Spring Newsletter, 2025

Discover all that God has done at Thrive Medical Clinic this past year, be inspired by an incredible patient story, and register for our 2025 Spring Gala!

Molly & Caleb’s Story

When *Molly realized she was pregnant, her heart was filled with conflict. She valued her baby, but she was facing homelessness, and working long hours to support herself. She feared that she didn’t have the ability to raise a child, given her circumstances. Her boyfriend *Caleb was trying his best to support and encourage her. Molly and Caleb walked through the doors of Thrive Medical Clinic with heavy hearts. This young couple shared that they didn’t want an abortion, but the lack of housing and support from those closest to them made this heartbreaking option feel like the only real choice in front of them.

After listening to their challenging circumstances, fears, desires and heartache, our Patient Care Assistant shared several resources that could help lighten their specific burdens, including Thrive Forward resources like free maternity items and a dresser full of new baby items. During their appointment, they were able to see their child on the ultrasound. Their eyes lit up with excitement and cautious hope. Seeing their baby was especially impactful for Caleb, and we affirmed his value as a father. Often, when a dad sees the ultrasound, the “unplanned pregnancy” transforms in his mind from an idea into a real baby, his baby. As Molly and Caleb left, they expressed feeling much better than when they came in. We encouraged them to slow down and take the time they needed to make this important decision, and we invited them to come back if they wanted a safe place to continue to process and navigate their next steps without pressure or judgment.

We sent out an anonymous prayer request to our supporters on their behalf. We prayed right alongside you all, trusted God, and waited. We don’t always get to know how our patients’ stories unfold. To our great joy, Molly later told us that she and Caleb were planning to parent their baby, and were looking into the various resources we had shared with them at their appointment. Thank you for praying for this precious family! God is on the move. Pray that God would raise up a support system around them to encourage and equip this young family to truly thrive.

*To protect confidentiality, the photo and names have been fabricated.

Ali + Justin’s Story

*Ali and her boyfriend *Justin had discussed in the past that if she were ever to get pregnant, they would get an abortion. However, although this pregnancy was unplanned, Ali started to notice a growing attachment toward the baby - her baby - even at this early stage. She felt nervous to tell him that she was now questioning the decision to abort... and when she did tell him she was pregnant, he did not take it well. A friend whom Ali confided in told her about Thrive Medical Clinic, and she called us to make an appointment for a confirmation ultrasound. Once the ultrasound was completed, Ali said, “Well, that just solidified my decision.” She made up her mind to raise her baby, with or without Justin’s support. We quickly sent out an anonymous prayer request email to our supporters on her behalf. During that week, so many of you prayed for her! The following week, Ali shared that she had told Justin about her resolve, and he, miraculously, responded so much better than expected! As a first-time dad, he was relieved when he heard about the practical help we were offering, including a dresser packed full of brand new baby items that a local church had donated. We wish you could hear Ali express her gratitude for having a safe place that has made her feel valuable and celebrated. What wonderful support this little family, and so many others, experienced because of your work behind the scenes, your prayers, and your donations!

*Names and photo changed to preserve confidentiality.

Lucy’s Story

*Lucy came to her first appointment at Thrive with tears in her eyes. This pregnancy came as a surprise and felt impossible to her for many reasons. Her partner *Mike had responded to news of the pregnancy by immediately pressuring her to abort due to financial limitations. She also expressed her own concerns about the pregnancy, such as the strain of taking care of two-under-two with little-to-no help from a support system that didn’t exist. Yet she felt serious concerns towards having an abortion. She wrestled with the truth that this was a unique, irreplaceable life. She told us she was afraid that her mental health would be dramatically impacted by an abortion. Though she expressed being pro-choice, she kept stating that she felt she didn’t have a choice; abortion was something she felt she simply had to choose for those around her.

