Breanna’s Story
Breanna moved to Michigan right before she found out she was pregnant. One day she was driving by the Niles office when she saw the LifePlan sign and decided to stop in to see what it was all about. “I knew I was about to have a new little one and I didn’t have a plan,” Breanna says, “I hadn’t been to work since I had gotten hurt about three years ago and lost my hand. To find out I was pregnant and I was going through so much. I was away from my family and had no real support . . . something called me to go inside.”
When she went inside, she was greeted by one of our receptionists who knew the perfect consultant for Breanna – Teri Stark, a volunteer from Gospel City who has been at LifePlan for close to three years. With four children of her own, Teri’s goal is to encourage young moms and build relationships with them to help support them on their parenting journey. “I just love encouraging moms,” Teri says, “LifePlan is a great place to be a part of other moms’ lives”.
Teri and Breanna started meeting with each other on a weekly basis in September of 2019. During this time, Teri was able to support Breanna as she dealt with the challenges she faced. “I have a great friend in Teri. She’s a friend, a mentor, a person to look up to – and someone who has a great relationship with God, which is something I struggled with a lot before coming to LifePlan. LifePlan and Teri have blessed my life so much.”
Breanna’s baby, Mark, was born shortly before COVID-19 hit the area. But even with the stay-at-home orders in place and the LifePlan buildings closed, Teri and Breanna continued to connect through phone calls and texts. “Things have been really tight and difficult since COVID-19,” explains Breanna, “But you guys have been there all throughout the whole process. I don’t know where I’d be without LifePlan.”
Teri wants others like Breanna to know that they can find a safe place at LifePlan. “We care about you,” Teri says. ”We want to help you through your journey – whatever it is. We are a family and we want to come alongside you.”
Which is exactly how Teri has supported Breanna. When Breanna first came to LifePlan, she was scared and struggling. “I had a lot to be judged on when I came in, but I just felt right at home. You guys are there and it’s really made a difference in my life.”
LifePlan has helped Breanna by providing support through the classes she has taken and the friendships she has made. “LifePlan has given me the strength, hope, and encouragement that I needed. These are things you can’t put a price tag on.”
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