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| Our History |
Nearly twenty years after a family experienced first hand the emotional, physical, and mental anguish of abortion, God touched the
parents of this family and placed a vision in them. This vision was for a home where unwed pregnant teens, and single young women
could turn to for help and support, an alternative to abortion. With the help of many generous volunteers and the cooperation of local
city officials and business, Rachel's Home became a reality in 1993. Later, in November of 1993, Rachel's Home was moved from the
Plymouth Hospital Area (located on highway 17 in front of the Hospital) to 1008 West Jefferson Street in Plymouth. It was a big day,
as a lot and a basement had to be in place before the home could be moved. So many things had to be done to the home before hiring
house-parents and a director. A few years passed before the house was ready. Then in the spring of 1996 Carol Aukermen, was hired as the
first director, followed by Todd and Lisa Whitemen as the first house-parents in the fall. Unfortunately, after the first year, the
lack of finances necessary to keep Rachel's Home open, forced the home to be closed.
After being vacant for eighteen months,
the former board members came together, certain that if God called the home to be used to help pregnant girls through their difficulties,
He wouldn't want the home abandoned to obscurity, especially since it was one of only three pregnancy homes in northern Indiana.
During the meeting, Christ worked in the hearts of Max and Peggy Hatfield, as they volunteered to be the new house-parents for Rachel's
Home. Shortly afterward, in September of 1998, the Hatfield's moved in with their little dog, and soon became established as the Rachel's
Home house-parents, for the next four years. Max and Peggy sevred as counselor, aid, educator, and friend, to the girls at Rachel's
Home, some of whom graduated, and have gone to college. Many of them still consider Max and Peggy as part of their family. Max and
Peggy are the godparents of two of the babies from the home, and delight in seeing the women, some of the girls turned out to be.
Sadly, after four years, Max and Peggy felt that it was time to return to their own home, which had been vacant for four years, and in
September of 2002, the doors to Rachel's Home closed once again.
Two years passed after the Hatfield's generous service as house
parents, to Rachel's Home, when the Lord called upon a Bourbon area resident, Heidi Hostetler, to take up the duties of being the
Rachel's Home house-mother. Providence prepared for such a calling; Heidi has been a camp counselor, youth worker, secretary, teacher,
and nurse's aid, with an interest to work with teenagers and young adults. So once again Rachel's Home is available to help young
women and teens that need a place to turn during their time of crisis. Presently, Rachel's Home is eagerly ready to help these ladies
and looking forward to what God is going to do through this ministry. |
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