by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

As leaders and advocates in the maternity housing space, understanding the generational differences between Millennial, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha women is essential to providing responsive, compassionate, and effective care. Each generation has been shaped by unique societal forces, technology, and cultural movements. These factors influence how they view the world, identify themselves, engage with spirituality, and interact with support systems.

This article explores the defining traits of Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, with a particular focus on how their differences impact the design and delivery of maternity housing programs. Most importantly, it offers research-backed strategies for adapting our programs to meet the needs of Gen Z women and mothers, who now make up the majority of women entering our homes.

Generational Snapshots: Who Are They?

Millennials (born approx. 1981–1996)

• Worldview: Shaped by 9/11, the 2008 recession, and the rise of the internet.
  
  
• Religion: Many Millennials identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Pew Research finds that 29% identify as religiously unaffiliated.
  
  
• Identity: Value authenticity, self-expression, and purpose-driven work.
  
  
• Experiences: Came of age with dial-up internet but adapted quickly to tech advancements.
  
  
• Behavior & Trends: Highly educated, skeptical of institutions, more likely to delay marriage and childbirth, and value social justice.
  
  

Gen Z (born approx. 1997–2012)

• Worldview: Defined by the internet age, social media, school shootings, climate anxiety, and COVID-19.
  
  
• Religion: The least religious generation to date; more likely to identify as agnostic, atheist, or spiritual-but-not-religious. Barna research shows that only 4% of Gen Z holds a biblical worldview.
  
  
• Identity: Embraces fluidity in identity—including gender and sexuality. Mental health, diversity, and inclusion are top priorities.
  
  
• Experiences: Digital natives. Socialized online. Often experienced isolation, especially during critical developmental years due to the pandemic.
  
  
• Behavior & Trends: Experience high levels of anxiety and depression; value transparency, inclusivity, and social activism. Less trusting of authority but very peer-influenced.
  
  

Gen Alpha (born approx. 2013–2025)

• Worldview: Still forming, but early data shows they will be the most technologically immersed generation. AI, climate change, and post-pandemic realities are shaping their upbringing.
  
  
• Religion/Identity: Still largely dependent on parental influence but projected to be even more secular and globally aware.
  
  
• Trends: Education and media are highly personalized. Influenced by short-form content (TikTok, YouTube Shorts), interactive tech, and values-based branding.
  
  

Implications for Maternity Housing: Gen Z vs. Millennials

While Millennials may still be present in our homes, Gen Z now makes up the majority of women entering maternity housing programs. This shift requires us to re-evaluate our approaches—from program structure to communication styles.

Key Differences That Affect Care

Suggestions for Effective Programming for Gen Z Moms

1. Prioritize Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Care

Gen Z has been dubbed the “anxious generation.” According to the American Psychological Association, Gen Z is twice as likely as Millennials to report poor mental health.

What Works:

• Trauma-informed staff training
  
  
• On-site counseling and teletherapy options
  
  
• Wellness routines (journaling, mindfulness, peer support groups)
  
  
• Peer-led mental health education workshops
  
  

2. Revamp Spiritual Formation Models

Traditional Bible studies may not resonate. Gen Z is curious but deeply skeptical of religious institutions.

What Works:

• Story-based teaching rooted in personal experience
  
  
• Focus on spiritual conversations over religious instruction
  
  
• Emphasize identity, belonging, and purpose through a biblical lens
  
  
• Use visual storytelling, music, and creative expression
  
  

3. Design for Digital Natives

Gen Z learns and connects through screens. Programs must accommodate short attention spans and tech fluency.

What Works:

• Short, video-based lessons (think: 5–10 minute devotionals or parenting tips)
  
  
• QR codes linked to resources or testimonies
  
  
• Digital journaling or app-based self-reflection
  
  
• Instagram-style boards for visioning or goal-setting
  
  

4. Normalize Identity Conversations

Gen Z is navigating fluidity in gender, sexuality, and identity. While maternity housing may not affirm all ideologies, it must engage these women with grace and empathy.

What Works:

• Non-judgmental language in intake and interactions
  
  
• Emphasize God-given identity, value, and dignity
  
  
• Use peer mentors who model integrity and compassion
  
  
• Create space for questions and honest conversations
  
  

5. Offer Customizable Life Skills Tracks

Gen Z expects personalization. One-size-fits-all programming often leads to disengagement.

