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“Why destroy a place that helps women?”

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I have been asking myself the same thing for two weeks now. Ever since someone vandalized the Next Step clinic in the early morning hours of May 25th.

Blood red words adorned the front door and walkway. Five of the clinic’s front windows were broken.

Why? Because they cannot abide it when a woman chooses life.

It was never about choice.

On Wednesday May 25th Next Step welcomed many clients in the doors. With ultrasound paper draping the front door to cover the spray-paint and friends boarding up the broken windows – Next Step was open and serving. And the overwhelming question we were asked that day? “Why destroy a place that helps women?”

Despite some major reservations I decided to answer some questions from, among others, Jason Rantz, LifeSite News, King 5, The Daily Caller, National Catholic Register, Fox News and more.

My question to their questions – “If a woman chooses to come here and get our assistance, she made a choice. So why can’t she go where she wants to go?”

In 2022 so far Next Step has seen over 1,250 clients/families, performed 144 pregnancy tests and our nurses have completed 45 ultrasound scans. Our resources have been requested and utilized over and over and over again for those seeking assistance.

Our nurses and staff do not make choices for our clients. Next Step does not make any money from the reproductive decisions our clients make. Next Step offers an exhaustive number of services, supplies, and compassion to anyone who comes through our doors.

So again – “Why destroy a place that helps women?” Something to think about. To pray about. In the last few months Next Step has joined several other pregnancy resource clinics who have been vandalized, lied about, targeted with false reviews and more. And it won’t end any time soon. The landmark Supreme Court decision regarding the probable overturning of Roe is expected to be announced mid to late June. And with it – a range of emotions will take over for many folks. Anger, elation, fear, relief, motivation, hate, and conviction.

Your support of Next Step Pregnancy Services is needed now more than ever. For those that support us unfailingly monthly, quarterly, annually, bi-annually, when you can – thank you. We’re in this now and there is no going backwards. The lives of women and their unborn depend on us. Whatever the verdict places like Next Step Pregnancy clinic are essential “if only to have someplace to go without having to crawl to” Planned Parenthood. For there they will receive nothing but death and lies.

Walk boldly. You are choosing to defend life and there is no greater task.

Proverbs 24: 11-12

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

May is for Mothers!

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 “Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.” —Lin Yutang

Becoming a mother has been the greatest, happiest, hardest, and scariest feat of my life. Nothing can compare. It’s a roller coaster that never seems to end. Its every lazy Sunday afternoon in the backyard playing croquet in too long grass, it’s the sticky puddle of unknown origin you find on the kitchen counter which brings an exasperated headshake, it’s the constant reminder of life pulsing and racing that you are responsible for , its every quiet night you spend pressing your palm gently to your child’s chest to ensure she is still breathing, and its all of the nights dozing in the moonlight not quite asleep until she is home and safely in your presence.

Its every school drop off living in constant fear of being scolded for not moving forward, its every edgy discussion about why organized religion is ‘bad’ and big plans to move somewhere in Europe where the politics are more ‘tolerant’ make you want to pop the cork on that bottle you’ve been saving and dump it down the drain where everything you taught your child appears to have gone.

Its every hug and joyful smile she ever gives you with sparkling eyes full of enthusiasm and hope. And your every instinct to keep that state of mind in her for as long as you can.

That’s some of what being a mother is for me. May is the month of motherhood. And yes, of all the rights I believe women should possess – I believe the right to be a mother is one. And that includes the right to be a mother an unborn little girl possesses while still in the womb hearing the steady drumbeat of her mother’s heart matching her own.

Next Step in the News and on the Radio!

