Client Testimonials




Lindsey
Banquet Testimonial
3-3-2008
 
On September 2, 2006, I took an at-home pregnancy test.  When the test showed positive I was absolutely terrified.  I had no idea what to do or where to turn.  All I could think was that "this wasn't supposed to happen to me."  I told myself that no one besides the baby's father could ever find out.  So, I decided to schedule an abortion.  I knew that what I was doing was horribly wrong, but at the time nothing seemed worse than being 16 and pregnant.  I went back and forth with my decision and after about a week decided that I needed to tell my mom.  A day or two later she brought me to FirstChoice Clinic.  By this point I was about six weeks along.  I really had no idea what to expect, and was still considering the abortion.  I had no idea that the experiences I had at FirstChoice would ultimately lead to one of the biggest decisions of my life…. When I had the ultrasound there was a little black shadow and it had a heartbeat.  The moment I heard that heart beat I knew what my decision would be, and there was no way I could go through with the abortion.  From that point on I had an appointment about every two-three weeks.  The baby's father was also encouraged to come and learn more.  At the appointments, we watched short films about pregnancy and the baby's development.  For each appointment we also received parenting points which could later be traded in for prizes.  The staff was always extremely kind and informative.  It was so helpful to know what to expect with the pregnancy at certain stages, and it was great to have tips about things like nutrition.  After several months, I was referred to Christian Family Life Services where I eventually chose an adoptive family to place my child with.  I will never forget my experiences at FirstChoice and I will forever be grateful to the staff that taught me so much about life and especially love.  Thank you so much. 


- Lindsey




Kelly
Banquet Testimonial
3-6-2007

Good evening.
I am honored to be here where I can share my story, a story that began in July of 2000. I immediately knew the choices I had made the night before - to have sex with a man I had known for less than a month – would change my life forever. I didn’t need a pregnancy test or another month of waiting in distress. I just knew I was pregnant – right then.

It’s hard to explain the emotions I went through the weeks following, but I can only say that I had one conclusion - - - and that was to abort my unborn child. I knew that my parents would be shocked and unsupportive. The father of my unborn child fled as though the responsibility was unbearable and denied any association with me.

Only two years earlier I was an athletic standout, participating in volleyball, basketball & track. It was me with a huge heart, motivation and the desire to achieve anything I set my mind to. I was active in Student Senate, National Honor Society & Future Leaders of America. I was also honored as homecoming queen in 1998.

My parents were very proud of me, as I proved time and time again that I was responsible and headed in the right direction.

Suddenly I was twenty years old and a sophomore in college. Now one of numerous HS standouts, I continued to offer that same competitive spirit and energy on the college court. I loved sports!

As a typical college student I had no steady income - & definitely, no education on pregnancy. I was afraid…afraid of what others would think of me.

During the fifth week of my pregnancy I went to the phonebook. I was looking up abortion agencies in the area and came along the ad for First Choice Clinic (AAA Pregnancy Center) at the time. I hadn’t told anyone that I was pregnant nor did I plan to, until I saw their ad. I decided that hearing another’s opinion might be the best thing for me. I was scared and just hoped that I didn’t know anyone that worked at the clinic…because when your young image is everything - right??

I met Kay that day; she comforted me, let me cry, offered her advice and understood what I was going through. I decided to go back to the clinic with hopes of speaking to Kay again but she was busy that day. I was not willing to discuss my story again and risk tears, so I waited until she was available. Kay and the ladies at First Choice made the situation a little more manageable. With each moment I felt like my decision to terminate my pregnancy was changing.

The clinic offered services such as ultrasounds, health and nutrition education and most importantly the Earn While You Learn Program. In a matter of only a few visits I had made my mind up that this life living inside me is special. I decided that all my goals and dreams would be put on hold and reevaluated.

Today, I am twenty-six years old. I am currently employed by the Department of Homeland Security. In July of this year I will be taking my civil service entrance exam to pursue being a Federal Air Marshall. I also never gave up on my love for athletics. Over the past five years I have coached eight different volleyball programs, several acceleration camps and I am currently an assistant volleyball coach for Minnesota State University Moorhead. I was the first in my family to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, which was only accomplished by the loving support of my family.