What Works:

• Modular curriculum based on goals (e.g., employment, education, parenting)
  
  
• Self-paced learning options
  
  
• Incentive-based engagement (e.g., digital badges, milestone rewards)
  
  

6. Center Peer Influence and Mentorship

Gen Z relies heavily on peer feedback and social proof. Programs should foster authentic community and peer leadership.

What Works:

• Peer-led support groups or house meetings
  
  
• Older Gen Z or Millennial alumni mentors
  
  
• Testimony-sharing and story circles
  
  
• Collaborative goal-setting and accountability partners
  
  

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Gen Alpha

While Gen Alpha moms are not in our homes yet, their formative years are underway. They will expect hyper-personalized, on-demand, emotionally intelligent environments. Programs that begin adapting today—leaning into tech, emotional literacy, and spiritual resilience—will be best positioned to serve tomorrow’s mothers.

Gen Z mothers bring unique challenges and profound opportunities. They are bold, curious, digitally native, and fiercely values-driven. To serve them well, maternity housing leaders must reimagine programming that is trauma-informed, spiritually engaging, tech-forward, and relationally rich. By doing so, we not only meet their immediate needs—we shape a generation of resilient, faith-rooted, and empowered mothers.

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Sources

1. Pew Research Center (2019). Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Gen Z begins.
   https://www.pewresearch.org
   
2. McCrindle Research (2020). Generation Alpha Report.
   https://mccrindle.com.au
3. Barna Group (2021). The Open Generation: How Teens Around the World View God, Scripture, and the Church.
   https://www.barna.com
   
4. Pew Research Center (2021). About three-in-ten U.S. adults are now religiously unaffiliated.
   https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/12/14/about-three-in-ten-u-s-adults-are-now-religiously-unaffiliated/
   
5. American Worldview Inventory (2023). Only 4% of Gen Z Hold a Biblical Worldview. Cultural Research Center, Arizona Christian University.
   https://www.arizonachristian.edu
6. American Psychological Association (2018–2023). Stress in America Survey.
   https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress
   
7. McKinsey & Company (2021). True Gen: Generation Z and its implications for companies.
   https://www.mckinsey.com
8. Deloitte (2023). Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey.
   https://www2.deloitte.com
   
9. Pew Research Center (2022). Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022.
   https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/
   
10. Common Sense Media (2023). The State of Mental Health in U.S. Teens.
    https://www.commonsensemedia.org
11. Barna Group (2022). How the Next Generation Engages with Faith. 
    https://www.barna.com/research/gen-z-engagement/
    
12. Education Week (2021). Teaching Gen Z: What Educators Need to Know About Today’s Students.
    https://www.edweek.org

by Jor-El Godsey, President of Heatbeat International

Easter is a season of hope, renewal, and victory over darkness. As you serve in the pregnancy help movement—whether in a pregnancy center, maternity home, or adoption agency—you are part of a mission that echoes the very heart of the Gospel: bringing life where the world sees only despair. Jesus’s resurrection offers powerful lessons that should inspire you in your daily work.

The hours between Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection must have felt unbearable for His followers. They had witnessed what seemed to be the end, yet it was only the beginning. In your work, you may see moments that feel hopeless—a woman overwhelmed by fear, a situation that seems impossible, a culture that dismisses life. But just as God was at work in the silence of the tomb, He is working in the waiting today. What seems like an ending is often the prelude to new life.

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" 
- Psalm 27:14

Early that Sunday morning, the women at the tomb found that the stone had been rolled away. The grave could not hold Jesus, and death could not defeat Him. You are on the front lines of a battle where darkness tries to deceive women into believing abortion is their only way forward. But take heart—truth and life prevail. Every time you offer a listening ear, a word of hope, or a way forward, you reflect the victory of Christ over death. Darkness must give way to light.

The disciples’ sorrow turned into joy when they saw the risen Lord. Their faith was renewed, their purpose reignited, and their calling confirmed. The work you do may feel exhausting at times, and you may wonder if your efforts make a difference. The Resurrection reminds us that nothing done for the cause of life is wasted. Each conversation, each prayer, each moment of compassion plants seeds that God can grow in His perfect time.