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On March 17th 2022 Gov. Inslee signed into law HB1851 – here is a brief news segment King 5 did which included a quick snippet of Next Step!! We’re near the end! But great ending! Next Step shows that not only do we serve women 100% but there IS in fact an alternative to abortion.

https://www.king5.com/video/news/politics/state-politics/inslee-signs-bill-prohibiting-abortion-lawsuits-in-washington-state/281-20f0c1f4-c110-4d29-85b3-0c82ed5dad3e

On Feb 28th, 2022 Next Step was featured on the radio program “Conversations” with Emily Raines – KKWFFM Seattle Audacy! It starts at about 1:09 – check it out – lots of great info!

https://omny.fm/shows/seattle-kkwffm-default-audio-channel/next-step-pregnancy-services

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To be honest I’ve been hesitant in writing anything about the ongoing heartbreak in the Ukraine. Each new day seems to bring more and more harrowing news and images. But like all of us their plight has been on my mind heart, and lips in prayer daily. I, like many of you, read and wept about the senseless bombing of the maternity hospital in the southeastern city of Mariupol last week.

I’ve been hesitant not because I didn’t want to or because we all know how the ‘thoughts and prayers’ euphemism has become just that – but because I am simply without words. How do you even voice such sadness and astonishment at the raw and stark images and stories taking place right now, as we speak, near us, not worlds away. You can’t. Or at least I can’t.

I prayed last night with my 11-year-old daughter for the people of Ukraine. I cannot even fathom being a mother right now over there with my babies. I could not even finish the prayer, I was overcome. But my daughter did, she hugged me and said amen for us.

I attached a few of the images I have seen recently – primarily of mothers and their babies. Because Next Step is a place of mother and babies too. And there is absolutely nothing more beautiful and at the same time more fragile than mothers and babies

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To be honest I’ve been hesitant in writing anything about the ongoing heartbreak in the Ukraine. Each new day seems to bring more and more harrowing news and images. But like all of us their plight has been on my mind heart, and lips in prayer daily. I, like many of you, read and wept about the senseless bombing of the maternity hospital in the southeastern city of Mariupol last week.

I’ve been hesitant not because I didn’t want to or because we all know how the ‘thoughts and prayers’ euphemism has become just that – but because I am simply without words. How do you even voice such sadness and astonishment at the raw and stark images and stories taking place right now, as we speak, near us, not worlds away. You can’t. Or at least I can’t.

I prayed last night with my 11-year-old daughter for the people of Ukraine. I cannot even fathom being a mother right now over there with my babies. I could not even finish the prayer, I was overcome. But my daughter did, she hugged me and said amen for us.

I attached a few of the images I have seen recently – primarily of mothers and their babies. Because Next Step is a place of mother and babies too. And there is absolutely nothing more beautiful and at the same time more fragile than mothers and babies

A Beautiful Look Inside Our Ultrasounds

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The room is dimly lit with just a faint glow of the day’s sunlight peeking through a crack in the curtains of the ultrasound room. There is warm air flowing into the room from the heater but also the soft hum of the handy air purifier fan we purchased. The cool gel is spread over her belly, the usual nervous giggle as the nurse blots to keep the goo off the waistband of the patients pants. The nurse gently relays what will happen now. Confirming what she sees, She’ll point out the uterus and the ovaries and stop to measure. There is almost always the sight of the full bladder and the lines of the cervix and vaginal canal. Its all there. Grainy and grey to my eyes but recognizable to the nurse. 
Depending on how far along the woman or girl is determines the next set of images and measurements. 

The next thing the nurse will look for and talk about is what’s called the “Diamond Ring”. Really! How beautiful. As you can see in this image the yolk sac is the ring and the baby is the diamond! This is one of the earliest sights of life though its already at 5-6 weeks along. 

Here is another image. As you can see, the yolk sace (the ring!) surrounding what’s called the “Fetal Pole” The fetal pole is the first direct imaging manifestation of the fetus and is seen as a thickening on the margin of the yolk sac during early pregnancy. It is often used synonymously with the term “embryo”.

For the most part all is silent in the room except for the soft click as the nurse types in measurements and the soft whispers about the new little life.
The next image is another beautiful and miraculous story. A baby’s heartbeat can be detected as early as 6 weeks- this image is 6 weeks, 4 days. A healthy heartrate for a baby in utero is between 110 and 160 bpm (beats per minute). 

