Former Planned Parenthood clinic director speaks at Celebration for Life dinner

Abby Johnson, a one-time director of a Planned Parenthood Clinic, was the guest speaker at the 27 ^th annual Celebration for Life Banquet held at Royal Mansion in Corpus Christi on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Johnson's desire to help women in need was the motivation that both led her to a career with Planned Parenthood—America's largest abortion provider—and caused her to flee the organization and become an outspoken advocate for the pro-life movement.
 
During her eight years with Planned Parenthood, Johnson rose quickly in the organization's ranks and became a clinic director. She was increasingly disturbed by what she witnessed. Abortion was a product Planned Parenthood was selling, not an unfortunate necessity that they fought to decrease.
 
On Sept. 26, 2009 Johnson was asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. She watched in horror as a 13-week baby fought, and ultimately lost its life. At that moment, the full realization of what abortion was and the path she had dedicated her life overpowered her and a dramatic transformation took place.
 
Desperate and confused, Johnson sought help from a local pro-life group. She committed herself as an advocate for life in the womb. Today she travels the country sharing her story and motivating others to continue the pro-life fight.
 
Her story has been featured on FOX News, the Mike Huckabee Show, the O'Reilly Factor, Focus on the Family and numerous other print and media programs. She is the author of the nationally best-selling book, "Unplanned " which chronicles both her experiences within Planned Parenthood and her dramatic departure.
 
The Celebration for Life Banquet raises funds for Hope House, Birthright and the Gabriel Project who have served more than 30,000 mothers, their children and babies—born and unborn—in Corpus Christi since 1986.
 
Hope House operates two completely free shelters for women and their children when faced with a crisis pregnancy or when seeking refuge from homelessness, addiction, abandonment or abuse. Groundbreaking for its third shelter, the St. Gianna Molla Home is scheduled this fall.
 
Hope House is not just another shelter with bed space, its residents are assigned a professional case manager, must attend bi-weekly "Life Skills and Parenting Training" in the Resource Center and are required to seek employment, obtain a GED and further their education through the tuition assistance program. Residents receive food, clothing, counseling, transportation, medical, educational and other assistance.
 
Hope House's goal, Ray Reeves its Chairman of the Board said, is that their residents will become responsible, compassionate mothers and productive members of the community when they leave their shelters.
 
The Gabriel Project is an extension of the compassion of the Christian churches of our community reaching out to mothers in need. The Gabriel Project provides counseling, food, maternity and children's clothing, diapers, baby supplies and items for mothers in need. "Gabriel Angels" serve as mentors and a friend to the residents of Hope House and other mothers in need throughout the community.
 
Several Gabriel Project churches display the Gabriel Sign of Life, "Pregnant, Need
Help? Call 852-CARE". The local Gabriel Project is managed and coordinated by Hope House and is part of their Community Outreach Program for pregnant and single mothers in need of assistance.
 
Birthright of Corpus Christi provides free pregnancy and prenatal counseling to teenage girls and adult women when faced with a crisis pregnancy. Birthright also provides free pregnancy tests, diapers, maternity and baby clothing, baby items and supplies.
 
Birthright works with Hope House, the Gabriel Project, adoption agencies, local pregnancy centers and other charitable organizations in the community to share resources. Birthright is located near Del Mar College and has been serving the community since the 1980s.
 
Ken de Koning, senior pastor of Waldron Road Baptist Church and founder and president of De Koning Ministries, a non-profit organization that reaches people for
Christ, served as master of ceremonies. Bishop Michael Mulvey gave the invocation and Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody the closing prayer. 

Photos by Ervey Martinez