We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Berning a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

When I think about the legacy I want to leave, it’s not about being remembered by name or getting recognition. It’s about the people who are alive because we showed up when they needed someone the most.

There are kids out there today because their moms got the support they needed to choose life—and that choice didn’t just change one life, it changed generations. That’s the legacy I want: a ripple effect that outlives me. I hope that one day, people say, “She fought for people who were at risk of being forgotten. And because of that, generations were born.”

That would be more than enough.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

6 years ago, my husband and I got a message from a woman who was planning to have an abortion—not because she wanted to, but because she couldn’t afford to have a baby. We didn’t know her, but we couldn’t ignore her either. So we paid her rent, helped cover her bills, and gave her the breathing room to choose life. And she did.

That moment changed everything for us. We realized just how many women are in that same place—scared, overwhelmed, and convinced they don’t have another option. That’s why we started Let Them Live. We exist to catch women at the edge of that decision and offer a real lifeline: financial help, emotional support, and community. We walk with them through their pregnancies and help them build a stable foundation, not just for themselves but for their babies too.

At the heart of what we do is this belief: no woman should feel forced to choose abortion because of money. It’s a problem that doesn’t get talked about enough, but it’s real—and solvable. What makes Let Them Live different is how personal we make it. Every mom is supported by her counselor, our whole team and the tens of thousands of donors and supporters we have worldwide.

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve helped save—not just the babies, but the moms who’ve rediscovered hope when they thought they were out of options. And I want people to know this: Let Them Live isn’t just a nonprofit. It’s a movement of compassion, action, and belief in the value of every human life.

Whether you’re a donor, a volunteer, or just someone learning about us for the first time, I want you to know that you can be part of a story that ends with life.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it’s been a mix of trial and error, consistency, and learning to connect in a real and honest way.

In the early days of Let Them Live, we knew we had powerful stories to tell. Every mom we helped, every baby saved—it all mattered. So we made the decision to share those stories openly and regularly. We posted consistently, even when the following was small, because we believed that even one person seeing a post could mean another life saved. And that mindset shaped everything.

One of the biggest things that helped us grow was showing the real, raw side of what we do. We didn’t just post polished graphics—we shared videos, handwritten letters from moms, behind-the-scenes moments, even the hard stuff. That transparency helped people connect with our mission on a deeper level.

My advice to anyone starting out: post consistently, even if you feel like no one is listening yet. Social media rewards persistence. Use your voice—don’t try to sound like everyone else. Focus on storytelling over selling. And engage. Respond to comments, share stories from your community, and show up in your DMs. The more human your brand feels, the more trust you’ll build.

Also: don’t underestimate the power of video. Whether it’s Reels, TikToks, or simple Instagram stories—video is where people connect. And remember, not everything has to be perfect. Done is better than perfect when you’re trying to build momentum.

Most importantly, know your “why” and let it lead everything you post. People are drawn to authenticity and mission, not just content.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team of over 50 staff members and 100+ volunteers isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. The key to maintaining high morale is making sure everyone feels valued and connected to the mission.

At Let Them Live, we make it a priority to celebrate every win—big or small. Whether it’s a life saved, a successful fundraiser, or just a team member going above and beyond, we take the time to recognize their efforts. Regular recognition, even in small ways, can go a long way toward boosting morale and reminding everyone that their work truly matters.

Another essential piece is creating a culture of open communication. We hold regular meetings, not just to discuss what’s going on with our projects, but also to check in on how our team is feeling. We encourage everyone to share ideas, frustrations, and successes. People feel more motivated when they know their voice is heard and their input matters.

I also think it’s crucial to keep the team connected to the purpose behind the work. When things get tough, reminding everyone of the bigger picture—why we do what we do—keeps everyone grounded and focused. Whether it’s a message from a mom we’ve helped or a reminder of the lives we’re changing, those real stories are what help the team stay energized.

And of course, maintaining a balance between work and personal life is key. We encourage our staff and volunteers to take time for themselves and set boundaries so that they’re not burning out. Keeping morale high means ensuring everyone feels supported—not just in their work, but as people too.

In short, I’d say the biggest piece of advice is to make people feel seen and heard. Create an environment where they can thrive, and make sure they understand how their work is changing lives. It’s all about connection, appreciation, and keeping the mission at the center of everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://letthemlive.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letthemliveorg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetThemLiveOrg/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/let-them-live
• Twitter: https://x.com/letthemliveorg?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LetThemLive