NEW LIFE NEWS 2025 SPRING NEWSLETTER
A Letter from Mike McGraw From Mike’s Desk - Page 1 Together We Can Do Great Things - Page 2
Women’s Centers of Ohio & Holy Family Prenatal Care
Walking Alongside Parents - Page 3 Sweet Dreams - Page 4
New Generation Youth Education & Marriage Works! Ohio
Longing to Love and Be Loved - Page 5 Striving for Unity - Page 6
Catching Up with ENLC
Giving Tree Each year, we celebrate the giving season by providing ornaments and wishlists to organiza- tions participating in our Christmas Giving Tree program. This past year, we had 51 organizations who generously provided new baby items to be shared with our clients through our women’s centers and baby boutiques. Thank you for your generosity and support.
From Mike’s Desk
In Colossians 3:14, we are reminded, “And over all these virtues, put on love, which bonds them all together in perfect unity.” Our unity is not merely about working together; it’s about working together with a purpose, a shared vision, and standing strong in the truth of each life’s worth. We are dedicated to building a culture where life is valued, protected, and celebrated. This commitment drives every aspect of our work: empowering women facing unexpected pregnancies, supporting parents in their journey, strengthening the foundation of families, and equipping youth to live with integrity. When challenges arise, as they inevitably will, it’s the love and unity we cultivate that will keep us focused on our purpose. It reminds us that the work we do is not just about tasks completed or goals achieved – it is about lives changed and hope restored. We are thankful for how the Lord has blessed each of us with unique gifts, talents, and experiences to offer. When we combine our strengths, we become a powerful force for His good. Each of you is a blessing to our ministry and it is through your gift of standing with us that we are able to make an impact in the lives of those we serve. Through God’s grace and your partnership, we can build a culture that not only defends the sanctity of life but also equips families to thrive in love and unity. Thank you for your continued dedication to this mission.
Bottles for Babies Bottles for Babies campaigns are a wonderful way to partner with us. It is a great way for the whole family to get involved and to show your support in a tangible way. The baby bottles can be filled with coins, cash, or checks and are a visual reminder of the lives of the unborn that we defend. In 2024, our Bottles for Babies campaigns raised nearly $112,000.
Mike McGraw Executive Director
House Gatherings Pictured, a wonderful assembly of partners in Cincinnati that allowed us to gather in friendship with a purpose. Interested in shar- ing your passion for our ministry with your network of friends? Contact Renee Wisser at rwisser@enlc.life or 937-991-0160.
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“TOGETHER, I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN BUILD A CULTURE OF LIFE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.” -RENEE WISSER
Together We Can Do Great Things I invite you to take a moment to think about God’s incredible creation of the human body and all of its intricate details work- ing together. Each time we reach out our hand, each time we stand tall, and each time we take a step forward, our muscles all work together to unite our body in action. When reflecting on how we stand strong in our mission, I thought about the energy that it requires to stand. We might not always realize the energy it takes in the moment, but at times we feel the weariness or the ache of our muscles from standing. In those times, we look for an extra hand to offer balance and support to help us stand strong. It can get difficult in life to stand, especially when we feel as if we are standing alone. No matter our stage of life, we all need a steadfast community to surround us, encourage us, and stand with us. We are so thankful for you, our wonderful partners, for being that community for us and standing with us so that our collective strength can have a greater impact on the lives of those we serve. The photo shared here is one that I felt was a beautiful visual of standing together. Each of us are like one of the trees, unique in form, each with different leaves and branches, but all reach-
ing together, pointing towards our Creator. Our reach toward Him displays our unity and dedication to transforming lives and families together while living out our purpose to love and glorify God. It is through the shared skills and vision that we have been able to grow our reach through Elizabeth’s New Life Center. Your uni- ty and unwavering support has allowed our education program through the Women’s Centers of Ohio to grow, our New Gen- eration Youth Education program to be shared throughout ad- ditional states, our Marriage Works! Ohio classes and counsel- ing to reach more couples, our Holy Family Prenatal Care and Women’s Centers of Ohio to provide ultrasound with incredible 3D/4D ultrasound technology, and so much more. YOU are necessary to the work that we do. Your dedication to building up our community and holding on to the vision we share of bringing the family back together inspires us. Each of you contribute to our impact with the unique gifts and talents you share. As Mother Teresa said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” And together, I believe that we can build a culture of life for generations to come.
Ways You Can Make a Difference Partnering with us offers you the chance to make a profound impact on women, families, and our community by supporting those in need and helping bring families back together. If you are interested in helping us introduce our ministry to people who might not already be familiar with ENLC, visit enlc.life or call Renee at 937-991-0160.
GIVE Make a financial gift that will support our programs and services.
VOLUNTEER Make a difference and change a life through volunteering.
PLAN Please consider putting ENLC into your estate plan and joining our New Life Legacy Society.
