Karelys Pereira is a staunch pro-life advocate. Not only does she speak right-to-life, she demonstrates her godly convictions and values every day by offering hope and help to single, expectant teenagers. As the director of Royal Home Ministries, and mother of a 17-year-old son, Karelys understands some of the pressures facing today’s teens, as well as issues relating to motherhood.
There was a time when a pregnant teenager was disdained and labeled as a “bad girl.” Sometimes she “disappeared” from her community for a time, until the birth of her child. Her options regarding her “unplanned” baby usually included either making a plan for adoption or seeking an illegal abortion.
That scenario changed somewhat following the passing of Roe vs. Wade, legalizing abortion in 1973. Recent statistics indicate that since then an estimated 63,000,000 babies have been aborted in the United States. Though the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022, the overall abortion numbers in the United States continue to climb.
In 1992, right in the middle of the “abortion crisis,” the Rev. Marvin Whitfield and his wife, Regina, recognized the need of offering an alternative plan for young expectant mothers. So, with God’s help and the support of the church, they established an outreach known as Alternative To Abortion Ministries (ATAM). That name was changed to Royal Home Ministries in 2007 as the services transitioned from Salemburg, North Carolina, to Falcon, bringing it under the umbrella of Falcon Children’s Home (FCH). For more than 30 years now, Royal Home Ministries (RHM) has offered hope for single teenage mothers.
At an early age, Karelys sensed a divine mandate from God to devote her life toward ministering to teens. She and her husband, Israel, whom she met while in college, served as youth pastors in a Pentecostal church in central Florida for several years. When they relocated to North Carolina, they were introduced to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) and became licensed ministers in the North Carolina Conference.
Karelys, Puerta Rican by birth, grew up in a Christian home. In fact, both her mother and her father were lay ministers with the Assemblies of God. Her background in ministry and her proficiency in both English and Spanish placed her quickly in specific areas of service in both the North Carolina Conference and in Northwood Temple PH Church in Fayetteville. On the conference level, Karelys received her ministerial license under Bishop Danny Nelson and served as administrative assistant (AA) to Fernando Angulo, conference director of Hispanic Ministries. She continues to serve on the local level as youth pastor and worship leader at Iglesia Northwood.
During her service in the conference office, Karelys became acquainted with Marysol Martinez, overseer at the Royal Home. She quickly became a faithful supporter of the ministry to single mothers. When Mrs. Martinez retired, Kareyls applied for the position and was hired immediately. She has served as the licensed director of RHM since February 2019.
Karelys admits that housing and ministering to pregnant teenagers, though greatly rewarding, presents a variety of challenges. Since the Royal Home accepts only single girls, they bring with them assorted circumstances. She recalls even having received a pregnant twelve-year-old child. Many of the girls in need of maternity care are in the state-run foster care system. Some are victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse. Others have chosen alternative lifestyles that resulted in their needing assistance.
“It’s alarming how many of our residents are in need of hope and healing and a chance for a better life, in spite of the circumstances they have experienced,” she says. “Because they are here, they have an opportunity for a successful future.”
Royal Home Ministries exists not only for pregnant girls in need of maternity care, it also provides—in separate housing—an after-care ministry for teenage moms who have already given birth. RHM helps many of these young women graduate high school, learn important life skills, find jobs, and begin to live productive lives.
“We are pro-life; not just pro-baby,” says Karelys. “Our goal is to see these young mothers heal, grow, learn, and leave prepared to be independent. This success happens only through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Joey Leggett, administrator of both Falcon Children’s Home and RHM, commends the Whitfields for launching ATAM. “As a result, ATAM/RHM has touched the lives of about 860 mothers and babies,” he says.
He also praises the efficiency with which Karelys directs the ministry. “She is a gifted woman of God who represents FCH and the IPHC very well,” he says.
“I feel privileged to be involved in such an effective pro-life ministry,” says Karelys “I am honored to help provide hope and a brighter future for young women, some of whom feel hopeless.”
For 30 years, the Royal Home Ministries in Falcon, North Carolina, has stood as a place of hope, under the anointed leadership of people of promise, demonstrating the true meaning of PRO-LIFE.
(L-R) IPHC Presiding Bishop Doug; Beacham, Pastor Jason Cook; Joey Leggett, Administrator of the Falcon Children’s Home; and Karelys Pereira, director of RHM; at the 2024 March for Life held on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
The RHM Advisory Committee (L-R): Rev. Phillip Bland, Karelys Pereira, Pearlie Coleman, Terri Prestwood, Rev. Travis Castle, Rev. Casey Strickland
Karelys Pereira interpreted for Joey Leggett in Chile at the inauguration of the James D. Leggett Foundation.
The Mission M25 Diaper Run travels coast to coast every year in September raising pro-life awareness. The motorcyclists collect diapers, wipes and monetary donations for facilities that are making a difference. In 2025, M25 contributed much needed supplies and over $34,000 to the Royal Home Ministries.
