{{first_name|Friend}},
I want to tell you about a phone call I never expected to get.
Earlier this year, we learned about a 14-year-old girl who was pregnant and living in Juárez. She's a U.S. citizen. Her mother is incarcerated. Her father is nowhere to be found. And she had decided — against every pressure around her — that she was keeping her baby.
She needed a safe place to live. But we couldn't simply go get her. She needed legal authorization to cross, and she had no one to give it.
So a judge stepped in. He walked us through it: "Here's the birth certificate. See if we can get her over here." And we did. Today she lives at the Lily Pad, and she is fighting tooth and nail for her child.
That alone would have been the story of the year. But then the judge called back.
"I have a long list of young girls who could benefit so much from what you're doing."
Then Child Protective Services called. "Do you think you have room for some more girls? There's a dire need."
Friend, we have four bedrooms. And now we have a waiting list.
These girls can be placed in foster homes. But we know that isn't what a young, pregnant mom needs. She needs a family around her — not just to help her save the life of her baby, but to help her learn to be a mom. That's what the Lily Pad is. And right now, it's full.
You met two of our Lily Pad moms on Wednesday night. Destiny is now volunteering as a recovery coach. Jackie is studying to become a pharmacy technician at EPCC — "something I never imagined." And when she talks about the other moms in the house, she says: "We're basically sisters."
That's what happens when a girl with nowhere to go is given a home.
Now a judge and a CPS worker are asking us for more. And honestly, I think God is asking too. We're being called to expand the Lily Pad — much, much bigger than what we have today.
That's exactly what the $150,000 matching challenge is for. From now through midnight on October 15, every dollar you give through El Paso Giving Day is doubled. Your $50 becomes $100. Your $500 becomes $1,000. And every one of those dollars goes toward answering that phone call with a yes.
The judge has a list. CPS has a list. Let's make sure we have room.
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
P.S. — Want to see the Lily Pad for yourself? Our open house passport tour continues Monday and Tuesday, 5–7 PM, with a tour of Guiding Star and a shuttle over to the Lily Pad. Come meet the girls' home.
P.P.S. — If you haven't watched the replay yet, we discuss The Lily Pad including Destiny and Jackie's starting here »
Devotional for Day 18
Intention: For young mothers facing difficult circumstances, that God will surround them with love, guidance, and hope for their future.
Scripture: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” — John 14:18
Reflection: Every young woman deserves to know that she is loved, that she belongs, and that her future is filled with possibilities. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer someone is a place where she feels safe enough to dream again. Today, let us pray for young mothers who have experienced abandonment, hardship, or loneliness. May God place people in their lives who will remind them that their circumstances do not define their worth or determine their future.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, embrace every young mother who feels alone or forgotten. Surround her with people who will love, protect, and guide her. Give her courage to face tomorrow, wisdom to make good decisions, and the grace to recognize the beautiful future You have prepared for her. Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Reach out to someone who may be feeling alone or overwhelmed. A simple phone call, a kind word, or a little encouragement may be exactly what they need today.