Saving Lives. Restoring Hope. Building Families.

S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 E D I T I O N V O L U M E 7 I S S U E 2

Dear Friends,

From the Director’s Desk

“You saw me before I was born.” Ps. 139:16 (NLT)

Board of

Directors

Dr. Tom Rasmussen

Chairman

Theresa Quebedeaux Vice-Chairman

Barb Hamlin Secretary

Gary Bye Treasurer

Carol Kolar, CN Board Member

Lindsey Grovom Board Member

Dr. Diane Eodice Board Member

John Fenlason Board Pastor

Tracy Ullrey, CEO

1005 Partridge Place Helena, MT 59602

406.422.1011

optionsfriends.org optionswomensclinic.org

Dear Friends,

Accreditation - a word that strikes fear in the heart of those seeking

to achieve it but brings confidence and comfort to those who are served

by it.

As I mentioned at our May banquet, we are in the process of becom-

ing accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health

Clinics (AAAHC), the leader in medical accreditation. They promote

excellence in ambulatory medical services by assessing over 500 stand-

ards. This is an important risk management tool for us in today’s culture. With the ongoing

attacks from NARAL Pro-Choice Montana and a legislative session coming up in January, we

need the protection that a medical accreditation will offer.

NARAL has been pretty vocal about the need for legislation here in Montana that would

“expose” and regulate pregnancy clinics like ours. But with an exclusive medical accreditation,

they will have a hard time branding us as a “fake” medical clinic which gives “false and mis-

leading medical information”.

We cannot be naïve or bury our head in the sand. It is time to protect the ministry God has

given us. Your prayers as we go through this intensive process would be appreciated. Thank you

for standing with us.

Because He Lives,

Tracy Ullrey, CEO

NEWSLETTER From the Director’s Desk

A Patient’s Story

When “Liv” walked into Options, she appeared confident and sure of what she want-ed. She told us that she had a two year old daughter who was a lot of work. Her boyfriend didn’t make very much money and she had been offered a dream job. but if she was pregnant, she certainly couldn’t do it.

After verifying that she was indeed pregnant, she remained strongly abortion mind-ed. During the ultrasound, Liv refused to look at the screen because she ‘knew it would be too hard.’ She did, however, hear the heartbeat and marveled at the sound.

We prayed as she left Options that day. Liv carried the burden of decision on her young shoulders. Eight months later, a baby boy was born and placed in Liv’s arms. She had chosen life because she heard the truth of life. This is why we come to work each day and why we are so grateful to you. Thank you for joining with us in this life-saving mission.

Every day at Options, with your support, we are

Saving Lives. Restoring Hope. Building Families.

Do you have our Apps?

Check out our apps today and help spread

the word. To be notified about an urgent

prayer requests accept our PUSH notifica-

tions and make sure your settings will allow

them.

When an abortion minded girl is in our

counseling room we will send out a notice

that simply says “Not this child”. That is

your call to action through prayer. Thank

you for standing with us to save lives!

Patient Supporter

Patient Care Corner “Place your hand over your heart. Feel

that? That’s called purpose. You’re alive

for a reason. Don’t you dare give up.” This saying is on one of the cards we give patients when they come to Options. So many people, both female and male, young and old, wonder why they are on earth. They see very little purpose in life, very little reason to think ahead or very little hope for their future. Yet, each person breathes for a reason, we just might not know it or see it yet. Part of the process of discovering purpose and hope is believing the truth that we are worth loving and worth being treated well. Not everyone believes that. Sometimes life circumstances and past experiences lead us to believe that our worth is dependent on what has happened to us or what others have said to us or about us. However, our worth does not rest on outside sources; it rests solely on the fact that God created us for a reason because He loves us. One of the ways God demonstrates that unconditional love for us is through other people. When we love others with grace and compassion, we show the love of God to them and they are touched by Him in a tangible way. At Options, that remains our hope. That the young people who walk in our doors will feel a glimpse of the tangible love of God. We desire to help each person realize that they do have a reason to wake up in the morning, that they are worth loving and worth our time. We speak the truth of their worth to combat the lies of their unworthiness. Jesus said, “You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.” Freedom to believe truth is where purpose and hope will continue to grow and give the courage to not give up. We all want to know that we were created on purpose with a purpose. Don’t be afraid to pass along the hope that there is purpose in life. Show others they have worth by being a good listener, sharing truth seasoned with grace, and loving without judgment. Giving away the tangible love of God is our ultimate purpose. How will you be God’s hands of love today? ~Jolene Dobyns, Patient Services Director

In April, Tally officially joined her “forever family” through the beauty of adoption. Her amazing parents decided to donate any gifts given at her June adoption party to Options. It is their hope that through Options Women’s Clinic other “Tallys” may find a forever family too. May God bless this sweet and generous family.