Mike came with Lucy to her ultrasound appointment, and we were able to hear his concerns and offer many relevant resources. We sent several anonymous prayer request emails on behalf of this family, and the Lord heard every single prayer you lifted to His ears. Lucy eventually shared with us that they had made the decision to raise their baby girl. She shared that she felt empowered every time she came to Thrive, and that the resources we offered were the practical support they needed in order for her to feel like she finally had a good choice in front of her. Although there were still sacrifices to be made, she decided her daughter would be worth every single one.

We are grateful that God led Lucy to Thrive, and that her community rose to action with both prayer and practical support. You helped turn this pregnancy from a source of stress and anguish into something to be celebrated and cherished forever.

*Names and picture changed to preserve confidentiality.

Amy's Story (Video)

“Every Sunday I got dressed for church, but I couldn’t bring myself to go… It was on repeat in my head; “single, pregnant, sinner”… I felt like I didn’t belong there. Now I see that was a lie.”

When Amy became pregnant unexpectedly, fear gripped her heart. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her baby to abortion, and yet she didn’t think she could provide for another child on her own. Watch Amy's story of overcoming fear, shame and isolation, and how the body of Christ came alongside her to help empower this precious family to thrive.

Your support is helping more women and children like Amy and her kids thrive. Give a gift to empower abundant life right here in your community!

3 Ways Churches Can Support Their Congregants In Unplanned Pregnancies

“How Will My Church Family Respond?” - This is a very top-of-mind questions for people in unplanned pregnancies in the faith community.

Our abortion-vulnerable patients here at Thrive Medical Clinic (TMC) are often very nervous to tell their families and church friends about their unplanned pregnancy. The sad reality is that many women in the American Church get secret abortions for fear of judgment and an assumed lack of support and acceptance of them and their baby. We know the local Church is their biggest support system, so we encourage them to tell you about their pregnancy, and they are usually so surprised and relieved by how well you respond! When they know with confidence that they will be embraced and lovingly supported, they are much more likely to tell you they’re pregnant and choose life for their baby!

Proactive tips to help her know you’ll accept and support her:

1. Vocalize your unconditional love beforehand. Tell your close friends and family that if they were ever to face an unplanned pregnancy, you would unconditionally love and support them, and would celebrate their child’s life. These simple words can dispel their fear, and give them courage to reach out to you if they do become pregnant.

2. Help her know she’s not alone. Fear of judgment and lack of financial resources may cause her to believe she’ll be completely alone if she chooses to parent. Whether you’re her partner, family, or church, you can help alleviate this crushing assumption by vocalizing your love and tangible support.

3. Affirm them as parents and their baby as a blessing. Hearing “you are going to be an amazing mother/ father” when they expect to hear disapproval can have a profound impact.

Contact us at Thrive Medical Clinic if you’re interested in learning more about how you can create an active culture of grace and truth in your church or family around the topic of unplanned pregnancies.

Contact our Executive Director Avery McCutcheon at Avery@thrivemedicalclinic.org or call 231-929-3488.

Emily's Story

Emily* came to Thrive Medical Clinic completely overwhelmed, with a child in her arms and another on the way. She also carried a heavy burden of hurt and distrust from a painful past relationship, and it was taking a toll on her current one. To help her physically prepare for her baby’s arrival, we gave her maternity, postpartum and baby supplies, and connected her with other local resources. She also met with a Thrive Mentor on numerous occasions to mentally, emotionally, and relationally prepare for this next season as a mom of two.

Through her continued mentorship, she’s received critical tools to help restore trust and unity in her relationship, and has gained clarity and confidence with parenting and communication skills to create a more healthy, stable, and joyful home. During these conversations and prayers with her mentor, Emily’s guarded heart became tender as she opened up to God’s love for her and His beautiful plan for her life. The support she’s received from Thrive has been transformative in her life. This is the impact of your prayers and support!

*Names and images are changed to preserve confidentiality.