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WALKING ALONGSIDE PARENTS: How We Light the Spark in Their Parenting Journey
Here at Women’s Centers of Ohio, we’ve often said we strive to “walk beside clients”, but what does that truly mean? What does it look like in action? Over the past two years, we have been dedicated to refining this concept, turning it into something real and impactful. We’re excited to introduce SPARK: Supporting Parents through Assistance, Resources, and Knowledge—a program designed to walk alongside parents, equipping them with the guidance, tools, and support they need to thrive. It all starts with education. Through virtual classes, parents have the opportunity to learn and grow, discovering the parent God has called them to be. As they complete these classes, they earn points that can be redeemed at one of our seven boutiques, each stocked with essential items to support their parenting journey. Throughout this process, parents feel supported, independent, and empowered. They gain confidence knowing they are not alone, with access to valuable resources, guidance, and a caring community to walk alongside them every step of the way.
We are so grateful for Joanie Prueter and her 33 years of dedi- cated service to the pro-life ministry. Throughout her distinguished career, Joanie selflessly served countless women, children, and families, providing not only physical support but also emotional and spiritual guidance during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Joanie’s work has left an indelible mark on the Sidney community and the many lives she touched. She has been a tireless advocate for life, and her example will continue to inspire future generations of volunteers, staff, and partners who will carry on the mission of supporting women, children, and families.
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from some of the parents who have experienced SPARK firsthand:
“At first I honestly just wanted to do the classes for the points to get baby things from the boutique. But I feel that once I actually started them they have not only helped me become a better parent/father but also a better man. I feel I’ve grown so much as a person since the start of these until now. I would definitely pass the knowledge down and or tell them to check it out, be- cause they’d be surprised how many different aspects in life that it could help you out in. -Male Client
“I learned that there are alternatives to spanking as that was what I grew up knowing as a child. But that was what my parents were taught and there are other good things that I can take away from them and add to my tool box from taking this Love Your Baby class. I have a journal of notes that I took during the course of this class so that my husband and I can create a family plan once our baby arrives. The most important thing I learned from this class is to be a nurturing parent so I can give my child the best life. ” - Female Client
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SWEET DREAMS Empowering Parents through Education and Love
Holy Family Prenatal Care
Quality, compassionate care for pregnant women and their babies
Ultrasound We provide 3-D/4-D to give the moms we serve a better, clearer pictures of their baby, allowing them to see the baby’s growth and development.
At Holy Family Prenatal Care, we believe in standing together with parents as they navigate the exciting, yet sometimes challenging, transition to parenthood. Our mission is to not only provide care but also to equip expectant parents with the knowl- edge and confidence they need to love and care for their babies. Through our Sweet Dreams education program, we offer a comprehensive series of classes designed to support parents at every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood. The Sweet Dreams program includes five essential classes: Newborn Safe- ty and Care, Pregnancy Nutrition, Attachment and Bonding, Breast- feeding, and Reproductive Health. Each class is carefully crafted to give parents the tools they need to provide the best start for their newborn, while also fostering a deeper connection
with their baby. As a way to encour- age full participation, parents who complete all five classes earn a crib—a symbol of our commitment to helping families prepare for their little one’s arrival. Our classes go beyond just sharing information; they help strengthen the bonds between parents and their babies, giving them the confidence to begin their journey together with love. Whether it’s learning about safe sleep practices for a newborn, discovering the importance of prop- er nutrition during pregnancy, or understanding the power of attach- ment and bonding, Sweet Dreams provides essential knowledge that every parent can benefit from. Through this program, we stand with parents, offering guidance and support as they embark on this incredible adventure.
Care Team Our team of midwives work to develop a personal birthing plan with each mom. Through our collaborative care model, medical providers are available for emergencies 24/7.
Our classes go beyond just sharing information; they help strengthen the bonds between parents and their babies, giving them the confidence to begin their journey together with love.
Education We believe women have the right to know the truth about how their bodies work. We offer individual and group classes covering a variety of prenatal, postpartum, and parenting topics.
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“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6
NEW GENERATION Youth Education
LONGING TO LOVE AND BE LOVED: Giving Youth the Freedom to Stand Strong in the Truth
A longing is described as an unful- filled desire. Unlike the short term feeling of wanting something in the moment, it is a deep, burning need that is not easily shaken and that we are willing to go to the ends of the earth to find. Imagine going into middle schools and high schools and talking to thousands of teenag- ers whose longings have only begun to blossom. Along with the beauty of puberty, comes the reality of our deepest longing; to connect with someone in a way that didn’t exist before. As we help teens to navigate some of the most challenging yet wondrous times of their lives, we are tasked with helping them to navigate the obstacles hidden between the truth and the culture. Like cold water to the face, the truth is shocking, yet refreshing to this generation. We all long to find that one “thing” that will fill us and for teens, there is thrill in the hunt. While some teens pursue their long- ings with impulsivity, you may be sur- prised to know that many are willing to walk the narrow road if they know it will lead to ultimate fulfillment. If we tell a teen that their desire to engage in sex as a part of their relationship is a precursory longing for one of the beautiful benefits of marriage, they receive information that is no longer arbitrary, but meaningful. It helps put to death, the agonizing, seemingly endless fleshly longing that leads to sexual immorality, impurity, lust and evil desires. Their feelings become valid and not an agonizing burden to be outrun.