I am always in awe when the nurse talks about the heartrate and we see the small flicker blinking over and over and and over and the measuring “peak to peak” or “valley to valley”. Its so fast!! The life is pulsating and full of life and zeal! Next Step specializes in early OB ultrasound – from as early as 5 weeks 6 days to 17 weeks. Typically our nurses and I are seeing the littles ones – meeting some littles for the very first time!

The next image is a little over 7 weeks. This is still the First Trimester. Baby’s feet, fingers, and toes are developing as well as her internal organs. Even her brain waves can be recorded! By 8 weeks baby is considered a “fetus” which is Latin for “Little One!

The last image is of a 12 week baby. She is curling her toes and her little lips are making sucking movements! She may even suck her thumb. She is breathing in the amniotic fluid which helps her respiratory system develop strong and her oxygen comes from the umbilical cord.

So that’s it – in a nutshell – some of the very early images Next Step sees. A new and unique life.

Not a potential human but a human with potential!!
And you are a big part of all of this work. You make it possible for our nurse to spend time with this woman or girl and sometimes even the father of the new and vital life growing within. Praise Jesus!

 October is Respect Life Month!

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When did you realize you were Pro-Life?

The featured image above is of my “unexpected blessing holding my ‘expected’ blessing!

The first picture below is of my parents, Rich and Pat, and I in front of the Capitol on one of many Marches we attended! You can tell by my determined expression I was in this for the long haul!Its definitely something to think about especially with the current events of today. Were you always pro-life? Or did certain life experiences or relationships steer you that way?

October is Respect Life Month.

A month to celebrate, protect, and fight for the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters.

Last weekend there was a Women’s March and some folks exercised their right to march in front of Next Step. Once again the group seemed determined to make false claims about what happens at Next Step Pregnancy Services and all pregnancy resource centers truly. Sadly none of those folks have ever accepted our invitation to come inside and see firsthand all that Next Step provides for women, babies, and families. All we can truly do is live our faith through acts and pray for those who continue to fight for what they see as their right but what is really the killing of the unborn.

When you support Next Step Pregnancy Services you make a difference. Here are some statistics from the first half of this year of all the support and love you’ve helped Next Step achieve. In 2021 up until and through August there have been twenty-four young women between the ages of 15-19 who came to us for supplies for their babies, pregnancy tests, and subsequent ultrasounds. Twelve of those tests were positive – twelve of those young women were pregnant. Twelve new lives were taking shape! Of those twelve – five of them intended to carry and parent and three were unsure. However, two were fairly certain of their plans to terminate. None of the twenty-four girls listed were married – most are students, and most were in a committed relationship with the fob (father of the baby).

That being said we’ve noticed that at times a young single gal who intends to parent when they meet with us is still vulnerable. The excitement of a child may wear off into uncertainty and fear, especially if she is surrounded by those in her life who may not think she should continue with the pregnancy. One of the things the staff and I have been talking about recently is follow up calls and outcomes. Especially for those young ladies who are uncertain. How can we reach out and let them know we are still here and ready to listen and help? If they come in at roughly 5 weeks sometimes it is hard to detect a viable pregnancy, so we urge them to come again in a week or two. But that is a long week or two where the pressures and worries of their lives and families can intrude and break them down. We need to let them know they are not alone. That they are supported. And cherished.

So far this year we’ve had ninety-nine young women aged 20-24 who have come in for supplies for their children, pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. We had 48 pregnancy tests of which 33 were positive. Of those young women, 18 listed themselves as single. Of those 33 young women there were 2 that expressed a strong desire for information on an abortion and at least 9 more that were very uncertain as to whether or not to continue the pregnancy. And one had chosen adoption.

As a side and very wonderful note – of those considering abortion we know that at least 6 of them chose life. Very, very good news.

And there’s more – between the ages of 15-24 there were 80 clients who came in for supplies for their children and all with income levels well under the Federal Poverty Level. For every young woman who continues with her pregnancy there is one who is scared and feels helpless. For every couple who are happy and hopeful with their pregnancy news there is a couple who now feel trapped and anxious about their future. For every bag of clothes, we are blessed with and every pack of diapers we are gifted there are families struggling to support themselves and their children. And some of them are still children themselves!

