So remember how I told you guys that I am volunteering at a local Pregnancy Center?
Well, I love this place.
I love the young girls I get to meet with and mentor each week, I love the hearts of the women who are running this program on a shoe-string budget, and I love what this kind of work is doing inside of me.
We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds, but the core of what we do is a program called Earn While you Learn, where young girls and women work one-on-one with a mentor each week, learning what to expect and how to care for themselves while they're pregnant, learning how to care for a newborn, how to properly discipline a toddler, how to balance a checkbook, how to prepare for job interviews, etc. The goal being to help young girls and women become amazing moms with promising futures.
And (most importantly to me) we're there to talk to them about Jesus if they're interested.
The upside of being able to talk about Jesus is that...well...we get to talk about Jesus.
The downside of being able to talk about Jesus is that organizations who talk about Jesus are not eligible for government funding and because of that, they've been keeping this place running for years now on nothing but donations and faith.
So I had this idea to do a give-away, and (lucky me) my good friend, Erin wanted to join in to help, because she's good like that...
So one person is going to win everything listed below:
- An auditing seat in the next Photographers' Workshop that starts next week (on Monday, March 25th.)
- Erin Cobb's Clean Color and Clean Skin tutorials.
- A 1-hour telephone or Skye photography/editing consult with Erin.
- A 1-hour telephone or Skype photography consult with me.
And here's what you have to do to enter:
1. Send a $5.00 or a $50.00 or a $500.00 check (or whatever amount you can give) to The Pregnancy Center at 2019 Aero Way #103, Medford OR, 97504 - or you can make a donation via Paypal by using the link at the bottom of this page.
2. Leave a comment here in the comments section, stating that the check is in the mail. (You do not need to tell me how much money you sent in and I am not requiring proof that you sent in anything either - we're just going to do it the old-fashioned way, where I just trust your word.)
* Note that no one at The Pregnancy Center knows anything about my blog and therefore, they know NOTHING about this drawing and I'd like to keep it that way, so please, please (please) do not make mention of my name or this drawing when you send in your checks.
It'll just be a nice, happy, surprise for them.
And I must admit that the thought of them opening up a bunch of unexpected checks puts a huge smile on my face.
Will draw the winner on Friday morning.
And a post without a photo?!?...I'd never do that to you.
Thanks guys, this means a lot to me.
ETA: A few people have emailed me to inquire whether or not its too late to sign up for the next Photographers' Workshop, and no, it is NOT too late to sign up. All of the regular seats in the workshop are full, but I will still be allowing auditors to sign up through the rest of this week.
Auditors can ask questions, post photos and otherwise participate in class like a regular students - the ONLY difference between regular students and auditors is that I do not provide written evaluations for auditing students. However, auditing students can purchase and schedule a telephone/Skype consult with me where I can verbally evaluate their images if they decide to (and the cost of auditing/$245 + the cost of a consult/$95 = $340, which is actually $55 cheaper than taking the class as a regular student.)
So auditing is the perfect option for anyone who wants to save a bit of money and/or anyone who wants to work at their own pace during the workshop.
If you'd like to register as an auditor, click here.
Thank you both for sharing God's love with the young moms and us. You're an inspiration!
the check is in the mail
Posted by: Eileen M. | March 20, 2013 at 06:23 AM
OH MY GOODNESS! I AM SO INSPIRED AND BLESSED BY YOUR HEART TO BLESS THESE GIRLS AND THE PREGNANCY CENTER! WHAT AN EXAMPLE OF JESUS, AND I LOVE YOUR HEART TO BE UNRECOGNIZED AS THE GIVER, AND YET BE SO OVERJOYED AT THE THOUGHT OF THEM RECEIVING! THAT IS TRULY THE HEART OF JESUS! THANK YOU! I AM HONORED TO DONATE TO THEM! CHECK IS IN THE MAIL.
THIS HAS INSPIRED ME TO MOVE ON SOME PROMPTING TO CALL OUR LOCAL PREGNANCY CENTER TO SEE HOW I CAN HELP. I WOULD LOVE TO HELP MENTOR AND BE THERE FOR A NEW MOMMY. WHAT A AWESOME WAY TO APPLY TITUS 2:4
Thank you what a example!
Posted by: Jewels Price | March 20, 2013 at 08:03 AM
Oh and what a beautiful picture that is!!!!
Posted by: Jewels Price | March 20, 2013 at 08:05 AM
Karen, thank you for being "the change you want to see in the world."
It will be like Christmas morning for the center. Check is in the mail.
Posted by: Dot Fowler | March 20, 2013 at 08:13 AM
Such a great cause and the check is in the mail! :)
Posted by: Deneen | March 20, 2013 at 08:19 AM
Thanks Karen I made my payment via pay pal yesterday but I don't remember if I added a comment. :)
Thanks the oppt to bless these women! What an awesome suprise for them to receive all this support!
