Why We Created Circle of Hope
How Our Story Began
Circle of Hope was founded by Liesa and Donato Borrillo, Betty Johnston, and their late dear friend, Patrick “Lance” O’Carroll
Each of us had spent years involved in pro-life causes before our paths came together. Over time, our shared experiences led us to a difficult but important realization:
Something was missing. And we knew it mattered deeply.
We cared deeply about protecting life and supporting the people facing these decisions. But over time, we began asking ourselves a deeper question:
Understanding What People Were Facing
As we listened more closely, we began to understand the weight so many people were carrying:
Fear. Financial pressure. Housing concerns. Relationship struggles. School. Work. Health worries. The feeling that everything was falling apart at once.
For many women, men, teens, and families, the problem was not a lack of love or concern for the baby.
They simply could not see a realistic path forward because the obstacles in front of them felt overwhelming, and the support, resources, and practical help needed to overcome those barriers were not within reach.
When the Help Offered Was Not Enough
We also began to understand why many people did not turn to crisis pregnancy centers for help.
A pregnancy test, a confirmation ultrasound, a conversation, or basic baby supplies could certainly be valuable—but they were rarely enough for someone facing homelessness, financial hardship, an unsafe relationship, untreated mental health needs, lack of medical care, pressure from a partner or family member, or fear of losing an education or career.
The needs were far greater than the help being offered.
Understanding the Lack of Trust
At the same time, we understood why many people had become skeptical of crisis pregnancy centers.
Some feared they would be judged, pressured, preached to, or given incomplete information. Others questioned the accuracy of the medical information they received, wondered whether their concerns would truly be heard, or felt that the services available were too limited to address the realities they were facing. Many also worried that meaningful support might end after the first visit.
Those concerns helped shape how we believed people should be served.
Before encouraging someone to continue a pregnancy, we needed to understand what was making that path feel impossible. And if we were going to speak about hope, we also needed to help address the barriers making life beyond the immediate crisis hard to imagine.
A Different Kind of Pregnancy Center
When Circle of Hope was created, Gainesville already had several crisis pregnancy centers offering essentially the same core services. We knew it made little sense to simply duplicate what was already available. People needed something genuinely different—an approach designed not only to encourage expectant parents to choose life, but to address the barriers standing in the way and help make that choice possible.
Through countless conversations with women, men, and teens from all walks of life who were navigating unexpected pregnancies, we came to understand how financial hardship, unstable housing, difficult relationships, limited access to healthcare, fear about the future, and countless other pressures could make abortion seem like the only way forward.
We recognized that meaningful support had to go far beyond a pregnancy test, “options counseling”, a confirmation ultrasound, and some baby supplies. It required individualized care, a broad range of services, credible and compassionate guidance, and a commitment to remain present for as long as support was needed.
So we built Circle of Hope to be dramatically different—by design.
Going Beyond the Traditional Model.
Today, that vision comes to life in the way we serve each person who comes through our doors. From the moment they arrive, they are seen, first and foremost, as a person—not a decision to influence. We provide much-needed medical care and solution-focused counseling from trained professionals, along with the time, information, and support to regain their bearings, identify practical ways forward, and consider the path ahead with greater clarity—so that choosing life can become a realistic choice rather than something that feels impossible.
We also believe deeply in wise stewardship of every resource entrusted to us. Rather than duplicating services already available in our community, we developed a wraparound model built through collaboration—creating a true circle of support by working alongside trusted healthcare providers, churches, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to bring services, resources, and expertise together.
By keeping overhead lean and working collaboratively, we can stretch donor dollars further and expand the support available to the people we serve.
But everything we do is rooted in one unwavering commitment: to make choosing life feel truly possible. And we will keep growing, reaching farther, and finding new ways to serve with excellence, compassion, and purpose.
"Everything we do is rooted in one unwavering commitment: to make choosing life feel truly possible."
The Values That Continue to Guide Us
At Circle of Hope, we believe no one should feel pushed toward a life-changing decision because they are afraid, overwhelmed, pressured, or without the help they need.
We believe complex problems require more than simple solutions—they call for thoughtful, meaningful help that addresses the many realities a person may be facing.
We believe in wise stewardship and the strength of community—using resources thoughtfully, building meaningful partnerships, and working together to surround families with a wider circle of care, connection, and opportunity.
Most of all, we believe hope becomes real when compassion is matched with meaningful action.
That is why Circle of Hope exists.
IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE
Lance O’Carroll’s Lasting Legacy
Co-Founder of Circle of Hope
The vision for Circle of Hope was shaped by people who gave generously of themselves from the very beginning. Among them was our dear friend and co-founder, Patrick “Lance” O’Carroll, whose faith, compassion, and quiet determination helped make this ministry possible.
Lance was a devout Catholic with a deep love for God and an unwavering commitment to serving others. For decades, he was a steadfast pro-life advocate, faithfully standing with unborn babies and their mothers. He was also a devoted supporter of 40 Days for Life, giving generously of his time, encouragement, and presence to a mission that meant so much to him.
If someone needed help, Lance was there. He gave without seeking recognition, stepped in wherever he was needed, and had a remarkable willingness to do whatever he could to make life a little better for someone else.
We deeply wish Lance were here to see how much Circle of Hope has grown and how many lives are now being touched. His kindness, courage, faith, and love for others remain part of the foundation on which this ministry was built, and his influence continues to be felt in every life we are privileged to serve.
Lance may no longer be with us, but the good he helped set in motion continues every day.