Keri's Baby Fund

My name is Aylyn Yalaz, and this winter I had the pleasure of meeting and working with an incredible music director at my church. When our prior music director resigned just before our annual Christmas Eve service, we were in a panic wondering how we would get ready for Christmas in time. During the frantic search for a new music director, we were blessed to find Keri, a bright and brilliant young woman who possessed the musical know how to get us ready for Christmas Eve in an incredibly short period of time. The performance was an incredible success and some congregants even said it was the best Christmas Eve celebration they had witnessed in our small community. We were so grateful to Keri for saving the day. And like so many amazing women, we had no idea what her life was like beneath the brilliant smile she displayed at rehearsals.

A few weeks ago, I received a call from a fellow congregant to attend a small women's circle for a woman in our community who needed us. It was during that meeting that I was reunited with the awesome young woman who saved Christmas for us. That night, I learned that Keri is a victim of domestic violence and that she was also seven months pregnant. If you have ever experienced the harsh reality of living with a physically or emotionally abusive partner, you might know the level of courage it takes to get out. She took a big step of faith when she reached out to a group of women in our community for support. She told us her story, and we offered our advice. There are so many things, which keep women and men trapped in abusive relationships, financial security being a BIG one. Together, we are gathering resources for Keri to start a new life and what a time to start, it is...as she prepares to welcome her baby boy into the world!

Due to the stress of this transitional period, Keri has experienced early contractions for which she has recently been hospitalized and has been strictly advised by her doctor to stay on bed rest as much as possible to prevent a premature birth. We are aiming to raise $3500.00 by her due date, April 2, 2016 to help Keri with childcare, day-to-day expenses including car insurance, gas, renewal of license plates, in addition to all the unexpected expenses that come with a baby when she returns to work. Like many victims of domestic violence, Keri has a history of violence with her biological family and therefore, reaching out to family for funds is not an option.

It is in times like these that our friends become our families. She and I and the women surrounding her with love and compassion at this time would be so grateful for your contribution and for the prayers and light you send with it.