FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS: Open Arms Ministry celebrates 20 years

We interviewed Dr. Richard Hawk, the executive director of Open Arms-Real Choices Clinic about their ministry. They have been a vital Christian ministry in the Panhandle for the past 20 years and here is their story.

Dr. Hawk, tell us your story.

We cared for our first patient in 2001; and we have cared for thousands since! Several people began praying together in April 1997 about God’s desire to express His compassion through a crisis pregnancy center in the Coeur d’Alene area. An informational meeting that June resulted in a steering committee, which began meeting monthly. That committee completed a needs assessment survey, opened a postal box and checking account, began publishing a newsletter, and started contacting churches. A name was then selected. Shortly thereafter, articles of incorporation were filed and by-laws completed. The nonprofit status was approved and a first board of directors was selected. In May of 2001 the center director was hired, a location secured, and after some training and coordination with consultants, the first patient was seen in November 2001.

What a blessing it is to look back on all of the years that the Lord has worked through this ministry to stir the hearts of young people to choose life, who found themselves faced with unplanned pregnancies. Two decades of prayer, caring, and loving on clients and patients to help them understand their “real choices” and choose to affirm the sanctity of life. We acknowledge the steadfast hand of the Lord in everything He has accomplished through four executive directors, dozens of board members and staff, and scores of volunteers over this successful 20 years.

I understand you have a celebration upcoming?

Twenty years is a milestone worth celebrating, and we are ready to party with our Celebration and Fundraiser Dinner on Friday Oct. 9, from 7-9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are going fast, available for a limited time from our celebration site https://www.openarmsfundraiser.com. There are also opportunities for sponsors to support the event. Four levels of sponsorship exist, as follows:

• Diamond: $20,000
• Platinum: $10,000
• Gold: $5,000
• Silver: $2,500

Contact us at info@realchoicesclinic.com, and in the subject line denote: SPONSORSHIP. We’ll have a team member send you a package and discuss your options.

Tell us about your past events.

If you’ve attended one of our Fall Fundraisers before, you know that they’re exciting events. In 2018 we hosted Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood clinic director and author of the book "Unplanned." In 2019, Melissa Ohden, a failed abortion survivor was our keynote speaker and brought a powerful, life-transforming message of forgiveness

What can you share about the details of the event this October?

This year is going to be big. We’re anticipating hundreds of guests at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Keynote speaker will be OBGYN physician William Lile, a national proponent for the abortion pill reversal (APR) regimen. Local musical talent by Dan & Shelley Powers, updates from Open Arms staff and board, including the new future facility, and a live auction hosted by Rose Backs of Elite Auction. A phenomenal raffle item and 12 auction packages — something for everyone.

What is the latest with regard to the clinic?

Clinical operations continue to hum along as we serve out this 20th year, with our staff and over 40 faithful volunteers. Last year we served 850 patients. This year, even after a lull in operations due to COVID-19 primarily March-May, we are believing that our end-of-year numbers will exceed 1,000. Some of our measurements from January through August show our level of effort:

• Appointments scheduled: more than 700
• New Clients: 120
• Pregnancy Tests: 100
• Ultrasounds: 63
• Care Calls: more than 560
• Parental Education (Earn-While-You-Learn): 234
• Boutique Shopping: over 80
• Gently Used Clothing/Diapers: over 45

The world is a strange place these days, but our God is still working to proclaim Himself and to support life. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in upholding God’s design for human life, sexual integrity, and reproductive health in North Idaho. Our best days are still ahead! For tickets to the event, information on giving or being a part of this ministry please email us at info@realchoicesclinic.com or call 208-667-5433.

•••

Bob’s religion columns appear Saturdays in The Press. Email Bob: bjshill@mac.com