This Christmas, we don't have to turn her away.
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Last month, a young woman came to Aim convinced she wanted an abortion. She would not call her baby “my baby.” She kept saying “it,” as though distance could make the decision easier.
At her first ultrasound, she said she could not see much, so it was not like she would be "hurting anything." I was struck by what was underneath her words: fear, confusion, and the numbness that can set in when someone feels trapped and is trying to make a hard decision feel smaller.
Our team did not argue with her or try to win a debate. We listened carefully. We explained what we were seeing. We answered her questions and gave her time.
She came back for a second ultrasound and another conversation with our nurse, ultrasound technician, and advocate. She began to consider support that was not hypothetical but real, including the opportunity to live at our maternity home.
She chose life and decided to continue her pregnancy. How beautiful it was to tell her that she didn't need to let housing problems be a reason she couldn't keep her baby.
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Our First Annual Jingle & Mingle
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In December, we hosted our first-ever Jingle & Mingle, a cozy Christmas celebration honoring Aim’s Top 30 donors from the last four decades. It was a night filled with laughter, Christmas cookies, and stories of how God has used your generosity to protect life and strengthen families in the Ohio Valley.
Our hope is that this becomes an annual tradition--a night each year where we gather to celebrate what God has done through your yes, and to look forward to what He will do next. Your faithfulness over nearly 40 years is the reason Aim is still here, and we are so grateful to be in this work with you.
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Unique clients served: 406
Appointments provided: 680
Ultrasounds provided: 259
Pregnancy tests provided: 277
Material assistance visits: 954
Class attendance: 806 visits
Volunteer hours: 1,980
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Lives saved this year
This year, 95 clients told us they were considering abortion. So far, 76 have chosen life, and several are still weighing that decision. Please keep all these mamas and their babies in your prayers.
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Mother of Mercy Home Update
Right now, our women are growing in community with one another and with staff. They are learning financial literacy with Commissioner Eric Timmons. They are working with our community doula, Dottie, as they prepare for labor and delivery. They attend Bible devotionals in the morning. One resident is studying for the GED. One is taking college classes online. One is looking for a job. Another is finishing up school. We have two babies to cuddle and two more on the way!
We cannot thank Impact Church and Finley Church enough for all the hours and love they have put into our women by spending time with them, cooking with them, or making holidays special for them. We couldn't do it without you!
Please pray for each woman as she navigates pregnancy and postpartum while also trying to change the trajectory of her life, her story, and her family’s story.
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A year end thank you
Aim is not only a building. It is people who keep saying yes.
We are deeply grateful to Julie Elkinton with Earthen Vessels Counseling and Lynette Hawrot, co-founder of Aim, for providing counseling on Tuesdays and Thursdays at no cost. They have also begun walking with women who have experienced abortion and who are trying to work through grief and complicated emotions.
Thank you to our Franciscan University interns, our incredible staff, and Petera Robinson, who helps whenever help is needed.
Thank you to the dozens of staff and volunteers who helped get the maternity home ready, and to our Board of Directors and Advisory Council for guiding this mission.
We are also grateful to friends who support us in practical ways, including Mike Homol, Coen Landscaping, and Lida Mayhew. Thank you to the Sycamore Center for letting us use their building for mom groups and events, to Jefferson County Christian School for financial and in kind donations and volunteers, and to the Franciscan Students for Life for their encouragement and support. Thank you to each group who hosted a baby shower this year (what an incredible blessing!).
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If you are considering a year end gift...
Year end gifts help us begin January ready, keep appointments available, and keep the Baby Boutique stocked for moms who need immediate help.
Give online: https://donorbox.org/supportaim Mail a check: Aim Women's Center, PO Box 4365, Steubenville, OH 43952 Employer match: Many employers offer a 1:1 match. Check with your employer to see if this could be right for you. IRA giving (QCD): Contact your IRA custodian (you will need our EIN: 34-1567102 and must be born before June 19, 1955)
A 2025 tax note for Ohio Donors:
Ohio offers a state income tax deduction of up to $750 per individual for gifts to qualifying pregnancy centers (like Aim!) up to $1,500 for married couples. Please check with your tax professional for your specific situation
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2025 has been one of my favorite years in ministry, and that's because God has been so good to us. He has used your generosity to bless this work and I could not be more grateful. Thank you to my friends, my family, my priest, and--most importantly--my husband and beautiful daughters for your prayers and support.
For all the uncooked or averagely cooked meals at my house...well, I'll try to do better in 2026. :)
With gratitude,
Rebekah
Executive Director, Aim Women’s Center 740-283-3636 | www.aimwomenscenter.com | www.supportaim.org | www.ohiomomhome.org
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Aim Women's Center
PO Box 4365 248 N 5th Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
740-283-3636 | info@aimwomenscenter.com
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