At Guiding Star Siouxland, we know that creating a culture of life means supporting entire families – including fathers who find themselves in unexpected situations. 

This Father’s Day, we want to share Jake’s story with you.

When Jake unexpectedly became a single father to a newborn, he was stunned. While some in his family suggest he place the baby up for adoption, another family member encouraged him to reach out to Guiding Star Siouxland before he made a decision. He expected to be turned away — instead, he was welcomed with open arms. They didn’t see a scared young man, they saw a dad willing to fight for his child.

“When this whole situation happened, I felt like I was paralyzed,” Jake said. “I sat there, holding my newborn daughter, and had no idea what to do next. I knew I couldn’t raise a baby on my own, but I also couldn’t give her up. I just didn’t know where to start. I kind of figured that when I called them, they would tell me they couldn’t help because I was a single dad, not a mom looking for help. But they helped right away.”

Guiding Star staff members immediately supported Jake with breast milk, baby clothing and supplies, and diapers and wipes. 

“Guiding Star was there to walk me through everything,” he said. “Even the silly, small things, like learning how to change a diaper. I mean, it looks easy, but once you are trying to actually do it with a screaming newborn, it is really tricky! Having Guiding Star there to teach me about bottle feeding and safe breast milk handling was great. I liked that it didn’t feel like a hand out, but more like a hand-up. They helped me connect to other organizations in town for support, and I found a great church that is helping me figure out fatherhood.”

Jake regrets not being as informed about pregnancy and newborn care as he could have been. He understands the importance of men being educated on women’s healthcare. 

“I would have been more involved with the pregnancy journey if we had come into Guiding Star for a first trimester ultrasound,” he said. “I really didn’t know what to think about the pregnancy, I didn’t really feel connected to my baby, and I wasn’t involved much, which I really regret now. I feel like I missed out on a lot. I’m really happy to see Guiding Star working to make sure that all dads are actively engaged in the process.”

Jake looks forward to bringing his daughter back for our fertility education classes when she is old enough! 

“I want to make sure my daughter knows her worth, and I think the classes that Guiding Star offers are incredible,” he said. “I know that she will be able to understand, embrace, and love her body and how she was created by God. I believe that the healthcare and education Guiding Star provides will help reduce unplanned pregnancies.”

Today, Jake is raising a bright-eyed toddler with pride. He’s not perfect—but he’s present. And it all started with a simple act of kindness, made possible by donors who believed every life, and every parent, deserves a chance.

“I like that the team at Guiding Star continues to reach out to me and offer support,” he said. “It’s always nice to get a text message from them checking in, and I know that I can stop by any time I need anything, even if it’s just to talk and catch up while my daughter has some fruit snacks. She knows exactly where to find them, too. We can even come in weekly for diapers and wipes, which is a huge help financially. Every little bit helps.”

When you donate to a pro-life pregnancy care center, you’re not just supporting women. You’re empowering fathers like Jake to rise up, take responsibility, and change their lives — and their children’s lives — for good.