Open Arms sees God answer prayer through grant
By Staff
JEFFERSON CITY—The four locations that make up Open Arms Pregnancy Resource Centers have been undergoing a restructuring this year even as donations began to trend downward.
Challenges began to mount as new medical policies and procedures to raise the Open Arms client care to a national standard began to be imposed. The financial stress on the organization continued to increase, prompting the volunteer prayer warriors, staff and board of directors to go to the Lord in prayer.
“He answered us in an unexpected manner,” said Denia Fields, Open Arms executive director.
Focus on the Family contacted the organization in May with news that Open Arms had been awarded a special grant with a desire to see Open Arms regain its strength to reach, engage and serve at-risk women. The Life Choice Project grant from the National Institute of Family & Life Advocates will provide Open Arms with on-site board training, a strategic plan, and a consultant/coach to act as a guide.
“Although we are experiencing a financial crisis and there is considerable work ahead of us, we look forward with great anticipation to how this ministry will be strengthened,” Fields said.
Open Arms is based in Jefferson City, Columbia, Fulton and Moberly. It offers services in pregnancy confirmation and first trimester ultrasound, education on abortion and alternatives, education on lifestyle and relationships, and education on sexual health.