The teens we serve long to have adults in their lives that will guide them through the peaks and valleys of adolescence. They long for rela- tionships that model the love and se- curity they have at home or in far too many cases, long for the experience they have not had at home. The step from childhood to adolescence is unconscious to a child. They merely take what they have learned and experienced thus far and emulate it in their current relationships. Their longing to be loved and kept safe does not change, it expands into the new possibilities of how these things can be fulfilled and the culture is quick to offer solutions. We must shift our conversations to address the new relationships that they hope will fulfill their longing while at the same time help them to recognize that the desires they feel are not meant to be quenched prematurely, but honored, respected and restrained for a great- er purpose. Proverbs 22:6 says Raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. New Generation Youth Education and our many partners have come along- side our youth and helped them to stay the course as they pursue the longing God has put inside them; the longing to love and be loved. Thank you for standing together with us as we strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to one- day experience the ultimate moment of fulfillment, which is only found in Christ.
HOW WE SERVE
Engage
Engage youth through interactive discussion, thought-provoking activities, and personal stories.
Equip
Equip students with truth through the use of medically accurate, objective data, as well as practical scenarios that students can apply when they encounter unhealthy behaviors in their lives.
Empower
Empower students by affirming their intrinsic value and by focusing on a discussion of how to think rather than what to think.
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STRIVING FOR UNITY: Our Call to Put on Love
Client Testimony
As we move into the spring season of rebirth and are reminded of the resur- rection of our precious Savior, all of us here at Marriage Works! Ohio are praying for rebirth and renewed life in the relationships, marriages, and families of our clients and
This is the essence of counseling, and what we challenge our clients to strive for daily in their relationships. We push clients to look beyond the temptations and harmful thinking that would seek to drive them apart, and see the heart of their partner, and how they
We are thankful for the clients who take the time to come back and share with us how we have helped make a difference in their lives! One client who attended our Building a Eucharistic Marriage class shared, “I was reluctant to come to the class as I didn’t know what to expect. I liked the length of the sessions as they didn’t get overly long. They gave us options to work out things in ways we didn’t try before. It has resulted in us being able to have the best conversations with each other that we have had in years.”
communities. As follow- ers of Christ, we know that in order to pro- tect ourselves from spiritual warfare and temptation, we must put on the ar- mor of God. In the same way, to pro- tect our marriages, we must put on love. This may mean being more inten-
can better nourish them. This often
To protect our marriages, we must put on love.
requires sacrifice, which can come in many forms. Sacri- fice in marriage not only helps form a stronger unity, but it also creates an invalu- able picture of the unity we have with Christ through
tional with our time, going out of our way to serve our spouse, or even just focusing on better communicating our needs with our partner – while being increasingly receptive to theirs as well. Above all, remember that the impor- tance of these marriage “course cor- rections” is not in their magnitude or the grandness of a gesture, but rather in the amount of love put into them. And just like our Lord, we are called to look past the outward expression and towards the heart of our spouse behind it.
His sacrifice and builds the founda- tion for a strong family. Through our ministry, we don’t often get to see the harvest of the fruits of our labor; how- ever, when we challenge couples to make real changes that promote unity with each other, we hope that we have planted a seed that will grow for a life- time.
“Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.” - St. Teresa of Calcutta
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Elizabeth’s New Life Center 2201 N Main St. Dayton, OH 45405
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID DAYTON, OH PERMIT NO 235
A Letter from Mike McGraw From Mike’s Desk - Page 1 Together We Can Do Great Things - Page 2
Women’s Centers of Ohio & Holy Family Prenatal Care Walking Alongside Parents - Page 3 Sweet Dreams - Page 4
New Generation Youth Education & Marriage Works! Ohio Longing to Love and Be Loved - Page 5 Striving for Unity - Page 6
EVENT CALENDAR
Join us for our partnership celebrations held in April, August & September. Enjoy an evening with engaging keynote speakers as well as news regarding the pro-life cause. To register for the event, call Lori Ernest at (937)-226-7414, ext. 430 or online at enlc.life. Partnership Celebration
Stand Up Comedy
Mark your calendar for our 4th Annual Loving Life 5K fun run. It will be held on Saturday, July 15 at Englewood MetroPark in Dayton. To sign up to walk/run, visit the events page at enlc.life 5K Fun Run
Join us for a night of clean comedy, community and laughter at our Stand Up For Life Comedy Night in Cincinnati featuring comedian Kerri Pomarolli. To purchase tickets for the show, visit the events page at enlc.life
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