A Letter of Hope

As I prepare myself to close this next chapter of my life as a development assistant and step into a new role as an elementary teacher in 2025, my heart swells with warmth, gratitude, and a sense of fulfillment. I honestly feel as though this transition is more of a next step than it is as a goodbye to this incredible organization, as I have been genuinely inspired by the love, support, and lessons I've found here.

From my first day at this fantastic nonprofit, I knew I had found my place. Our mission to end abortion once and for all, peacefully and prayerfully, and the addition of supporting pregnant mothers in crisis resonated deeply with me—not just because of the work itself but because of its message and humanity. I have been endlessly inspired by the strength and humility of the mothers we have served, our team's tremendous dedication, and the hope that radiated in our office on even the most challenging days.

As a development assistant, my role often revolved around numbers and spreadsheets. I inserted data into our systems, connected with our donors, occasionally brainstormed and created content for Generation Vitae, and helped our amazing development director. But let me say this about this job: Those figures were never just numbers-they were stories, lives, and futures. Because behind every donation that was raised was a mother finding the courage to choose hope for their preborn baby, a baby that is welcomed into this world with love and a strong community of support. So, being part of that has been nothing but transformative for me.

I'll never forget the lessons the Houston Coalition for Life taught me. HCL showed me the profound impact of compassion and resilience in action. It reminded me of the power of teamwork, where each person's role—no matter how small it may seem—contributes to a significant purpose. But most importantly, HCL taught me that helping others creates holes of change that are far beyond what we can see.

These lessons are ones I'll carry with me as I step into a classroom. Becoming an elementary teacher is a passionate dream that is rooted in the same position for nurturing potential and offering guidance in life's formative moments. The spirit of our mission of believing in the worth of every life and supporting those with different challenges-will guide me as I teach and hopefully inspire young minds.

So, please let me end this with a final message to our readers. To the mothers and families we've served, thank you for showing me what love and resilience should look like. Thank you for trusting us with your stories and allowing me to walk beside you throughout your journey. To my coworkers, thank you for your mentorship, friendship, and shared dedication. Together, we have laughed, cried, prayed, and poured our hearts out into this mission. Each one of you has become family to me. Whether having our daily meetings, celebrating one's birthday, having a friendly conversation, or coming together to celebrate a mother's victory, every moment with you all has been purely magical. And to the Houston Coalition for Life, you are much more than just a name. You are a living statement of the power of love and the principle that every life is sacred and precious. I will carry these lessons I've learned here into my new role as a teacher. Just as this organization has cared for and nurtured every mother and preborn baby, I, too, hope to foster the young minds of my students with the same compassion, love, and resilience. Thank you for being a beacon of light and part of my journey.

Though I am leaving my position here, I carry our mission and memories with me. And wherever life takes me, not only will I remain your biggest cheerleader, but I will also continue to advocate the value of life and love. I know that this work will remain a part of me in every lesson I teach and every student I nurture.

With all my heart,

Fernanda R.