In 1978, Carol Carlson felt a burden to help poor parents with things like diapers, wipes, car seats and maternity clothes, she began offering help to new parents in an unlikely place: her basement.
From that moment to March of 2015, Carlson began answering every knock at her door, every 3 a.m. phone call, with a smile and a gentle word of encouragement. In that time, she has handed out countless diapers, car seats, maternity clothes through her basement office.
And she dreamed that one day this ministry of her heart would have its own stand-alone office and impact far more lives than what her little basement could handle.
Today, Pregnancy Services of Delta County has finally grown up and moved into a home of its own, at 1801 Ludington Street in Escanaba, Michigan—two and a half hours northeast of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
That move is largely thanks to Audra Burchmiller, chief fundraiser, co-director, board president and also a registered nurse.
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In 2013, Burchmiller approached Carlson about the possibility of developing the outreach into a larger, full-service pregnancy help center. Carlson’s first concern revolved around financing not only the move to a bigger facility, but long-term funding of a much bigger ministry.
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“We decided to start with a community-wide prayer for LIFE,” Burchmiller said. “In 2013, we hosted an ecumenical prayer service, inviting several different community leaders to speak.”
Several hundred people heard about the ministry and its need for a much bigger facility. That meeting yielded new donors, new board members, and new volunteers have discovered a new passion for LIFE.
“Getting the people of faith together in the name of life was a powerful turning point,” Burchmiller said. “Once everyone was able to see the collective support of the community, the tide really changed, not only for us but for the community as a whole.”
Exemplifying the outpouring of community support, one anonymous donor offered to purchase a house, and now rents it to the center for a nominal fee. When Carlson saw the wide public interest, she knew the center was finally ready to move out of her basement and into its own place.
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As the board began looking to the future, many original founding members decided to pass the torch to several new board members. “A fresh direction often calls for fresh leadership,” says Burchmiller.
Since opening in March, 2015, Pregnancy Services of Delta County has seen 35 unique clients and 60 client visits in a town of just over 12,000. Over half of the center’s clients have enrolled in its Earn While You Learn program, and its fatherhood initiative connects expectant dads with mentors.
Burchmiller credits the wide community support for the group’s sudden success. After over 35 years in a board member’s basement, it has been a startlingly rapid two-year transition, from vision to Grand Opening in their new home.
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Their all-volunteer staff of about 30 dedicated men and women are a God-send to Carlson and Burchmiller.
Making inroads to local schools, Burchmiller promotes a message of abstinence, healthy relationships and support. She prays that the information she leaves with guidance counselors will make its way to those students who most need their services.
Along the way, Burchmiller is becoming more and more convinced of the value of reaching into her community, as well as the value of pro-life unity across denominational lines.
“Don’t be afraid to go out into the community, personally, and make folks aware of your programs,” she said. “Be a bridge between the various faiths. “The devil has unity. People of faith tend to be so divided. How powerful would our voice be if we all spoke in unison?”