I truly believe that Jacina Marie is the best gift that God has ever given me. Jacina will be six on May 12th and she is the most personable child I have ever known. It is obvious that God has already blessed her in a special way.

As for Kay, she was the right person, in the right place, at the right time, a true answer to a prayer. I’ll always be grateful for the gentleness of those at First Choice as they softened the world for me. If I ever need validation of God’s love, proof was found through the people at FirstChoice Clinic.

In conclusion, if I could offer advice to women in a similar situation, it would be to give life. The happiness that comes along with a child is irreplaceable. Also, don’t give up on your dreams. Find a support system and push through the tough times.

Lastly, form a relationship with God. Every time you have a choice to make, consult Him and ask Him what is the wise thing to do? From experience, I find that He gives me the right answer, time and time again.

- Kelly


I find the lessons I attend very educational.  I find this program (EWYL) financially very helpful for many low income people.  The people who work with me are very understanding and caring.  I wish a big success to the program, it's like being a treasure for many of us.

- Delal


FirstChoice Clinic was my first choice when I found out I was most likely pregnant.  I didn't know where to go or how to go about getting financial aid and they helped me figure out all of that.  I think Earn While You Learn is so helpful to know things going on with your body and baby.  I am very greatful.

- Samantha


I think the Earn While You Learn program has helped my husband and I a lot about our baby.  We love this program and we want to thank youguys for having us in your program, it is fun and interesting.  Thank you so much.

- Nancy


“It was a night I will never forget…I walked down the hall into the bathroom where the home-pregnancy test sat waiting to be read.  When I saw the bright pink strip, indicating a positive result, I thought my heart was going to stop.  Surely, it must be a mistake.  I was standing face-to-face with the cold, harsh reality of the consequences of my actions, and I didn’t have a clue what to do.  I thought about abortion – having no idea what all was entailed in such a procedure…I wondered how I would pay for it…and the more I thought about it, the question came to mind, who am I to deny someone else the right to live?  God truly blessed me with a great resource in the FirstChoice Clinic.  They nurtured me into motherhood.  Many children are unplanned by their parents, but they are not unplanned by God.  God’s purpose took into account human error, and even sin.  While there are illegitimate parents, there are no illegitimate children.  Romans 12:3 says the only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us.”

- Mandy




The Baby Behind the Picture

Emmery Paige is featured on the homepage of this website with her daddy (upper left).  Her mother’s story was used as the 2006 Christmas Cherub greeting that went out to our ministry partners in December.  Read more about this baby’s remarkable beginning:

My Story:  Nicole

The story is very familiar.  I had heard it before, but what differentiated it this time, it was now my story. I was a 21 year old college student with a million dreams, planning to have a career in agronomy, and ended up getting pregnant.  I had read an ad for FirstChoice Clinic in the local college newspaper and made an appointment to have a pregnancy test.  Although I expected it, when the nurse confirmed that the test was positive and I really was pregnant, I thought that my entire world was falling in on me. I remember crying so hard; this news was the farthest thing that I wanted to hear! The nurse asked me what I was going to do and at that time, I didn’t have a clue.  She gave me lots of information on raising a child/infant, adoption options, abortion; answering many questions.  She also asked me how I planned to tell my parents and if the baby’s dad was still in the picture. To be honest, I didn’t know how to tell my parents or my boyfriend. How do you begin to share the most shocking news you’ve ever heard?  She managed to calm me down and assured me that everything would work out. She was right, everything did work out.  My parents took the news really well and were excited at the thought of becoming grandparents.  The baby’s father Darren, was stunned, but took it well, too!  After much thought, Darren and I decided to keep the baby.  On June 24, 2006 we had a beautiful baby girl, naming her Emmery Paige.  Our families have given us lots of support through these months of change.  Darren and I are still going to college and this December, Emmery, our Christmas Cherub will be 6 months old.

I would like to say thank you to everyone at FirstChoice Clinic.  Emmery is here today much in part to the caring, encouraging words I heard early in my pregnancy while at FirstChoice Clinic. I cannot thank you enough for all of the kindness and support we received during this time.  Thank you also for the program options that you had recommended such as Earn While You Learn.  Keep up the amazing work you do for so many people.  My sincere thanks for everything you have done for my family.

