Real Life: Shantae's Story

Sixteen months ago, Shantae began her journey with The Keim Centers. During these months, Shantae has attended parenting classes, Bible studies, and lived life with her advocate. Shantae and her daughter, Sha’Niyah, are actual clients.  Their names and likenesses have not been changed. Shantae attended multiple Walk for Life events this spring and wants to tell her story. We are honored to share her thoughts as made known to CPC during a recent email interview.

Before you visited The Keim Centers, what was going through your mind regarding your pregnancy?

At first, I was scared. I was afraid of raising her on my own. I was a little hurt because I did not want her to go through what I went through growing up. I feared not having a place to stay because I had been out of work. I also feared not being able to take care of her the way she needed. It brings tears to my eyes still. But through it all, I never thought about abortion because a life is a blessing.

What made the most impact on you during your time at the center?

The people made the most impact on me. They cared and they had a relationship with the Lord. No one ever treated me like I was nothing. Also no one ever told me I made a mistake for getting pregnant or for wanting to keep her.

When I first saw my daughter on the ultrasound and saw her little heart beating, I fell more in love.  (I didn’t know she was a little girl at the time, but I still was in love.)  When she was born I never knew I could love something or someone so much – she taught me what real love is and how it feels.

My advocate was and still is the best. She has been there for me right from the beginning and is still there if I need her. I can talk to her about anything and she also prays for me and with me. I love her and all the staff.

Now I'm expecting my second child. I really grateful for what The Keim Centers have done for me and my babies – without them I think I would be a nervous wreck. I would tell any young girl or women about the center. It’s a great place to get help. I was truly blessed to have them. Thank you.

Please continue to pray for Shantae and her family!