The LIFE Pregnancy Center was recently awarded $40,500 from The Catholic Foundation, through a Vision grant, to fund a framing project for their new facility.
The non-profit organization was notified of the decision on March 1 after a two-part application process and a site visit from Foundation representatives, Amy Parker and Bruce Boylan.
This funding helped cover the cost of the 4,000-square-foot newly-framed and roofed Pregnancy Center on the corner of Fayette Street and Broadway Street in Washington Court House.
The Catholic Foundation awards annual grants to parishes within the 23-county Diocese of Columbus, which addresses the needs of the parish community. St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church supports this pregnancy center and outreach ministry; therefore, the grant application process was made through the church’s social impact services. The grant committee considers funding projects that meet the criteria of a sustainability plan, collaborative effort and financial support from multiple sources.
Barbara Fox, center director, explained, “I feel the grant committee looked very favorably on this project due to the fact that our community has been very charitable toward the center, monetarily, as well as through ‘sweat equity’ and gift-in-kind pledges.” She added, “Given that, only a limited number of vision grants are distributed annually, the center was privileged to be chosen as a recipient of this generous sum.”
“We appreciate and are very grateful that The Catholic Foundation bestowed such a substantial grant to the center that will enable us to complete the construction project,” said Patty Griffiths, the board president. “This new facility will serve more clientele through our current programs and prospective initiatives, specifically the father’s program, the abortion recovery program and the youth development program.”
To date, the campaign has raised 93 percent ($370,000) of the $400,000 projected cost of the new building. The professionally-designed facility will create a welcoming environment to parents who need assistance while facing the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy as well as help area youth make responsible and healthy decisions. Above all, the center will continue to be the service arm of the pro-life movement to advance a culture of life in the community.
The LIFE Pregnancy Center offers free and confidential care, including pregnancy testing and ultrasound exams. Additionally, support is provided to those in need of educational, emotional, spiritual, and material assistance in regard to pregnancy, parenting, abortion, adoption, life skills and sexual integrity.
For further information on the LIFE Pregnancy Center, or to contribute to this project call 740-333-3030 or mail donations to 314 E. Court St., Washington Court House, OH 43160.