Winter - Spring Newsletter, 2024

Our patients often come to Thrive Medical Clinic (TMC) feeling like there is no hope for their future or their ability to thrive as a parent. This despair and doubt leads many to believe abortion is their only option. But when a woman sees her baby on the ultrasound and realizes there is a loving support system waiting to embrace her, God opens her eyes to see His hopeful, beautiful plan for her future and for her child’s life. This is the impact you are making!

That's what this newsletter is all about - your impact on precious lives right here in our community. It features updates and recent wins you made possible, patient stories, our new executive director's heart for the future of the ministry, resources for churches to support their congregants in unplanned pregnancies, and more!

Karli's Story

Karli* first came to us seeking information on abortion to gain a better understanding of her options. When she saw her active, beautifully developed 13-week baby on the ultrasound screen and heard the precious heart beating, she smiled and said, “I think it’s a girl.” She quickly felt that getting an abortion would be wrong and wasn’t what she wanted anymore. Throughout her pregnancy, what started as a quick visit to just pick up some baby supplies, gradually grew into visits with regular deep conversations with our staff.

One of our Thrive Mentors had it clearly placed on her heart that - in addition to the practical maternity supplies, baby clothes, diapers, car seat, and dresser Karli was able to receive from Thrive - one of the most valuable gifts she needed was someone to listen to her. Seeing Karli grow more comfortable - confident that she is genuinely loved and cared for - has been so beautiful! She’s begun opening up more and more, and recently allowed one of our mentors to pray with her over a heavy challenge she’s been going through.

Seeing this steady transformation in Karli’s life and being able to help and encourage her has been such a humbling experience for our staff. It is beautiful to see God currently working in the details in her life, reminding her repeatedly that she is seen, loved, and that she and her child are not forgotten.

Oh! And she’s having a girl. :)

*Names and images are changed to preserve confidentiality.

Introducing Avery McCutcheon, Our New Executive Director

Avery McCutcheon, Executive Director - Thrive Medical Clinic

Rhonda Wrede, our Executive Director of 32 years, officially retired right before Christmas, and as we transition into this new season, we are so thrilled to announce that Thrive Medical Clinic's new Executive Director is our very own Avery McCutcheon! Avery, a Registered Nurse who previously worked in the ER and NICU, joined TMC in July as our Thrive Forward Director. She quickly gained our trust and admiration for her incredible leadership skills, humble wisdom, strategic thoughtfulness and her ability to engage the whole team to achieve more together. She has an acute focus on our mission to reach, love and serve abortion-vulnerable women in our community and empower them to thrive in a life-affirming pregnancy choice.

We conducted a nationwide search for our new Executive Director, but after a few months God made it clear to Rhonda (and then to the entire board and staff) that the person He had chosen and prepared for this role was right under our nose. Rhonda has trained Avery on the new role, and she will be available to Avery for consults throughout the year.

Get to Know Avery & Her heart for the ministry!

We love Avery and have full confidence in her ability to follow God's will and lead us into this new chapter of His ministry.

We need your continued partnership, support, and encouragement to be able to steward this ministry and be vessels for the Holy Spirit to save and transform lives. Email Avery at Avery@ThriveMedicalClinic.org to introduce yourself and schedule a tour of TMC. She would love to meet you!

And finally, we want to say thank you to Rhonda. She has devoted her heart and life to leading this ministry for over three decades. Through countless hardships, she has faithfully fought the good fight and has been a champion for God’s transforming love and saving grace for countless women, men and children throughout our region. Her profound impact is generational and eternal. Each of us on staff have been changed by her love for us and her courageous servant leadership. We love her dearly and wish her every joy in retirement.

And to all of our amazing supporters, thank you for your faithful partnership and prayers. You mean more to us and our patients than you'll ever know.

-Thrive Medical Clinic Team

To My Child Who Almost Wasn't

A poem inspired by our patients and written by Annie Solem.

To My Child Who Almost Wasn't:

The reality of your precious life stole my breath and heart with one

glance at that black and white screen.

Your tiny frame suddenly held so much weight.

An unexpected epiphany, like the sun breaking through dense clouds.