What our patients are saying…

“The staff is very educated and supportive.”

“This is a very comfortable place to

come to.”

“The staff is amazing!”

“I felt very taken care of.”

“Very caring. I feel like I’m not alone.”

“I felt safe.”

“I felt respected and the staff made me feel excited

about having my baby.”

“They really listen to my

concerns.”

“I felt understood.”

You’re Invited! Want to take a peek inside? Experience Options and see what it is like for the many young women who visit us each week. Call me today at 422-1011 to set up your personal tour. I will give you the inside scoop and show you the

difference you are making or how you can be involved in saving and changing lives. Looking forward to meeting you, Michelle Field Community Outreach Coordinator

Life is indeed a beautiful choice and laughter is good for the soul! This

year’s speaker, comedian Mike Williams, had us laughing until our sides ached but also

shared the poignant story of his own birth to a young, single mom and his subsequent

adoption, highlighting the importance of the ministry of Options and life-affirming

clinics like Options Women’s Clinic.

With over 550 in attendance the Civic Center was full and our supporters were

generous. On this record-setting evening we raised over $150,000 to fund the daily

operations as we save lives, restore hope and build families. Thank you!

Thank you for your generous

donations of goods and services!

Alliance Neon

Anderson ZurMuehlen

GreenUpIT

Dr. Michelle & Cody Danielson

Jim Donaldson -State Farm Ins.

Hamlin Construction

Heslep Construction

Land Escapes Nursery

Marks Lumber

Pat & Colleen McCutchen

Dr. Lori Peterson

Dean & Arlette Randash

Terry & Karen Screnar

Joe & Cherie Shevlin

Sound Health Imaging

Bob & Bobby Spilker

Joe & Heidi Thielen

Bill Bahny & Associates

Beds 2 Go

Big Sky Fellowship

Pat Bowser -Century 21

Gary & Dianne Bye

Gilda Clancy

Door Systems of Montana

Drs. Paul & Diane Eodice

Dr. Jeff Foster

Jeri & Jenny Goodwin

Lindsey Grovom

Gruber Masonry

Jim & Pat Hammill

Rick & Betti Hill

Marty & Gretchen Heller-Century 21

Parker & Julie Heller-Century 21

Robert & Marilyn Hollister

Mike & Susan Hughes

Bob & Carol Kolar

Allan & Carol Merlou

Ron & Sharon Nason

Mike & Gail Olerich

Dr. John & Luanne Smith

Tim & Mary Thompson

Trinity Book Store

Drs. Walters & Erwin

Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co.

Bell Construction

Clark’s Plumbing and Heating

Ken & Peggy Diehl

Emmanuel Chapel

Dan & MaryAnn Fiehrer

Finstad’s Carpet One

Fisher Physical Therapy

Thom & Nancy Frank

Helena First Assembly of God

Randy & Laurie Koutnik

Bo & Maggie Stuart

TriCounty Sanitation

Mark & Lynde Windbigler

Helena Foot Specialists -

Dr. Tony Quebedeaux

The Investment Group -

Bovington, Field, Maloy

THANK YOU to our event underwriters who

made our beautiful evening possible.

Layettes for Life The Knights of Columbus are at it again! Headed by Grand Knight, Darvin Eckert, our inaugural year of Layettes for Life was a huge success. Darvin’s fan-tastic idea of holding a campaign to support Options during Lent was well received. He had several drop off locations (including both Bagel Companies and Trinity Bookstore) where people could drop off material items for young moms. Our Lady of the Valley even got in on the action with a drive at their church. We received more diapers, wipes, baby clothes, blankets and other supplies than we could count. Thank you Darvin, the East Helena Knights, Our Lady of the Valley and all those who gave so generously! We are very blessed by all of you.

From the Newsroom:

Victory for Pro-Life Political Speech at Supreme Court (From Life Legal Defense Foundation)

Monday, June 16, 2014: the United States Supreme Court has issued its opinion in the much-anticipated case, Susan B. Anthony List v. Driehaus. Justice Thomas delivered the opinion for a unanimous Court finding in favor of the Pro-Life group, Susan B. Anthony List (SBA). The court ruled that SBA and co-petitioner COAST (Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes) have standing to challenge an

Ohio election statute under which they had been threatened with prosecution for holding members of Congress responsible for their voting record. Florida Abortion Law Enters 21st Century (From Reuters) Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation in June barring late-term abortions in cases where doctors determine an unborn child could survive outside the womb, a move critics say further chips away at abortion rights. The measure is among new limits on abortion pushed by Republicans in several states, some of which have prompted court challenges. Existing Florida

law forbids abortion after 24 weeks' gestation, unless a woman's life or health is jeopardized by continued pregnancy. The new law, effective in July, sets the no-abortion point at any stage of development when a doctor determines the fetus is viable. Once fetal viability is attained, no abortion would be allowed under the new law unless two doctors certify in writing that termination is necessary to save the patient's life or to "avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical im-pairment of a major bodily function ... other than a psychological condition." The bill's sponsors argued modern medicine has made it possible to save infants far earlier than the third-trimester standard for pregnancy termination. used by the U.S. Su-preme Court in its 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

