Client Story: Emma, Colton & Chase
At just thirteen years old, Emma’s world was shattered by an unimaginable betrayal—an assault by someone she should have been able to trust. Fear and shame kept her silent, even as she faced the overwhelming reality of pregnancy. At fourteen, Emma gave birth to her first son. With no prenatal care and no clear direction, she felt lost, unprepared, and isolated. Her relationship with her parents became strained, and the weight of young motherhood felt too heavy to carry.
Trying to numb the pain, Emma turned to a destructive lifestyle. Over the next five years, she had two more sons, but as her addiction worsened, her life spiraled out of control. Eventually, she lost custody of her children and a traumatic incident ended up being her wake-up call. Emma knew she needed to break free and get help.
After years of challenging relationships, Emma finally met someone who treated her with dignity and respect. She found out she was pregnant again—this time with twin boys. During this pregnancy, Emma found First Coast Women’s Services and began on her road to recovery.
Through support from FCWS, Emma learned how to be a present and loving mother. She also discovered a passion for construction and painting. Today, she owns her own business and dreams of passing her skills down to her sons—building not just homes, but a legacy.
Thanks to help from FCWS, Emma is now laying the groundwork for the next generation.
A Letter From Jen Pace, CEO
Dear Friends of First Coast,
As summer moves toward fall, I have been reflecting on all that God has done this past year through First Coast Women’s Services and how grateful I am to be part of it.
This has been my first year serving as CEO, and what a joy it has been to see up close the incredible work happening every day in our centers. I have watched our staff and volunteers walk with women facing some of the hardest moments of their lives, offering truth, hope, and the love of Jesus when it is needed most.
Something that has been especially encouraging to me is seeing more women consider the brave and selfless choice of adoption. These women are not only choosing life, they are choosing to give their child a future filled with possibility. I look forward to sharing more about this at the Annual Life Gala.
This year’s Gala will be held on October 30, and I hope you will plan to join us. Our theme this year comes from John 10:10, where Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We are thrilled to welcome award-winning artist Mark Schultz as our guest. Mark’s music and his personal story of adoption are powerful reminders of why this work matters.
Whether you have been part of this ministry for years or are just getting involved, I would love to see you there. Thank you for standing with us and making this life-saving work possible.
Grace and Peace,
Jen Pace
BABY BOTTLE Highlight
Our Annual Mother’s Day to Father’s Day Baby Bottle Campaign officially wrapped up, and we are filled with gratitude! 🍼 Thanks to the incredible support of nearly 100 local churches and countless individuals, this year’s campaign was one of our most impactful yet. Your participation helps us continue offering free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, and essential resources to women and families across Northeast Florida. Every bottle filled represents a heart touched and a life changed. We are especially thankful to our volunteers who helped collect, sort, and count bottles—your service is invaluable. From all of us at First Coast Women’s Services, thank you for standing with us in support of life and hope!
If you would like to get involved, our Baby Bottle Campaign runs year-around! Visit https://friendsoffirstcoast.org/events/baby-bottles-2/ to learn more!
Guest Devotional
Pastor Robert Riley, Senior Pastor at First Coast Baptist Church
In a world where it’s easy to be discouraged with life, confused about life, or have questions in life, Jesus offers this supernatural, abundant life to those who follow Him.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS GUEST DEVOTIONAL
Thank you for the life giving work your center provides. I am so encouraged and blessed every time I read about a mother choosing life for their little one, or in the case of the wonderful story about Emma, little ones. We love supporting a work that we know is making a difference in so many women’s lives. God Bless!