Even before my first birthday I was fighting for the unborn! Here is my mom Pat, pregnant with yours truly, and my big brother Ricky. Check out the “Fight Abortion” sticker on the back of our super cool pinto!

Where do we go from here? Where do you come in? Well prayer certainly. The easiest and surest way to support these women and men and families as well the team at Next Step. Donations of clothes – newborn to 2T, maternity, diapers and wipes, formula, breast pumps and bottles, strollers, playpens, bouncers, books, stuffys, crib sheets, nursing accessories, socks, hats, shoes, and more. Volunteers to help bundle diapers, sort clothes, and greet clients. To help with mailings and market booths. To spread the word!

And yes funding. Monetary donations. Your help ensures we have more than adequate staff, nurses, medical supplies, and resources for these families to remain open and serving.

Check out our support site – nssupport.org – for information and all the good news at Next Step. Fall Newsletter coming soon as well as Snapshot Tax Letters!

And thank you for the continued support of these young women and the lives you are touching and ensuring in the process. Whether you have always been Pro-Life or have recently joined this ministry – your help and prayers changes lives. One at a time.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie Ten Boom

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“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This month has been full of life altering images, events, failures, and victories. I would like to focus on but two of them – both extraordinary in their power and predicament.

On August 15th, after months of violence as the Taliban virtually overran all of Afghanistan, they entered the Capital city of Kabul and expeditiously ousted the Afghan government, and the sitting President fled the city. Nine days after seizing the Capital they took over simply and completely.

Thousands of people, families, fled to the Kabul airport in hopes of escaping what they knew may be terror, violence, and death. And as of today, there are still many and more still stranded with no hopes of rescue. The despair for themselves and their families must be horrific. The helplessness is unimaginable.

“Women in Afghanistan face rising levels of domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation.” In the past the Taliban “barred women from working outside the home or leaving the house without a male guardian, eliminated schooling for girls and publicly flogged those who violated the group’s morality code”, women and girls are rightly feeling scared, isolated, and uncertain of their fate. (Farnaz Fassihi, 2021, Taliban Take Over in Afghanistan, New York Times,)

The freedoms women (like myself) enjoy and expect each day remind us that we are free and blessed beyond measure. Our hearts go out to those women, mothers, daughters, sisters, wives – whose future is so uncertain. Prayer for their safety and prayer for an end to the many injustices our sisters far away in another place face each day.

On September 1st, 2021 “the U.S. Supreme Court formally denied the abortion lobby’s request to block the Texas Heartbeat Act Wednesday evening, voting 5-4 to let the historic law take effect”. (Calvin Frieburger, 2021, LifeSiteNews.com)

The Heartbeat Law, signed into effect in May by Gov. Abbott of Texas requires abortionists to screen for a preborn baby’s heartbeat and prohibits abortion if a heartbeat can be heard (generally as early as six weeks), with exceptions only for medical emergencies.

This is HUGE! A HUGE victory for the innocent lives lost because of an abortion. There is still a lot of movement expected in the Judicial system however this unprecedented ruling may not be a ruling “on the merits of the Texas Heartbeat Act, many pro-lifers have taken the majority’s willingness to let the law stand even temporarily as an encouraging sign.”

And it is that – an encouraging sign. A sign that hearts and minds are changing. That the fact that the act of abortion takes the life of a living breathing human being with a heartbeat is beyond dispute. And the hope is that sometime perhaps in the near future the sanctity of all human life – born and unborn, man and woman, American or Afghan, will be beyond contention and protected.

The future is indeed unknown, for all of us in truth. But trusting our future to Him  and stepping forth to protect those who cannot protect themselves, standing firmly in the light of truth is what He asks of us – scary and uncertain as it may feel at times. His power is known.

Our Mission

To offer compassionate care and material support to women and families before, during, and after pregnancy, no matter the circumstances.

Our Vision

To affirm the intrinsic value of both mother and child by connecting women with the resources they need to choose life.