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 
- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Take heart! Easter proves that life has the final word. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in the lives of the women you serve and in your own heart. You are not alone in this mission—Christ goes before you, walks beside you, and strengthens you for the road ahead.

This Easter, be reminded that because He lives, there is always hope. Because He rose, the work you do is not in vain. And because the tomb is empty, the victory is already won.

by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist

We all know that the demographic of childbearing-aged women are on their smartphones. In America, 90% of women own smartphones. In India, the number of women owning smartphones is lower than in the USA, at 64%. But even 64% is high. "Mobile technology in the form of the smartphone is widely used, particularly in pregnancy and they are an increasing and influential source of information."¹  That means we can reach these women and they can find us, find you and your hotline. Help, and a possible rescue from abortion, can reach a woman in the time it takes to find and dial a phone number. It takes less than a second, compared to typing in a search engine and reviewing results. That is the power of technology. That is the potential power of a helpline.

We are focusing this issue of Heartbeat Around the World on helplines, hotlines, and crisis lines around the world.

A hotline is usually a toll-free telephone service available to the public or to a group of people for some specific purpose. For us who serve in the pregnancy help movement, our "group of people" are moms in unplanned pregnancies and those who love them and our specific purpose is to reach them in their hour of crisis to connect them to people close by who can compassionately provide alternatives to abortion. Such a hotline was a "someday dream" for the founders of Heartbeat International. Today, you can read the story of how Option Line (powered by Heartbeat) connects with hundreds of thousands of women in crisis every year. Or, enjoy the photo and video of an Indian woman who reached out to Option Line and was connected back to the helpline in India. There is such power in connectivity. 

Around the world, there are hotlines in places as far apart as Romania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and countless other countries. Does your country have one? If so, we would love to know the number so we can add it to our Worldwide Directory. We want women to find you, reach you, and connect with help...faster than it takes to search and review results. 

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Source Cited

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187151921300423X (accessed 3/12/25)

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

The story of maternity housing in 2024 is one of resilience, growth, and a deepening commitment to supporting women in need. Across the United States and beyond, the Maternity Housing Coalition (MHC) has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its reach, reflecting broader trends of compassion and community-driven solutions in an ever-evolving social landscape. This year’s impact report paints a picture of a movement gaining momentum, fueled by the collective efforts of affiliates and a shared vision of care.

In the United States, the number of maternity homes has climbed steadily, reaching nearly 500 by the close of 2024—a notable rise from the previous year. This growth, sparked in part by the post-Dobbs landscape, tells a tale of adaptation and response. Since 2022, the total number of homes has swelled by more than 17%, with new startups doubling from last year alone. These figures hint at a quiet but powerful surge: communities stepping up, often in the face of daunting challenges, to provide safe havens for expectant and new mothers. The MHC's affiliates—those dedicated organizations that amplify this mission—grew by almost 14%, with a striking 38.5% increase since the Dobbs decision reshaped the national conversation around maternal support. Today, these homes stretch across 48 states, weaving a tapestry of care that touches nearly every corner of the country.

The women at the heart of this story—over 1,200 served, by conservative estimates—represent the real impact. Each number is a life supported, a mother given the stability and resources to navigate one of life’s most transformative moments. And while the data captures only a fraction of the full picture, it underscores a growing need and an equally growing response. Notably, more than 50 of these homes partner with pregnancy help centers, bridging gaps and creating a continuum of care that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in community values.

Internationally, the narrative takes on an even broader scope. With maternity homes now present in 30 countries and more than 150 in operation, the global footprint of this work is expanding at an inspiring pace. The MHC's international affiliates, numbering over 70, reflect a 17% leap in market share—a testament to the universal resonance of this mission. Mothers everywhere, it seems, are finding solidarity and support through these networks, from rural villages to bustling cities. In contrast, the U.S. market share, while still commanding a significant 42%, grew more modestly, suggesting that the international story may be where the next chapter of this movement unfolds most dramatically.

