More than just a shelter, Amber's Hope walks alongside each woman, offering compassionate guidance and a structured path forward during one of the most vulnerable times in her life. She had a 9 year old son, was pregnant with twins and was in an abusive relationship. At first she was reserved and closed off. She didn't trust anyone. However, in time she began to open up and we got to see her soft heart. Amber loved deeply and gave generously of everything she had. She was beautiful, smart and her greatest desire was to be a good mom. Amber was taking business admin. courses and had employment opportunities lined up. Unfortunately, she kept having to drop her schooling due to her personal living circumstances. She took her three children and left her home to escape abuse. She spent several months living in a women's shelter. Eventually she felt like she was ready to go out on her own. for a short time she did well. But in a moment of desperation, she reconnected with her abuser. When asked why, she simply stated, "I needed milk." Summer of 2020, Amber was in the midst of re-establishing a safe space for her and her children. She deeply desired to create stability in her children's lives. When visiting her mentor's (one of our Pregnancy Care Centre staff) home, Amber looked around and said, "I want a house, just like yours." Amber never had the chance to give her children the home she longed to give them. She died in the summer of 2020. There is a lot of confusion about what happened in her final days. All we know for certain is that our current systems were not enough. Three years ago, the Barrhead Pregnancy Care Centre opened its doors to serve women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Since then, the Centre has served over 100 clients through our many supports and programs. During this time, it has become abundantly clear that there is a great need for a maternity home. We see pregnant women who do not have safe housing options and have nowhere to turn. It is too late for us to provide safe housing for Amber and her family, but we do not want to miss the opportunity to provide for other women and their child(ren) who need a safe and supportive home. This is both the reason and the goal of Amber's Hope Maternity Home. To Donate:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/edmonton-pregnancy-care-centre/campaign/ambers-hope-maternity-home_2021/
or cheque: Write it out to Great Commission Foundation with Amber’s Hope Maternity Home in the memo. Mailing address:
Great Commission Foundation
PO Box 14006
Abbotsford, B.C.