Unanimous at the Supreme Court (From ProLife Action League & the ACLJ)

In June the Supreme Court STRUCK DOWN the Massachusetts buffer zone law which prohibited any person within a 35’ radius of an abortion clinic from approaching another person “for the purpose of passing a leaflet or handbill to, displaying a sign, or engaging in oral protest, education or counseling…”. The court held that the Massachusetts buffer zone violates the First Amendment of the Constitution by restricting pro-lifers' speech on public sidewalks -- a historic place of free speech. This is a HUGE victory for the pro-life cause and a vindication of sidewalk counseling.

Make a difference in a life today! It’s easy to donate by going to our website OptionsFriends.org and clicking on the DONATE button. It’s fast, it’s secure and it changes lives. Thank you for your generosity!

WANTED: A FEW GOOD WOMEN!

Are you a nurse? Do you have a heart for LIFE?

Could you fill in at Options occasionally?

We are looking for a few RNs or LPNs who would be interested in being a

“pool nurse” to fill in when our nurse is sick or gone. If you are interested or

know someone who might be please contact Darbi at 422.1011 or

Darbi@optionswomensclinic.org.

Nurse ’s Notes When a young woman first walks in our doors we almost always see worry, fear and a need for

help. While many others would celebrate a coming baby, our young women are often terrified of

the many issues that a pregnancy can bring. Options exists to give truth and love to these women

in their difficult place.

For many of our patients, the choice between abortion or carrying to term is not an easy one.

Their circumstances, including family, job, boyfriend, friends, and other children can make an

abortion seem like the only possible option. We know the decision can be hard; we also know

that abortion is not the right choice.

When a pregnancy test comes back positive we have a small window to teach and inform. We tell the mother

about the baby; how his heart started beating after 21 days. We show ultrasound images and give information to

help her understand that there is a little life growing inside. But we don’t stop there.

We are able to share that we will support her throughout her pregnancy and beyond. At

Options we have classes to teach the knowledge and skills she will need for the future. We

give her confidence that choosing life is only the beginning and that we will be with her every

step of the way. From training in early pregnancy to parenting skills, our program is designed

to give hope. We teach young moms the skills they so desperately need in a way that instills

pride and motivation. Your generous donations help make this possible.

Thank you, Darbi Courtney, RN, Nurse Manager

2014 Baby Bottle Fundraiser

Our next Baby Bottle Fundraiser is

just around the corner, Sept. 14 –

Oct. 12. Is your church involved? If

not, call Maggie at 422-1011 to learn

more about this fun and easy fundraiser.

Specia l thanks for donat ions

made in loving memory of…

Marvin Mendenhal l By Bonnie Clark and

Jerry and Cathy Winchester

Yes, I want to Adopt-A-Day! Name(s)_______________________________________ Phone________________________

Mailing Address___________________________________________ City/St __________

Zip________________ Email_________________________________________________

Date I am adopting: ________________ in honor of: _______________________

____ Check OR ____ Credit/Debit Card OR donate online at OptionsFriends.org

Card Type ______________Card #_______________________________________

Exp. Date (MM/YYYY) __________________ CID# _______________________

Signature:__________________________________________________

All donations to Options Women’s Clinic are tax deductible.

Adopt—A– Day How does it work? We take our

annual operating budget, divide it

by 365 days and that is our cost

for operations for one day at the

clinic. With a gift of $50/month

(or $600/year) you can help

ensure that we are here with our

doors open and our lights on to

help young women in crisis, to

give young moms the help they

need to choose life. This is a great

way to honor a birthday,

anniversary, a loved one or

another important occasion—by

giving a chance for life.

It’s easy to make a donation for life at OptionsFriends.org

Saving Lives. Restoring Hope. Building Families.

1005 Partridge Place, Suite 1

Helena, MT 59602

Another Thank You! St. Andrew School does it

again! Mr. Greaney’s 6th grade

class raised money for Options

with their wax-less museum

project. The students dressed

up as historical figures and

when a coin was dropped in

their jar they “came to life”

telling you about their charac-

ter and time in history. Fun,

creative and LIFE giving!

Thank you students and staff!

Attention State Employees!

Options Women’s Clinic is part of the State

Employees Charitable Giving Campaign

(SECGC).

This year’s campaign runs

Sept. 29 – Nov. 7th.

Please consider making Options your charity

of choice by using our SECGC code #5097.

Stop by and see us in the Capitol Rotunda on

September 29th.