that states like MI and OH went up against are confusing and broadly worded; this caused much division among voters
Voters responded strongly to the concern over parental rights (even over abortion rights)
Abortion is just one piece of the “reproductive decisions” wording that is used
The abortion lobby falsely claimed that without this amendment, women could not get care for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Pro-life efforts were outspent by roughly 20 million dollars in media advertising by the abortion lobby in Ohio this election season
Church engagement is vital. Ohio saw an increase in churches speaking out against Issue 1, but we still needed more.
Some people assumed that Ohio is a “life state” and an abortion amendment could never pass. There weren’t enough people willing to get out and vote, or who didn’t realize the severity of Issue 1.
Nine additional states could have a similar amendment on the ballot next year
In Ohio, existing pro-life regulations will be challenged in the courts. It will be difficult to uphold anything on parental rights, abortion limits, etc. when put up against the new amendment
Pregnancy Help Organizations are vital now more than ever in states like Ohio to be there for women as abortion is pushed on them even more than before

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Reaching Your Year-End Fundraising Goals – Haley Limo

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

Haley Limo joins Beth Diemert to discuss how to make the most out of the time that we have left in 2023 to meet your year-end fundraising goals. Plus, Haley shares advice on how to start your fundraising strong in the new year!

Contact Haley Limo at haley@lotphilanthropy.com

Heartbeat Affiliates – Click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter,
Advancement Trends in the Life Community
Log in as an affiliate to receive your complimentary subscription!

Notes:

Diversify your streams of income so that you can compensate if one stream doesn’t bring in as much as you hoped
National trends in giving show that this was a challenging year for non-profits
Plan to make most of your asks before Thanksgiving
Reach out to a few of your lapsed major gifts donors at the end of the year
Make your ask specific. Ask for support for a particular need that must be met in the next year.
Start a “story box” to collect client stories that can be used to share your impact with donors.
Election years can present opportunities to boost your support from donors.
Keep connecting with donors on a personal level. Relationship is important both with clients and supporters.

Banquet Bloopers and Blessings – Kirk Walden and David Bereit

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

It’s banquet season, so we have brought in Kirk Walden and David Bereit to talk with Jor-El Godsey about some of their tips and tricks to holding a successful fundraising event. From fires, falling onstage, and protesters to powerful client moments and overwhelming financial support, Kirk and David have experienced a lot in their travels!

Click here for Heartbeat’s manual, Banquet Planning from Scratch
Click here for David’s training, The Art of the Ask

Notes:

Don’t assume that attendees know everything about your mission and who you serve.
Illustrate your mission by telling stories of the families who have been served by your organization
Don’t apologize for asking for money. Remember that you are giving people a chance to be a part of your amazing mission!
Speak the language of your audience (using terms and explanations that the audience can connect with).
Be flexible as unforeseen events may disrupt your banquet; be sensitive to what the distraction may be and remember that your audience is with you. They understand!
Remember those who wanted to make it to the banquet but were not able to, or those who were not ready to give that night. Maximize what happens after the banquet by connecting with people who want to give later.

Sponsored by: Ambassador Speakers Bureau

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Prenatal Diagnosis Part 2 – Resources

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line, interviews Dr. Tara Sander Lee and Chaney Mullins Gooley about the resources that are available to parents who have received news of a prenatal diagnosis. Using the new website, PrenatalDiagnosis.org, families can access informative resources as well as chat with a consultant about their options. This website and the resources listed equip pregnancy help organizations, churches, and individuals with the tools they need to be ready to serve a family facing a prenatal diagnosis.

Visit PrenatalDiagnosis.org

Prenatal Diagnosis Part 1 – Informed Consent

Notes:

A prenatal diagnosis can mean that parents who would not otherwise consider abortion may now be abortion vulnerable; often the pregnancy was planned and the family was excited to welcome a new member to their family.
Advances in diagnostic tools have allowed for more birth defects or fetal anomalies to be detected before birth. While this can be a helpful way for an unborn child to be treated before birth for medical conditions, false positive test results or a lack of understanding of the results can lead to the pressure to abort.
Perinatal bereavement care is available to parents, and is often chosen instead of abortion when given as option. This can be a very healing experience for the whole family.
Parent Care Coordinators help parents through the different services that the family might need including communications with the hospital, surgeons, arranging childcare for other children, travel, etc.
Adoptive parents are ready to care for children with medical conditions; this is an option that is not often presented to parents who may not be ready or able to care for a child who is diagnosed before birth with a medical condition.
PrenatalDiagnosis.org offers a comprehensive list of resources up to delivery and beyond. Topics include diagnosis, effects on the family, support groups, pregnancy loss healing, and site visitors can connect to a live chat so that help is available 24/7.

Get Out the Vote

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

November elections are quickly approaching, and states like Ohio have abortion on the ballot. There is a growing need for the pregnancy help movement to step into the political conversation in defense of life in all states, and we must speak up and ensure our hard-earned victories are not erased, nor is abortion further embedded into our constitutions. Join Heartbeat staff members Jessica Warner, Leanna Baumer, and Lora Current in this discussion about strategy, resources, and practical steps that you can take to protect life in your state.

Resources:

Notes:

States like Ohio are facing (or could soon face) ballot initiatives to change the state constitution to allow for abortion up until birth
The ballot language is often broad and causes confusion among voters
If passed, these changes to the state’s constitution would be very difficult to amend in the future
Big Abortion is watching Ohio to see how well this tactic works, planning ballot initiatives in additional states for 2024 if this passes
Pregnancy Help Organizations are uniquely positioned to share the truth on life issues with clients, donors, and community supporters; you are the experts on the needs the families in your community!
It is important to stay updated and to educate your staff on state issues
State coalitions are a powerful way to make your voice heard, and can help you strategize as a group to make sure the story of pregnancy help is told on your terms
501(c)(3) organizations are allowed to share their perspective about how policies might help/harm their community
Partnering with groups such as your local Family Research Council and Right to Life can equip you and help you stay informed
Pray! Take time to care for yourself and your team

Sponsor: Pregnancy Help News

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Potato Salad – Tracie Shellhouse

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Christine Grimmett

Each person in the pro-life movement has unique gifts, and each walks out their calling in a different way. In this episode, Tracie Shellhouse takes us through a message of unity based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 and potatoes.

Sponsored by: Heartbeat Academy
Click here for conference keynotes/workshops!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Pregnancy Help Podcast

Powered by Heartbeat International

Tag Archives: prolife

Insurance for Maternity Homes – Kirk Thomas

Engaging Pastors as Partners – Marc Newman

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

What is a Pre-Abortion Screening?

Reacting to Election Results

Reaching Your Year-End Fundraising Goals – Haley Limo

Banquet Bloopers and Blessings – Kirk Walden and David Bereit

Prenatal Diagnosis Part 2 – Resources

Get Out the Vote

Potato Salad – Tracie Shellhouse