Zena Lyth, MSW - Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach

I am a former APO Mentor Mom and am happy to now be a part of Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach serving as Counselor to birth moms and adoptive parents. Adoption has been a part of my life since the day I was born. I was adopted as an infant and am also a birthmother who made an adoption plan when I was a teenager. I met my birthmother when I was 18 and was fortunate to have her in our lives until she passed away recently.

Adoption having had such an impact on my life, I knew early on this would be my career. The summer after high school graduation, I started at Texas State University. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree and went on to Our Lady of the Lake University to earn my master’s in social work.

For 20 years, I worked with birth parents, adoptees, foster, and adoptive parents as they experienced and lived through all stages of the foster care and adoption process. The families and staff at DePelchin Children’s Center and Methodist Mission Home gave me a fabulous foundation and a wealth of invaluable knowledge.

When our girls were in elementary school, we decided we wanted the small-town life and moved to my husband’s hometown of Bellville. After a few years, I realized the commute was too much and I began working in administration in a private school.

I have missed adoption since I made the change and feel blessed to be back where I belong and where God has called me to be. We currently live in Brenham, and I enjoy the peaceful commute to BCS.

My husband John and I met when I was 18. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Alee & Olivia, and a wonderful son-in-law, Jake. We are all very close and my favorite thing to do is spend time with them. My girls have grown to be my best friends, and I couldn’t be prouder of the women they have become. I am beyond blessed and so very grateful to be their mom.

I have known for as long as I can remember that adoption is my calling. Helping women who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy, and working with birth and adoptive families through the lifelong journey of adoption is where my heart is. This is so much more than a career for me, it is God’s calling on my life and I feel privileged to answer that call by being a part of the ministry at APO.

You can contact Zena at zena@pregnancyoutreach.org.

APO helped through the hardest thing I'll probably ever have to go through! The lady I worked with was so much help. They helped me with a lot, from counseling to helping financially. From phones calls, text, emails, and meetings, they always check up on you to make sure things are going ok. They always offer to come to you instead of going into the office. I will forever be grateful for their help. Absolutely loved APO!!!

Hannah

Absolutely the best and most supportive agency ever! Both of our children are APO kids and they're still there for us during the teenage years! What I truly love about this organization is they are truly there for the birth families and a lot of young mothers that choose to parent; they give them so much support.

Lois D.

Our hearts are full and our family is complete. APO truly has the best interest of the children at heart. They guideded us and the birth mom step by step trough a stressful and emotional process. They were always available when we had questions or concerns. We appreciate that they take the time to build a one on one relationship with the adopting families and with the birth moms.

Lori Brown

I started volunteering at Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach the fall of my freshman year of college. APO has many wonderful programs for those needing support during/post pregnancies. I am blessed to volunteer with such a compassionate organization, and watch many lives be touched. God is truly working through APO!

SSK

I was going through a very tough time, and this organization held my hand the whole way. I experienced working with Karla, who by the way is sweet as ever! When I came home from the hospital from having my baby, I was really depressed. I was refusing to talk to anyone because I had just given my baby boy up for adoption. Karla kept reaching out to me until I was ready to talk about it. Without APO I don't know where I would be today. I am very grateful for having them when I was at my lowest, and I will always remember the great staff.

Terria

My family came to this organization during a painful time when we had a hole in our heart. We were seeking out different organization and doing research to find our next step. We came to APO just to listen and learn. It didn't take long before we knew this was the perfect place for us. They are more than just a resource for family with unplanned pregnancy and for families seeking adoptions. They are a home for the hurting that provides a family no matter what caused the pain. The members of the staff soon turn into a brothers/sisters or uncles/aunts. They can’t fix your pain, but they vow to walk with you in it. Through their experience, love, wisdom and trust, you soon find that your path you’re on seems a little less lonely because they are with you and it makes a worlds different!

Jean

Great staff and family friendly atmosphere! The people involved truly want to serve and care deeply about the young mothers and children they are able to work with. Awesome opportunity for fellowship and community!

Jordan Szura

Amazing! My wife and I adopted both of our children through APO. The staff at APO does an amazing job helping birth parents and adoptive families through one of the most difficult and happiest times of their lives. They show kindness and compassion to everyone they work with and are both professional and loving at the same time. We love sharing our kids adoption stories, and APO is a huge part of both. We have referred several friends to APO and will continue to do so.

Grant Irons

APO has been such an incredible blessing to us and to our community! We joined the APO family in June of 2011, when we attended an adoption seminar. We had no idea the amount of support and priceless friendships that we would receive....and most importantly our precious son!! The amount of love and compassion this ministry gives to our community is irreplaceable and I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone looking to adopt, volunteer, or seeking help with an unplanned pregnancy.

Ashley

Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach is an incredible resource that the Bryan/College Station area has to offer for unplanned pregnancies. They provide a variety of services for all stages of pregnancy. Staff is considerate, well trained, non-judgmental, and kind.

Teisha Ray

What a great organization! I cannot say enough about the friendliness of the staff. Their genuine concern for the young families is evident in everything they do. I love volunteering there.

Vaughn Miller

We went through the process of adoption through Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach (APO) and couldn't me more pleased. The adoption process has its beautiful and awkward moments, and APO helped make it comfortable and smooth. They are an extension of our family now and we are so blessed and grateful for them being a huge part in taking us from a family of three to a family of four! Thanks and God Bless You Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach!

Phil

Our connection to APO is an outer circle at best. We are the parents of someone who gave their child up for adoption. I thought my husband and I would have very little interaction with the adoption agency, but I was wrong. This agency's representative has gone above and beyond the paperwork and legalities. She has given godly advice both before the baby was born and continuing long after the adoption was finalized. I know if I called her today she would welcome my call and take the time to address my concerns with prayer and love.

GTS