What ties these trends together is the MHC itself—a steady hand fostering connection, offering training, and advocating for policies that uplift maternity housing as a vital resource. The rise in startups, the deepening ties with affiliates, and the international swell all point to a truth: this work is not just about homes, but about building a foundation for hope. As legislative landscapes shift and societal needs evolve, the Maternity Housing Coalition stands as a beacon, guiding its members toward a future where no mother walks alone. In 2024, that future feels closer than ever.

MHC's 2024 Impact Report will be published and available at this year's International Pregnancy Help Conference. Join us and register today!

Recently, a pregnancy help organization in India shared it's first Abortion Pill Reversal story! Watch the video to celebrate with us all that the Lord is doing in India:

Pictured and used with permission, Mom and her baby girl*

*For security purposes, do not post, forward, or share this information, or video, with others without specific permission.

by Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line

On the evening of February 16th, 2006, I arrived at a quiet brick building in Columbus, OH. A few cars were in the parking lot as I walked toward the door. I took a nervous deep breath, carefully entered my entry code on a keypad, and wondered what my first shift on the Option Line hotline would be like. My colleagues, some of whom I met for the first time that day, welcomed me as if I were family (between calls, of course). I observed that same warmth and kindness as I heard them connecting with our callers that night. 

My first hotline shift was 6 hours long, and I still remember that I spoke with twenty-six people. My colleagues told me it was a quiet shift, but as a young professional with a heart for missions, I left with a heart bursting with gratitude for the opportunity to serve twenty-six souls in as many different cities! Not only was it incredible to speak life to them, but I knew that their next step would be a visit to a local pregnancy help center. What an honor to be part of a vast network of support which always leads back to the Lord our God! At the time, I was unaware of just how much God was already at work at Option Line, and I couldn’t have imagined all that He would do.

Later that year, we received an email from a mom who said she had called and spoken to someone by my name. When Sarah initially called she was considering abortion, but because of the support she found through Option Line and her local pregnancy help center, her email contained a photo of her (the mother) and her newborn child, absolutely beaming. She had not forgotten our late-night conversation, and she wanted to say thank you.

Up until 2012, all Option Line staff lived in the Columbus area and reported to the office for every shift. As a 24/7/365 operation, Option Line consultants would arrive and depart from our building at all hours of the day and night, in every season, too.  In 2012, we began testing remote work with our Columbus area team during the overnight and weekend hours. Thanks to innovative technology, and God’s leading, we hired our first fully remote team member in 2014, and this year more than 60% of our team is remote. We’ve even had our consultants answer calls while in Guatemala, London, and Mexico; advancement in technology can bring many unexpected blessings!

Some things never change though. We still have an incredibly dedicated team of people-loving servants. Just recently, one of our consultants went into labor during her hotline shift; she chose to serve other moms until the time was near and was holding her own baby within two hours of her last hotline call.

Another aspect of our service that has not changed is our approach to people: respect and empathy are integral to Option Line culture.

“My caller says she reached out a year ago and spoke to me. She remembers my voice. She was raped a year ago and reached out to our helpline. She reminded me how she felt alone and that she decided to tell her husband…they kept the baby! She said that God heard her cries and they got help at their local center. Her baby is now 10 months old!”
- Sylvia, Option Line consultant

Option Line was developed on a solid foundation by its early leaders within Heartbeat International. God has ordained every step forward, and we have seen His blessings through those serving, as well as the people we serve. While my first shift on the hotline resulted in twenty-six calls, it is not uncommon for a hotline consultant today to speak with over 100 people per shift. During that first year, we celebrated reaching a quarter million contacts; as of our 22nd birthday, we have reached 7 million. To God be the glory, forever!

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Click here to learn about Option Line's impact today and how we've expanded our modes (digital, emails, texts, chats, and calls) of making over 370,000 connections per year. 

Traditionally driven by secular narratives, International Women's Day can also be celebrated from a Christian perspective. Our hope is to shift the narrative to one that reflects God’s heart for women—celebrating their contributions, championing their worth, and encouraging their decision to choose life. Our desire is to empower women in a way that aligns with our faith, sharing what womanhood truly means as intended by God. 

Watch the video below to read quotes from Heartbeat Staff answering the question "What does womanhood mean to you?"

