FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS: Open Arms has banner year
Don’t you just love the anticipation of spring? The days are growing longer, the air feels warmer, and the trees are starting to bud. New life is just ahead. Here at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we are also eagerly anticipating our upcoming season. Everyone involved — whether it’s the board, the staff, or the many volunteers who serve our organization — is excited for all that God is doing in and through this ministry to support the women, men and families of North Idaho.
Last year was a banner year for our ministry, with over 850 visits. We provided hundreds of clinical procedures and hundreds of hours of educational instruction and support groups. We also received over 400 visits to our clothing boutique and gently used clothing store. And we can’t count the number of conversations, hugs, tears and words and wisdom that we have exchanged in serving our community while providing the level of support needed, and responding to our clients’ fears and anxieties regarding their unplanned pregnancies and uncertain futures.
The year 2020 marks the 20th year of operation for Open Arms in North Idaho. As we write this letter, Open Arms has been recognized as one of the five “Best of 2020” nonprofits in North Idaho, with the final round of voting to occur before the end of the month. Even more exciting than this recognition by the community we serve, is a Kingdom-focused opportunity to ensure the viability of Open Arms for the next 20 years.
We have partnered with Semble, an investment company, to raise capital funds for the construction of a facility to grow our ministry and our service to the community. The new facility will be located in Hayden, Idaho, a few miles north of our current facility in Coeur d’Alene. It’s a strategic, centralized location within the heart of the county’s population growth over the last decade. The new location and expanded facility will enable us to offer a greater breadth of services and hours to meet the growing needs of our community.
The financing strategy through Semble allows investors to contribute their monies, earn a rate of return, and then, at the end of five years, receive a return of principal. By April 15, 2020 we will close the window of opportunity and move forward with the team of qualified investors who have committed to participate with us. Looking forward, our goal is to break ground this year.
If you are currently a donor or supporter of Open Arms, or if you believe in the sanctity of life mission as we do, consider partnering with us. With your participation, we can continue our presence and support to this community for years to come. Link arms with us in this worthy cause, stand up for what you believe and step out in faith with your investment.
To learn more, contact the Open Arms Executive Director, Dr. Richard T. Hawk, at 208-667-5433, or email at info@realchoicesclinic.com.
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Bob Shillingstad’s religion columns appear Saturdays in The Press. Email Bob: bjshill@mac.com