Until then, I couldn’t let myself love you.

I thought my only choice was to let you go before fully grasping the

truth of what I was holding.

The crashing waves of worry and shame drowned out the tiny voice

deep within. But when I saw you, it all became so quiet - so clear.

That day, you became real to me, and I knew I had to protect you.

That day, a “problem” became a blessing; my fear became my joy.

That day, your little heart - pitter pattering away - captured my heart.

You’ve been opening my eyes since that first day I saw you.

I doubted my strength until I carried you.

I have seen my own value in the reflection of your eyes.

You have filled deep caverns of my heart I never knew existed.

If you’d like to make a donation to help give more abortion-vulnerable women the opportunity to see and connect with their child on an ultrasound at Thrive, click the button below.

Summer - Fall Newsletter, 2023

The 2023 Summer — Fall Newsletter is here and it’s full of powerful patient stories, a letter from Rhonda about her upcoming retirement, updates on how you can help spread the word about Thrive Medical Clinic and so much more! Please click the button below to read the newsletter. And thank you to each and every one of our amazing supporters, volunteers and prayer warriors for sustaining and strengthening this ministry. Your work is changing lives and saving precious babies right here in our community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Rhonda Wrede - Executive Director

Baby Bottle Boomerang 2023

Baby Bottle Boomerang (BBB) is a community-wide fundraiser that is changing the world! Every penny raised goes to help Thrive Medical Clinic equip abortion-vulnerable women and men with the solutions, resources, and support they need to choose life for their unborn baby, and abundant life for themselves!

This year’s event begins September 10, and runs through October 8th.

We’re so happy you’re here, because YOU can make a difference. With so many women and men facing unplanned pregnancies and feeling that abortion is their only option, we need your help more than ever!

Your donation will save the lives of precious unborn babies, and provide the love, support, and solutions that their mothers and fathers desperately need. Make a donation of any amount to “fill your bottle” today, and change someone’s world!

Nora's Story

When Nora* got a positive pregnancy test, her first reaction was that she needed an abortion. Carrying a pregnancy to term and raising a child were both overwhelming things for her to think about, and the concept of being a mom at this time in her life just didn’t seem realistic. The only people she had spoken to about the pregnancy so far were abortion providers, and it seemed like getting an abortion was the clear thing to do. But after telling her partner about the pregnancy, she felt unsure.

Nora heard about Thrive Medical Clinic through a friend and decided to schedule an appointment with us to confirm her pregnancy. While at her appointment, she bravely and honestly talked about how confused and torn she felt about what to do. She openly acknowledged how difficult any pregnancy decision she came to would be, but also how pleasantly surprised she was by seeing the support from those around her.

When it came time for her ultrasound scan to be done, Nora was able to see her beautiful child for herself - with its little head, body, legs, and arms. The baby’s heart could be clearly seen, strongly beating away; and, gradually, Nora started to become more excited about being this child’s mom. After the ultrasound, she expressed how things seemed much more real and asked good questions about her options and the types of support available.

Seeing the process of her mind cautiously go from shocked confusion to genuine excitement about parenting was absolutely incredible. Without anyone pressuring her, God simply worked to shift Nora’s perspective in a beautiful way as she took the time to process and learn more. It was such a joyful day when she shared that she made the decision to parent this child!

We’re grateful for each of you who prays and supports our patients in so many ways. These women, men, and babies are being given the chance, hope, resources, and support to choose life in a safe and loving place - and that is absolutely priceless.

*Patient names and photos are changed to preserve confidentiality.

If you were touched by this story and want to help provide the solutions, resources and support for women like Nora to choose life for their precious babies, we invite you to make a donation. Thank you so much!

Katelyn's Story

Katelyn* came to Traverse City with her child and no support or family in the area. After she became pregnant again, she made several abortion appointments, but each time something kept her from going through with it.

