About Us
ABOUT LIVING ALTERNATIVES
Our ministry began in humble circumstances in 1982 when Beverly Kline, our founding Executive Director, reached out to a young teenager who had turned to her for help with an unplanned pregnancy.
On behalf of the girl, Bev sought a free pregnancy test from a local health provider. This agency directed her to an 800 number and assured her that she could secure a pregnancy test there. Bev soon discovered that this number was for an abortion clinic in Dallas (100 miles west of Tyler) that was performing free tests and then encouraging those with positive results to seek their abortion services.
When she discovered this, the Lord birthed in Bev’s heart, two new passions for teens who where facing an unplanned pregnancy. First, to rescue young women from a Dallas abortion clinic’s efforts to expand their business in East Texas. Second, to help young girls facing pregnancy alone without direction, guidance or support. From her small apartment in Tyler, Bev began offering free pregnancy tests to women from her own advertised phone number. From these small beginnings God planted a mustard seed which has grown and blossomed to bless the lives of many thousands of people.
Our History
1982
Living Alternatives Began
Living Alternatives began with Bev offering free pregnancy tests from her own home. Within a few months, the demand was greater than she could provide. With a volunteer staff of five, the Crisis Pregnancy Center moved into a professional office in Tyler. The center continues operating today and offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, emotional support, community referrals, and practical assistance. The center touches more than 1,500 lives every year.
1983
First Home Purchased
The need for housing pregnant teens became clear, and Living Alternatives was able to buy a fire-damaged four-bedroom home for $15,000 to use for this purpose. The home required $40,000 in repairs. However, with donated labor, supplies, and only $2,000, the home was completely restored and served 96 women from 1983 to 1990.
1987
Loving Alternative Adoption Agency Established
Living Alternatives established the state-licensed Loving Alternative Adoption Agency to help women to plan for a truly Christian adoption for their unborn baby. The adoption ministry has placed more than 200 babies in loving Christian homes and continues to offer support services to both birth and adoptive families.
1993
Fatherheart Maternity Home Purchased
While planning to build a new maternity home for an estimated $500,000, God supplied another way. The current Fatherheart location on 40 beautiful acres became available, and it was purchased for $300,000.
1996
Fatherheart Mortgage Paid
Thanks to community contributions, Fatherheart’s $300,000 mortgage was paid in full. The payoff came a year-and-a-half earlier than planned!
1997
Fatherheart Renovated
Fatherheart underwent renovations that included converting the garage into a multipurpose room and adding living quarters for our full-time house parents. Today, the home is almost 10,000 square feet, has 12 bedrooms and seven bathrooms, and is licensed for 20 residents.
1998
Life Skills and Christian Living Programs Launched
Life Skills and Christian Living program began. A visible change in the attitude and character of the girls is a credit to this program. The Christian Living program has since become known as The School Of New Beginnings.
1999
Eagle Academy School Began
Eagle Academy School, which is overseen by the Living Alternatives staff, began operating on Fatherheart grounds. This accredited high school gives opportunity for residents to earn high school credit as they complete studies at their own pace. GED preparation is also provided on site.)
2002
AfterCare Program Housing Opened
A mobile home became the temporary housing for the AfterCare program. Here, girls continue to live and be discipled at Fatherheart in a home setting designed to meet their changing needs.
2003
Building Blocks Opened
Seeing an ever-increasing demand for parenting classes and baby items for our Pregnancy Resource Center clients, Building Blocks opened their doors as an “earn-while-you-learn” program. Clients earn points for attending classes and mentoring sessions, which they exchange for baby items.
2004
Living Alternatives Extension Opened
Living Alternatives, Alamogordo, New Mexico, became an extension of our Tyler ministry.
2007
Building Blocks Purchased
The Building Blocks property was purchased and opened next door to our Pregnancy Resource Center.
2008
KEEPS Boutique Built
KEEPS Boutique was built on the Fatherheart grounds. This ministry augments two already established aspects of Living Alternatives: teen girls and foster care. KEEPS brings the good news of Jesus Christ to teen girls who are in state foster care homes as it provides new, in-style, and in-season clothing without charge. Christian teen girls operate this program and procure the donated clothing from top designers.
2010
FORthe1 Program
This year was the official launch of the “FORthe1” program which operates under our Loving Alternative Adoption Agency license. Luke 15:4 gives great value to the one lost sheep; in like manner, “FORthe1” seeks homes for the very valuable older children who are in danger of becoming “lost” in government foster care. James 1:27 commissions the church (not the government) to care for orphans. Our searches and families come through church networks; we do not contract with the state.
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