Join Heartbeat Leadership for a special breakfast buffet gathering as our thanks for your partnership. Connect with staff and discover how your financial support is advancing pregnancy help worldwide.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
9 AM Buffet Open
9:30 AM Partnership Update
Forum K - 3rd Floor of BJCC

.          .          .          .          .          .          .

By Invitation Only - RSVP Today

by Dr. Joe Malone, PhD, CPT, LWMC, CFE

Some in our 21st-century Western culture are advocating many new relationship types. These include hookups, friends with benefits, throuples, cohabitation, polyamory, and more. They say that we need to be liberated from our sexually repressed lifestyles. The philosophy is that if it feels good we should do it with as many different people as we choose. When it stops feeling good or gets old, we can switch to another or others. Being personally happy is the ultimate goal in life for each of us individually and the most important gifts are the ones we give to ourselves in the pursuit of pleasure, no matter how it affects the other people in our lives ( such as exes, children, etc.).

A CHRISTIAN DISTINCTIVE

Sometimes we don’t realize the value of the gift of sex in a loving monogamous relationship that we share with the love of our life, our spouse. An outstanding hallmark of Christianity from the beginning has been monogamous marriage. Christians stood out within their communities because of it. It has also stood the test of time and there are so many benefits to sex within a monogamous marriage. Let’s take a look at some of them.

First of all, sex is a great releaser of stress. Sex within marriage doesn’t carry all of the negative baggage that sex previous to, or otherwise outside of marriage carries like guilty feelings, regret, worry about STIs, or an unintended pregnancy with someone who is not your spouse.

BENEFITS ON MANY LEVELS

Sex within marriage leads to greater and greater levels of intimacy. You get to know each other better and better in a way that no one else on earth does. This helps develop a trusting relationship that is sure and steady. In happy marriages, this can have interesting physical benefits. Happily married couples' blood pressure drops when they sleep together. Their heartbeats synchronize as well. Their hearts literally beat as one because of the assurance that they have that their spouse loves them absolutely and has their back at all times.

The physical contact involved in this helps us to bond more strongly all of the time. There are endorphin receptors throughout the skin covering of the body and they react to intimate and loving touch, which generates endogenous (or internal) endorphins, a kind of super relaxant. Hugs contribute to this, and married couples are encouraged to hug each other at least eight times per day.

LIFE LENGTHENING AND ENHANCING

Another great benefit of married sex is that it is anti-aging. Cells in the body that are anti-inflammatory are released during sexual activity. This helps the body to be able to repair more effectively and seems to be a built-in way that the wellness and well-being of the married couple are enhanced.

Sex within marriage raises our immune system by causing the release of an antibody called immunoglobin A. This helps protect our bodies against invasive bacteria and viruses. A lifelong marriage is a very holistic stabilizing factor physiologically for a couple.

SLEEP LIKE A HUSBAND AND WIFE

An awesome married sex life helps us sleep better because oxytocin is released substantially after orgasm. Cuddling afterward and going to sleep is very natural and healthy. It helps us to have healthier-looking skin as it promotes blood circulation, and it even helps women to have lighter periods. Many women have cramps during their monthly period, and regular sex to orgasm can make a difference through frequent uterine contractions that help expel toxins and tissues.

Sex within marriage raises our moods and gives us a more positive outlook on our spouse. If we are reflective we see that its benefits go far beyond immediate pleasure. When we look at the physical and spiritual fruits of our married sexual relationship: our children and grandchildren, it is obvious that this is definitely one of God’s most important gifts to us. After all, His first words to humanity were to go forth and multiply. As they say, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

GOD’S WAY IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY

Married sex is a wonderful example of men and women displaying consistency, intentionality, and most of all faithfulness. This is what God intended for humans and without doubt, it is best for us. As noted above, it pays dividends multi-generationally to a family and then to all of the lives a family influences in their lifetime. As we have seen before, it is always in our best interests to do things God’s way. Profound and magnificent blessings follow in that pathway. One path leads to death, the other path leads to life. Let’s choose life!

"Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."

Hebrews 13:4 CSB

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This article was originally published on Faithandfitness.net by Joe Malone, PhD, CPT, LWMC, CFE. It has been republished here with permission and adapted for our audience. The views expressed remain those of the original author.

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