Jaylin’s Story

Jaylin was only sixteen when her mother Jenniffer found out she was pregnant. Not sure of what to do, Jenniffer made her daughter an appointment at the abortion clinic last fall. She thought she was doing the best thing for her daughter. Jenniffer had been pregnant with Jaylin herself when she was just 16, and despite loving her deeply, she knew how hard it was to raise a child at such a young age. She was never able to get her high school diploma, and has been struggling ever since. She was determined that Jaylin graduate high school and this pregnancy was standing in the way of that. Jaylin had dropped out. So Jenniffer called the very same abortion clinic she had made an appointment at all those years ago – an appointment she never went through with. After seeing people praying outside the clinic, Jenniffer left, and a few months later Jaylin was born.

The day Jaylin was scheduled for her appointment, Helper Marie was praying outside and reached out to the mother and daughter. Jenniffer was open to choosing life, but was very concerned about Jaylin struggling. With God’s grace she and Jaylin decided not to go through with the abortion that day. By the time Marie heard back from the pair, Jenniffer realized she was pregnant as well! She was behind in rent already and wasn’t sure what to do. She had just gotten custody back from child protective services for Jaylin and her three sons, ages 15, seven and three….and she needed help.

Marie connected her to Helpers NJ. She told us that Jenniffer’s top priority was her daughter’s education so we began researching programs in the state that would take Jaylin. Birth Haven in Newton, NJ turned out to be the best option. They had a young population of women ages 15-25 years old at that time. The women bunked together as they completed their education at a local high school or attended jobs. When the babies were born the mothers moved to another room and could stay for six more weeks. While at Birth Haven, these mothers would also learn parenting and life skills. We drove Jaylin up to the program in December, she earned a high school diploma in February and then gave birth to her son, Jayvion, on April 13th. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz.

With help from our benefactors, Columbus Baptist Church, Jaylin was transported back home to be with her family for Christmas. The Helpers were able to provide the entire family with presents as well. The Helpers continued to help Jenniffer and the rest of her family, while Jaylin was working on her education. Jenniffer was forced to leave the home she was renting and spent most of her pregnancy in a motel. Her sons were in school so, in addition to helping with the motel, we also gave her bus money to travel between the motel and the schools. Right before she was due to give birth, her own mother decided to move and Jenniffer was able to take over her mother’s home rental. Helpers paid the security deposit and are helping with rent until she gets a full time job. Her little girl, Diana, was born on June 2, weighing 6 lbs. 1oz.

Jaylin and Jayvion have now moved in with Jennifer, and Jaylin is pursuing classes online to become a medical assistant. Jenniffer continues to look for work, but has found it challenging since the pandemic. Helpers has provided furniture, including beds and a crib, for her new home. We continue to check in and bring food once in a while as well. Jenniffer recently texted that she is proud of her daughter and very grateful to Helpers. She said, “without Helpers I don’t know what I would have done”.

We are so thankful that Marie was praying peacefully at the Cherry Hill Women’s Center on that morning last fall when mother and daughter were in need of hope. If you would like to be instrumental in offering this kind of hope please consider joining our local 40 Days for Life campaign this September. Go to www.40daysforlife.com/cherryhill for more information.

“…The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective,” James 5:16