In Part 1 of this two-part Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke is joined by Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission and Ashley Belmudez-Frakes of Good News Global to explore how trauma—such as homelessness, incarceration, abuse, and abortion—shapes the lives of women they serve. They share personal stories, front-line experiences, and how deep wounds often reveal themselves over time, pointing to the need for compassionate, trauma-informed care rooted in truth and hope.
The Impact of Your Gift
"The moment you see that baby on the screen, everything else falls away. All your anxiety, all your worry, all your thoughts about guilt and shame. It means nothing anymore. All that matters is that baby.”
The Impact of Your Gift
"Choosing adoption over abortion was definitely the best decision I have ever made, just knowing the baby I carried for nine months is out in the world living healthy and happy.”
The Impact of Your Gift
"Assure didn’t judge me. They cared about me and my baby.”
The Impact of Your Gift
"It is very hard not to have any support, but Assure will give you an advocate who will walk you through every step of the process. You won't be alone. "
The Impact of Your Gift
"At the first appointment, it was kind of scary, but when I heard the heartbeat, I actually got excited. That heartbeat made me realize this was meant to be. I realized this baby was a blessing.”
The Impact of Your Gift
"I couldn’t imagine my life without my baby.”
The Impact of Your Gift
"Assure has made a huge impact in my life. They’ve made me the happiest person ever.”
The Impact of Your Gift
"The number one support I had through the whole pregnancy experience would have to be Assure.”
The Impact of Your Gift
“If I hadn’t heard the commercial for Assure, my baby wouldn’t be here today.”
The Impact of Your Gift
“If I hadn’t gone to Assure, I wouldn’t have had my son.”