The faith-based pregnancy crisis home, Hope Now Family Concepts, is in its third year in Southern Manitoba, assisting young moms in their pregnancies and life skills development.

At different times of the year they hold their 'Baby Bottle' fundraising campaign, and this summer the bottle-filling fundraiser is in full swing in many different churches across Westman.

Director Nicole Shields explains the concept of this unique fundraiser.

"We go into churches and we speak and we have baby bottles that we pass out. People just take them home and then bring them back a month later filled with change," she said.

"It's made a huge difference in our funding just by people who are faithful to fill those bottles," she said.

Since opening its doors in the Clearwater/Crystal City location they have helped eight young moms with their pregnancies, mentor in life skills and parenting skills, and get them back on their feet.

Shields explains how they partner with different organizations to provide the best services and supports for their clients.

"We definitely have resources from churches and we have board members from all over Manitoba. Plus, we were able to tap into a networking of organizations in Winkler, Morden and Carman. They may have somebody who would fit our programming or we have somebody in the home and they need a resource that's provided in those communities. And, that has been wonderful."

"Because they are all professionals and very good at their jobs, they will let me know what is available or maybe what is the best program to offer," Shields added. "Also, pregnancy crisis centres work very closely with them, as well as Genesis House in Winkler. They are all very supportive."

Shields says there is always a need for volunteers, since the home is located on an acreage with numerous yard tasks. However, the most important volunteer is actually the one who wants to build relationship with these young moms.

"Just coming and having tea or teaching a skill, or just being a friend because women come out there and they've lost all their contacts and so they need that one on one time."

"Just to remember that you may not relate to their trauma but you can relate to them as a person. They are daughters, they are sisters, they have hobbies, they have interests and dreams."

Shields is currently house parent at the home. She says we can all encourage some one who is going through a difficult time.

"There's a lot of hurting people out there and a lot of moms who do desperately want to choose life for their babies. And, we can't ask them to choose life unless we are willing to walk side by side with them. And, through giving and volunteering even just supporting front line workers, emotionally and in friendship, you are doing your part to give life to a mom and her baby."

To learn more about the 'Baby Bottle' Campaign, or how you can volunteer, please visit their website or email Nicole Shields at nicolehopenow@gmail.com or call 204-205-0760.