Courtney's Story

It was my senior year of high school when I became pregnant. Like most teenagers I was rebellious, angry and insecure. I was also in an extremely abusive relationship, and believed I deserved every derogatory and physical mistreatment I got. Drug charges soon put my then boyfriend in jail for a year & I was left to face one of the hardest decisions of my life.

My decision led me to the Bethany House Program and I truly believe it saved my life. I knew nothing of God or faith, how to take care of myself, work, finances, or any of the basic needs of providing for myself let alone a child. Scared; seems an unjustified word to describe my worries and fears.

When I arrived at the Bethany House’s “Big Blue House” I could immediately feel the love and support surrounding each and every woman in the house. Something I had not felt in a very long time. My faith in humanity and kindness was restored. The relationships I made with the other girls in the program, the house mother and Beth have stayed with me. I remember wondering how could these people love, support and forgive me-they owed me nothing yet gave me everything unconditionally.

While in the program, I attended college and received my GED. They helped me find a job, medical insurance, and a church. I learned to take care of myself and my unborn son. I would walk every day and my new found faith gave me peace during this trying time.

Bethany House gave every option available without judgment. With that said, I decided I would move forward with adoption. I found a couple who was not able to have children of their own. One was a lawyer and the other worked for Boeing. They were able to provide a life for my unborn child I did not think I could provide. This now was by far the hardest decision I had ever made; the most unselfish decision I had ever made.

After I gave birth, my son went to live with his new family & I went to visit almost every weekend for about a month. (An open adoption) I was soon served with papers for custody from the father when he was released from jail. I had yet another decision to make, fight for custody, or, let the adoptive family fight for custody; who would most likely not win in court. I knew I would be a better alternative for my child than his abusive and destructive father.

The custody battle ended when the father went to prison for assault. I was granted 100% custody. (The adoptive family, as devastated as they were, was also blessed. They became pregnant and had a child of their own.) I knew I could not fail my child after everything I went through, I had no excuses – I was now responsible for another life and was given the tools from the Bethany House to succeed.

I found a daycare, a job at a bank and after a few years I was able to purchase a home for me and my child Elijah. I continued my education; I attended college during my lunch hour and online. I am now a legal assistant. I was married in 2015 to my amazing husband who is without a doubt a gift from God. I not only raised my own son, but was able to take in another child who was homeless and in need of stability. I am proud to say they both graduated from High School this year and both are attending college in September.

I can’t imagine where I would be or who I would be without the love and support of Bethany House. The service of love they provided extended far beyond me. It has touched the lives of so many others.

 

 

 

Contact us and learn more:
Bethany House
PO Box 3278
Gresham, OR 97030
[email protected]
Call 503.667.8409
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