Posted by: Janet Jemes | March 20, 2013 at 10:08 AM
I love that you are doing this and what a great surprise for the Pregnancy Center! I made my donation.
Posted by: Jodi Herchold | March 20, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Putting the check in the mail! I'd love to be there as these checks and paypal donations start showing up!
Posted by: SusanC | March 20, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Check is in the mail.
Thank you so much for your time at the center. Life is precious and such a gift from God.
Posted by: Laura S | March 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Just contributed through paypal.
I recently heard that every honey bee makes about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime, but that each bee's contribution is needed and adds up to something truly great (and yummy). I'm glad you made me aware of this opportunity, and although I could only contribute a small amount I'm thrilled to be part of this huge effort!
Posted by: Kristi | March 20, 2013 at 11:09 AM
I sent my donation through paypal! Thank you for inspiring us all!
Posted by: Ramie | March 20, 2013 at 11:19 AM
donated via paypal. such a great cause, thanks for reminding me to do unto others.
Posted by: kimmie | March 20, 2013 at 11:20 AM
What a wonderful idea! I just sent a check.
Posted by: jen | March 20, 2013 at 11:37 AM
My checks in the mail. Thanks for doing this.
Posted by: Karen Mathewson | March 20, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Hello! I donated by paypal. What a great idea!
Posted by: Lyndsey Gelhaus | March 20, 2013 at 01:06 PM
You inspire me to want to give more of myself to others. I'm happy to donate my lunch money for the week plus a little more. Sending the check off in the morning.
Posted by: KathyL | March 20, 2013 at 01:27 PM
Just made a donation through Paypal. I was having a bad day and it feels great to help out someone else. You are an inspiration.
Posted by: Toni Trainor | March 20, 2013 at 01:35 PM
I put a check (well a money order to be technical) in the mail!
Posted by: Heather B. | March 20, 2013 at 02:30 PM
Wonderful idea Karen. paid with paypal...wish i could be a fly on the wall seeing their faces with each new donation.
Posted by: nicole | March 20, 2013 at 03:35 PM
Check is in the mail!
Posted by: Tyran Butler | March 20, 2013 at 03:48 PM
Made my donation via paypal. What a great thing you are doing for this center. I am sure they are going to be thrilled.
Posted by: Kim | March 20, 2013 at 04:33 PM
Wow! You have such a beautiful and inspiring heart! What a wonderful way to use your talents to help others! My check is in the mail! Thanks for encouraging us to all do more!
Posted by: Rachael C. | March 20, 2013 at 04:43 PM
What a nice surprise for the center! I'm sending my donation today.
Posted by: Sheri | March 20, 2013 at 04:59 PM
Donation through Paypal complete! Thank you Karen, for taking your care and concern for people so, so seriously, and for carrying the light of Jesus to these precious women and babies. I am glad to be a part of this blessing! Bless you!
Posted by: Andrea | March 20, 2013 at 05:18 PM
I just paid through Paypal! : ) What a great idea, I work for a non-profit (early childhood) and I know this would be super awesome for us to experience... I love that you use your blog for good. :)
Posted by: Candy | March 20, 2013 at 05:22 PM
I am so proud of all the help you are providing to these woman in need. I donated & if my name is selected as the winner I will donate my winning to my cousin. You are doing good things in the world.
Posted by: Aurora | March 20, 2013 at 05:24 PM
Just made a PayPal donation. Happy to give to a beautiful place. Thanks Karen for all you do!! And thanks Erin too!!xx
Posted by: Patricia Ellis | March 20, 2013 at 05:29 PM
As the mother of a 2 week old little boy, and a 7 year old I had when I was 19, I cant even begin to tell you what a huge difference in my outlook I have had with my second. Having a center such as the one you volunteer at would have been a god send the first time around.. the support, the information.. priceless. I'm sending as much as I can, somewhat selfishly because I have always wanted to take your course but haven't been able to afford to (I also do free sessions for new moms through our local pregnancy center at no cost) , but also because I know how much this program could mean to someone else. Thanks for reminding me to help others!
Posted by: brianne sheppard | March 20, 2013 at 06:08 PM
What a great cause, I just donated!
Posted by: Jenny Caspet | March 20, 2013 at 06:23 PM
Wasn't sure if I was going to donate until I got to the fifth paragraph. Love what they are teaching the young ladies! I just sent my donation via PayPal.
Posted by: Janaya | March 20, 2013 at 06:35 PM
What an awesome idea for an anonymous donation. The pregnancy center will be thrilled and best of all you get to continue to talk about Jesus. :) I donated through Paypal.
Posted by: Tara Holmes | March 20, 2013 at 07:28 PM
This cause is so very worthy!! It would be an added bonus to win but I am happy to help anyone choose life!
