Article by Tory Kolkhorst

Photos by Kelvin Pinney 

Imagine a woman staring at two pink lines, suddenly facing an unplanned pregnancy. Maybe she's in school. Maybe she's between jobs or building a career. Maybe she's raising older children. She might have the support of family, or perhaps little to no support at all. A wave of emotions rolls over her as she seeks assurance that everything will be okay during a period of such uncertainty. Then she calls LaVie Health to schedule an appointment. 

The day comes, and she walks through the doors. Immediately, a warm smile from the receptionist greets her. She takes a seat in the atrium, natural light pouring in, a twinkling chandelier overhead, and a large hand-painted mural with the words "I am enough" surrounding her. Before her appointment has even begun, she knows she is valued. That sense of dignity carries into her time with experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals, and it echoes through a larger vision now taking shape at LaVie Health. 

That vision is the Family Resource Program. Designed to support mothers and families long after their first appointment, it encompasses several interconnected programs, including the recently launched Oak + Sparrow baby boutique, built by CDW Construction. 

Rather than receiving donated items or pre-packed gift bags, clients earn credits through participation in programs and classes and use them to shop for whatever best meets their family's needs, from baby clothes and essentials to items that support their own well-being. As LaVie Health puts it, "receiving support should never feel like losing your voice or your independence." 

CEO Cindy Nordstog is clear that Oak + Sparrow is not peripheral to LaVie's mission; it is central to it. "It says to every pregnant woman and family needing our services: 'We are here for you medically, emotionally, and practically; not just for a moment, but for the journey ahead.'" 

Family Resource Director Jeanne Monroy has dreamed of a model like this ever since she began working at LaVie Health nearly ten years ago. During her first tour of the clinic, she noticed an area where baby donations were stored, and the idea of creating a boutique shopping experience for mothers took hold. Recognizing that financial concerns are often among the greatest stressors when preparing to welcome a child, programs like Oak + Sparrow help ensure families have access to practical, tangible resources when they need them most. 

The boutique is designed around what Jeanne has coined the NEST framework, an acronym standing for Nurture, Educate, Support, and Thrive. This framework champions the belief that education creates opportunity, which is why the "Earn While You Learn" model fits so naturally within it. 

Jeanne shared, "There is something deeply rewarding about knowing you have provided for your family, and we believe this is no different. With this model, there is a sense of ownership that comes from knowing you've earned these items; they weren't simply handed to you. You put in the effort, invested your time, and took intentional steps to provide for your baby. We believe that builds confidence, dignity, and a deeper sense of pride as parents prepare for their growing family." 

That vision continues to expand. More ways to serve families are being explored, including life skills classes, financial literacy programs, support groups, and mentorship opportunities. 

Every detail of Oak + Sparrow was thoughtfully considered, including the name itself, branded by Director of Marketing Kelsey Wagner. The oak represents deep-rooted strength and a season of becoming, while the sparrow tenderly reminds us that no life is overlooked. The team at LaVie Health hopes that any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy can walk through their doors, whatever her story or circumstances, and know she has found a place where hope takes root. 

LaVie Health Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Sayler shared, "God has equipped professional, talented, kind, and servant-filled staff at LaVie to fulfill His mission where lives are saved with gentleness and compassion and every individual is prayed for long after the first appointment. The generosity of our donors and community is so very appreciated, and we will honor and glorify this new gift. The legacy of the baby boutique shopping experience is immeasurable…” 

Originally printed in the August 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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