- Nicole


FirstChoice Clinic helped me when I first found out I was pregnant with my son Landyn.  They told me where I can get help for Medical Assistance and other things.  They were very helpful at the beginning of my pregnancy and called during to see how all was going.  My son is now one month old (10-16-06) and received a wonderful gift basket from FirstChoice Clinic.  It was very helpful.  He is healthy and growing like a weed.  I am so thankful that there are helpful people out there for people in times like I once was.  Thank you again.

- Melody


Visiting FirstChoice Clinic when I found out I was pregnant was one of the best choice I have ever made.  The help they provided to me during my pregnancy was unbelievable.  They went way beyond my expectation.  Whenever I go to the clinic they make me feel really comfortable.  The most surprising thing is they follow up.  They would call me to make sure I was doing alright.  When I thought it was over after I had the baby, FirstChoice Clinic continues on to help me by providing stuff for the baby and me.  I want to thank the whole staff of FirstChoice Clinic for being there for me and my baby, keep it up.  God Bless You! Your doing a great job!

- Magina


I have found that all the lessons and just having someone to share my pregnancy concerns with, was very helpful.  Even though I already had one child there was so much more I was able to learn.  One thing especially was care seat safety.  I never realized how important it was.

- Annie


The “Earn While You Learn” program has helped me a lot.  I enjoyed meeting with them every couple of weeks and learning about caring for newborns – I helped me too.  I also like the benefits of going (points).

- KayLynn


FirstChoice Clinic helped me through some really tough times.  As a college student and unmarried mom, FirstChoice gave me the extra support and knowledge I needed to help me get through my pregnancy.  The Earn While You Learn program is priceless and should be offered all over the country.  It really is a lifesaver.  Thank you very much!

- Shannon


Being a first time dad and also a single parent this service was very helpful in allowing me to learn what is going to be coming in the future.  It allowed me to be more prepared and to relate to what was going on during the pregnancy.

- Kevin


We really appreciate everything FirstChoice Clinic has to offer, the Earn While You Learn program is great support.

The FirstChoice Clinic helped us out a lot with diapers. Money is very tight right now with both my fiancé and me trying to go to school and raise a child. Diapers are so expensive and they go through them so fast that we could hardly keep up. FirstChoice Clinic took one worry off my mind. Thank you. The things I learned at the clinic helped me feel more comfortable with my newborn. Thank you for everything.

- Ashlee


The Earn While You Learn program has been great for us because we live on a tight budget and it’s good for anyone who wants to learn and get coupons to get stuff for free.  It’s also nice to spoil the baby when you have no money.

- Lisa


This had been a wonderful place to come to and learn the lessons at each appointment.  The staff are wonderful.  I have learned so much by coming to my appointments.  I thank you for your support.

- Kasar


Yes, FirstChoice has helped me by teaching me many things about either what’s going on inside my body and stuff that I will need for the future to know.  I have learned lots of info since I’ve been a part of FirstChoice.  FirstChoice has also helped me by getting things for my baby.

- Jessica


FirstChoice’s Earn While You Learn program has been very helpful in preparing me as a first time mother.  They have helped ease some of the anxiety and thru the informative lessons have made me more comfortable with the soon to be arrival of my daughter.

- Stacy


I think these classes are very helpful, I think everybody having or are ready to have kid’s should do these classes.  They are very helpful!!  For me, in my custody matter of my children, these classes help me and show the courts that I am trying to be a parent to be better at taking care of my kids, and this gives me the tools to do so.

- Jeff


Very friendly staff.  They are also good listeners that have great help and resources if needed.  I love the Earn While you Learn program.

- Christina


This program helped me a lot to know about pregnancy and how to take care of a new born baby. The things I get for the baby are very useful to me, because I cannot afford to buy these things. The nurse Patti’s support is appreciated. Thank you so much!!

- Sisika





Contact FirstChoice Clinic
701-237-6530 or Toll Free 1-888-237-6530
Email: info@firstchoiceclinic.com
FirstChoice Clinic · 1351 Page Dr., Suite 205 · Fargo, ND 58103