Imagine a young mother with a baby on her hip standing on the steps of her apartment. She has just found out that some “church ladies” are teaching new moms about how they can help their babies learn and grow. She wants a church lady to help her, too.  In 1998, a curriculum development pilot of what has evolved into One by One Ministries was implemented in the Victoria Courts and the San Juan Homes, both government-funded housing projects in San Antonio. Several young women were brought to the Lord.  It was obvious that this new endeavor was meeting a need.

One by One was officially incorporated in 1998. For several more years, through personal trials, moves and career changes, Linda Hibner and Evelyn Herbert traveled to each other’s homes at every available opportunity to work on refining the curriculum and building an implementation plan.  Throughout the years, the entire team met regularly to assess progress, to find ways to introduce the new program, and to seek financial support for the ministry. One by One became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2003, and the original board of directors was expanded to include a number of new members.

In the fall of 2004, One by One Ministries was awarded a large grant through the Christ Is Our Salvation (C.I.O.S.) Foundation. This grant enabled One by One Ministries to establish an official office and hire its first full-time employees, including Linda Hibner as Program Director in January of 2005.  Initial response to One by One Ministries has been very enthusiastic.

Confirmation to the effectiveness of One by One came with a grant from Baptist Hospital Foundation, a second grant from C.I.O.S. and several individual donors.  The ministry continues to expand and now has begun work in many new churches. One by One has trained mentors, prayer partners, coordinators, church staff, and pregnancy center volunteers.  To date, we have served 300 families with 175 matches currently in place, and have begun work in over 40 churches across Texas.

Although Dr. Hime did not live to see his dream realized, the seeds he planted have fallen on fertile soil. Our board has grown from three to fourteen members, and we now employ four full-time and five part-time staff.  Camille Simmons joined the team as Executive Director in September of 2006. Evelyn Herbert continues her dual role as a Founding Director and editor/designer.

Great Futures, a collaborative venture with San Antonio Pregnancy Care Center and Baptist Child and Family Services, has been initiated to serve the west side of San Antonio. This past fall, we welcomed Patti Ibarra as coordinator for this groundbreaking project. She and Linda recently held the first-ever bi-lingual training in February of 2007. The translation of the curriculum into Spanish has opened up many new doors.

Our past has been marked with God’s intervention and direction. We look to a very bright future. We pray daily for others to catch the vision of One by One as we continue to partner with God in ministry to families
. . . for the sake of a child.