She finally made the decision to keep her baby, but was feeling entirely overwhelmed. She came to Thrive Forward in her last trimester because she heard that we offer free baby supplies. We were delighted to meet her and gave her maternity clothes, a postpartum and newborn gift bag, and we just so happened to have one unclaimed dresser fully stocked with baby items that we gave her that same day.

Before she came in, she knew she was meant to have this baby, but the thought of it seemed so daunting and hard to grasp. But the tangible love and support she received that day made all the difference; she felt hopeful and had confidence in her ability to thrive as a mom of two.

TMC supported Katelyn throughout the rest of her pregnancy and she continues to participate in regular mentorship sessions with one of our Thrive Forward mentors. Katelyn received a Bible with her dresser, and her mentor has been able to share comforting Bible verses with her. She has also been very receptive to discussions around God’s power during times of uncertainty and fear, and His incredible love for her.

*Patient names and photos are changed to preserve confidentiality.

If you were touched by this story and want to help provide the solutions, resources and support for women like Katelyn to choose life for their precious babies, we invite you to make a donation. Thank you so much!

One Year as Thrive Medical Clinic

There are so many women and men in our community who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and truly believe abortion is their only choice.

But when they see their baby’s beating heart during the ultrasound and learn that there is a loving community empowering them with solutions, resources and support, they realize they do have a choice, and many courageously choose life!

When we look back over our first year as Thrive Medical Clinic (TMC), we are in awe of what God has done through you. There are children alive and loved today, because of the love and care their mothers and fathers have received through you and your support.

God has blessed and grown this ministry in abundant ways this past year. We have some big updates to share with you! 

• We bought our building! In 2022, God opened the doors for us to buy our building and provided the funds through all of you! Your gifts have enabled us to double our space, and to repair and remodel our building with excellence. Thank you for investing in a building that will be serving our community and saving lives for years to come!

• Increased staff, operating hours, and resources: To reach women and men considering abortion at their immediate time of need, we have increased our hours, added to our staff, and will soon be implementing online scheduling! Thanks to your support, scheduling an appointment at Thrive Medical Clinic is now easier and more accessible than ever before. This increased accessibility is truly saving lives! 

• Launched Thrive Forward: In order for people to thrive through an unplanned pregnancy, they need to know they won’t be alone. We want to prove to them that there is a whole community waiting to surround them in support for as long as they need - from essential baby and maternity supplies, to coaching and mentorship for both mothers and fathers, and connections to other vital local resources. Thrive Forward also hosts group events to create connection for parents who otherwise feel starved for community. Thrive Forward’s ongoing set of resources creates opportunities for repeated experiences of Jesus’ love through interactions with our staff, and also creates an environment where these moms can grow in friendships with each other. 

• Launched Thrive Shop: Thrive Shop was created as a tool for awareness and connection. When you wear Thrive shop items, you not only spread awareness for Thrive Medical Clinic, but it also builds trust with potential patients (many of whom are your friends, coworkers, acquaintances, etc), because they can associate Thrive with someone they know, like, and trust vs an organization that’s unfamiliar. This has been more impactful than we could have prayed for.

THANK YOU!! 

This is all God’s provision through you - every hour volunteered, every dollar and item donated, every prayer, every single one of you are making a life-altering impact! Your individual part may seem small to you, but please believe us when we say that it matters and we couldn’t do this without you!

Because of you, Thrive can reach more people with the love and hope of Jesus, and see more people choose life for their baby. 

Rowan's Story (Video)

Rowan already had an abortion scheduled when she came to Thrive Medical Clinic. She was living with an abusive boyfriend who had convinced her that she was incapable of being a mother and abortion was their only option. Her world was consumed by darkness and she felt hopeless. But after a close friend recommended that she call Thrive Medical Clinic, everything started to change... 

Right now, your donations are helping more women like Rowan, and more babies like Wilber, thrive. YOU are making all the difference!