Posted by: Wendy C. | March 20, 2013 at 07:48 PM
Sorry forgot to say I donated through PayPal
Posted by: Wendy C. | March 20, 2013 at 07:49 PM
I was once a teen mama who had someone love on me and pray with me. That was almost 14 years ago. Sent a check this morning and prayed that a scared mama will come to love Jesus and love their baby just like I did.
Posted by: Melissa Prieat | March 20, 2013 at 08:36 PM
I just donated. Thanks for all your effort in such a great cause.
Posted by: Tiffany Bowden | March 20, 2013 at 10:01 PM
Donated via PayPal. I love that you are sponsoring the center this way.
Posted by: Cathy k. | March 21, 2013 at 01:42 AM
Karen,
You are such an inspiration!!!
My check is in the mail.
Posted by: Jen T | March 21, 2013 at 05:48 AM
I just donated through Paypal. SO good of you to look out for others! I hope they get a ton of donations!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | March 21, 2013 at 06:25 AM
I made my donation through Paypal!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | March 21, 2013 at 06:51 AM
Great cause. Donated with paypal. So easy to do it that way.
Posted by: Terri Oakey | March 21, 2013 at 07:11 AM
I love being a part of something so much bigger than I could ever know.... thank YOU for giving me that.
Its like sending secret mail to make miracles happen!!
I have been to our local, Compassion Pregnancy Center, taking 2 young ladies at 2 different occasions & was BEYOND blessed (even though it wasn't me that needed to be there-I was just the vehicle) the love shown to these women, the depth of understanding & hope they give is nothing less than miraculous. So happy to hear God is using you to love thru Him & so just how great Jesus is.
xo
Posted by: Ada | March 21, 2013 at 07:42 AM
As an infant I was given up for adoption. It was because of an awesome woman who decided she loved me enough to let me live, that I have an amazing life and even though it's small, I want to help another unborn baby have the same fantastic life I have! Thanks for the opportunity to help out!
Posted by: Breeana | March 21, 2013 at 07:48 AM
What a wonderful idea and such a great cause! I am putting a check in the mail today.
Posted by: Sarah McDonald | March 21, 2013 at 08:01 AM
My check is in the mail, please, please update us on the reaction they have as they get all our random mail and paypal donations! It's such a wonderful thing you are doing. With daily life we forget that there are places such as this helping people and the only thing that keeps them open are the donations. Thank you for reminding us to give to others.
Posted by: Lorena Mora | March 21, 2013 at 08:46 AM
Love your heart for the Lord and serving others in need at the pregnancy center. Love also being a part of blessing them and made my donation via PayPal. Praying the pregnancy center reaches many who will fix their eyes on Jesus.
Posted by: Jennifer Lovelady | March 21, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Sent my donation via paypal also..wish I could also see the looks when they start getting donations! Very wonderful!!!!
Posted by: Fee K. | March 21, 2013 at 01:00 PM
thought I posted a comment, but maybe...it got lost ha!
I love this so much, the opportunity to be apart of something YOU love & take all these little bits to make a HUGE impact on the those without hope.
We won't know this side of heaven, but I can't wait to hear the stories from all the connections this little post brings.
sent a gift & little note of encouragement! (<--no connection to you tho)
Posted by: Ada | March 21, 2013 at 02:25 PM
Hi Karen...wonderful idea. I used my Paypal account. Hope they raise a lot of money! Joelle Bouchard
Posted by: Joelle Bouchard | March 21, 2013 at 02:46 PM
Sent my check today. Sounds like a wonderful resource for young mom's. They are lucky you are there for them, Karen.
Posted by: Jane Bee | March 21, 2013 at 03:27 PM
Love this idea Karen! I was a teen mom, too. The girls you are working with are so blessed to have you for a mentor. I like that it will be a happy surprise for the center, too. I'm in.
Posted by: Marnie | March 21, 2013 at 05:10 PM
What a wonderful idea this is!
Check is in the mail!
Posted by: Gayle Shrader | March 21, 2013 at 06:51 PM
Sending a little gift their way! So happy to support a great organization!
Posted by: Jennifer Hewitt | March 21, 2013 at 07:21 PM
What a thoughtful gesture on your part. My check will be in the morning's mail. Bless you for your generosity.
Posted by: Sherri dyess | March 21, 2013 at 08:02 PM
Donated via PayPal. Sounds like a great program.
Posted by: Laurel | March 21, 2013 at 11:36 PM
Too late for your drawing but glad to contribute and so proud of you, Karen, for making a difference in the lives of the others...for Jesus!
Posted by: Andrea | March 22, 2013 at 05:27 PM
very nice site loving article good looking i enjoy this blog.
Posted by: Soles4Souls | March 24, 2013 at 04:57 AM
Karen. My paypal donation was returned today because they never completed the set up of their Paypal account. Just a heads up. I can send you a copy of the email if you want?
Posted by: Jeannie Denney | April 19, 2013 at 12:50 PM