Faith Maternity Care (FMC) exists to support women who choose to carry their babies to full term by providing a home for expectant mothers and community services for those who already have a place to call home. If you’ve visited the FMC home or reached out by phone or email, you likely have met Administrative Assistant Mary Byrd. Mary always has a smile on her face and is a friendly, welcoming presence.
Mary shared, “I grew up on a farm near Calwood, Missouri, in a Christian family. I have been a member of Southside Baptist since I was three years old, with the exception of the five years that I lived in Springfield, Missouri. I am married to Bill and have one daughter from my previous marriage, two stepdaughters, one stepson, and six grandchildren. I worked as a medical transcriptionist at St. Mary’s Hospital until they closed the transcription department. I then went to work in the records department at Fulton Diagnostic Center. I moved up my retirement from there as my sister, Ann Oestreich, had cancer, and I wanted to spend time with her. I retired on March 31, 2023, and my sister died on April 8, 2023, about one week later. After some time, I became busy with church activities and visiting family and friends. As time went on, I decided I could use some more money as prices of everything increased, so I started searching for a part-time job. It was months of looking and praying for something with the hours that suited me, and I was getting discouraged. But God did have a job for me; I just needed to be patient. He knew this job opening would be coming up at Faith Maternity for me. I had always heard about Faith Maternity and knew it was an organization that did good things, but now that I work there, I love Faith Maternity Care and its mission. I started work here in February 2024. I am the administrative assistant and do a wide variety of jobs such as recording donations, filing, assisting board members and the program director as needed, baby bottle drive, etc. I wish everyone in the community could see firsthand Faith Maternity’s program, as it assists mothers to become independent. As a three-year-old girl said when she first walked in our doors with her mother and brother, “Oh Wow,” with a big smile on her face. I am glad that Faith Maternity is located in Fulton, as this community has been such a blessing to Faith Maternity with their support. We thank you with all our hearts.”
FMC staff, volunteers, and moms alike enjoy working with Mary. FMC Lead Residential Assistant Symone Kuschel said, “Mary has been a joy to us since she first became a part of our team. The clients love her energy, as do we. She’s such a fun and bubbly person; very kind, understanding, and quick on her feet. We look forward to the days she comes in, there’s always laughs, it’s always pleasant with her around.”
FMC Program Director Charlotte Overton shared, “Mary has been supporting our team and is willing to go beyond her role. In times of staffing shortages–whether due to illness or unexpected absences–Mary steps in to fill the gaps, even taking on the full responsibilities of a Resident Assistant when needed. Most recently, Mary amazed us all by helping secure a thousand-dollar savings on a new filtration system through her negotiation skills and assistance with a grant purchase–an incredible win for Faith Maternity. Her dedication to our mission does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mary, for your servant heart and your commitment to the team!” With so much strife in the world, we need more people like Mary, serving with a joyful heart to support moms who are choosing life. And we are confident that faith happens when “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10