Winter - Spring Newsletter, 2023

With your faithful support, Thrive Medical Clinic has been able to impact the lives of many people facing unplanned pregnancies in our community with our medical services. But Medical appointments can only touch the surface of our patients' needs. An overwhelming need we’ve seen is the desire for connection. It’s our vision that these courageous men and women who choose life wouldn’t just survive, but thrive and move forward to a more abundant life.

Out of this heart, Thrive Forward was launched just four months ago, and we’ve already seen God work in amazing ways in the lives of our patients through this new program.

Learn more about TMC’s new Thrive Forward Program in this 2023 Winter-Spring Newsletter! There’s lots of exciting news around here - from the Spring Gala to the launch of Thrive Shop, Baby Bottle Boomerang and a beautiful and inspiring new patient story we can’t wait for you to read!

Ava's Story

By Jasmine Bower, Patient Services Director

*Ava reached out to us after getting multiple positive pregnancy tests at home. She called saying, “I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but now I’m not sure.” We were able to schedule her for a free consultation and confirmation ultrasound to verify her pregnancy, and when she came in, she opened up more about what she was going through.

She and her boyfriend had broken up just before Ava found out she was pregnant. When Ava got the positive pregnancy tests, she told her ex-boyfriend along with some family members. She said that she didn’t initially know what to do, but then began to experience pressure from multiple people around her trying to persuade her that abortion would be her best option. So, Ava scheduled an appointment to get a medication abortion.

Ava came in to TMC for her ultrasound appointment just two days before her abortion was scheduled to happen. During her options consult, she cried as she expressed her fears about being a single mom but also her conflict in not wanting to abort her child. She talked about someone God had put in her life who was encouraging her that she was capable of carrying this pregnancy to term and felt that she might somehow receive the support she needed.

After discussing her pregnancy options, Ava went in for her ultrasound. She measured just over 8wks along, and her beautiful baby could be seen clearly...heart beating away. Seeing the scan, Ava let herself laugh with joy a little as she watched the scan and expressed that she actually was beginning to feel excited!

She said, “Seeing the baby, I’ve made up my mind to parent. I wish that I came here weeks ago when I first found out I was pregnant. That was super lonely to go through, and coming here was the encouragement I needed.”

Ava canceled her abortion appointment, and we were able to help her get set up with some helpful community resources. She also gratefully accepted our offer to gift her a dresser filled with essential baby supplies.

When the time came for Ava to receive the dresser, she let us know that she is having a boy! Once Ava came to pick up her dresser, she started crying as soon as she saw it. She expressed how thankful she was and that it was so much more than she expected. She shared that, since making the decision to parent her son, things have gotten much better, and she is genuinely feeling the support of those around her.

Ava’s story and her courage and determination to be a good mom to her son blows me away! Seeing the way that God looked out for her and is now working on her behalf through amazing individuals in this community is such a beautiful reminder of the loving, miraculous, and personal God that He is. It also makes me overwhelmed with thankfulness to everyone who has given, prayed, and volunteered for TMC so that Ava and her son were both given this chance at life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

*Patient names and photos are changed to preserve confidentiality

Shop for Good

Spread awareness for Thrive Medical Clinic!

It’s powerful to think of all the spaces you can take the message of Thrive into. You never know who’ll be in your path - your simple decision to wear a Thrive shirt one day could be the reason someone facing an unplanned pregnancy reaches out for help. Or you could be the reason someone decides to put their beliefs into action and get involved as a volunteer, donor, or prayer partner!

Each item in our little shop has been chosen with care, ensuring the quality is impeccable, and each sweatshirt so cozy you won’t want to take it offff! We have sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, and mugs - a color, style, and texture for everyone. The proceeds from each purchase help to cover the cost of running a medical clinic so that every single service is provided for free for our patients. That’s a lot of good accomplished in one purchase!

Shop In-Person or Online

If you want to try things on before making a purchase, or if online shopping isn’t your preference, you’re welcome to come in during our open hours and pick something out! We’re located at 121 South Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686.

You can also shop online and have it shipped right to your door, or select local pickup at checkout to save on shipping, and pick it up from Thrive.