karla’s story

When Karla came to the Columbia Pregnancy Center, she was expecting her fifth child. Karla was 15 weeks pregnant, and she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes leaving her extremely anxious.  Her and her husband were struggling to provide for their family and the uncertainty surrounding their status in this country was of great concern. Karla joined our Support Group and started participating in our Individual Education Program. Soon after, Karla was involved in a car accident. This happened at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and she had to go to the hospital which was a great source of stress for her. Thanks to the grace of God, both her and her baby were fine.

When Karla was 33 weeks pregnant she went to a prenatal care appointment, and was rushed to the delivery room shortly thereafter.  Karla immediately called CPC, and when we answered she was crying and in distress.  She was scared and worried because she was not expecting to be admitted that day and she didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to her children and family.  We listened to her and calmed her, reminding her that she was in the best place she could be and it was by the grace of God that she saw her doctor that day, and that they realized that the baby was in distress. She was not ready for a premature baby and did not have anything prepared. Our volunteers immediately contacted Karla’s family and provided clothes, diapers and everything that she needed for her little one.  We asked Karla, “Why did you call the center?” She replied, “I called the center because it was the first thing that crossed my mind; I always feel supported and cared for there.  I go to the center not only for material assistance, but mainly for the emotional support that I need. It always felt good, and it was something I needed at that stressful time.”

Today, Karla is an active member at St. John the Evangelist Church where she attends weekly with her family. Her daughters sing in the church choir, and she is volunteering at the Columbia Pregnancy Center leading the Hispanic Support Group.  In Karla’s words: “I believe the center helped me to discover myself and to realize that I have the leadership skills to help others, and I’m grateful for that.”