“LIFE MOVES!!!” That was the big announcement as LIFE Pregnancy Center held its annual fundraiser banquet at Grace Community Church on Thursday, Oct. 8th.
The large audience was infused with “Serving the Lord with Joy.” Tim Cross’ songs set a spiritual tone. A Christian comedian proved both entertaining and inspiring with his light-hearted take on his life, which involved stories about the adoption of three of his children with special needs.
The executive director, Barbara Fox, introduced special guests with testimonies of their paths to motherhood. One inspiring story ended with a loving adoption. Another story highlighted a mother’s path to marriage, motherhood, faith and adoption of a daughter.
Then, the question concerning the impending relocation and future site of the LIFE Pregnancy Center was answered. Director Barbara Fox revealed a proposal for the new building site located across from the health department. Until the new proposed building is a reality, the Center will be located at 314 E. Court St. in Washington C.H.
The board and staff petitioned the guests to pledge monetarily or volunteer sweat equity to the Hearts and Hands of Hope Campaign. This capital campaign drive will raise monies so that that the Center can continue to offer medical, material, emotional, educational and spiritual pregnancy, and parenting support in a more conducive and professional facility.
“The Center strives to educate a woman about all options during the pregnancy decision process and offers hope and help at no cost in a confidential manner,” reports Fox. The Center provides pregnancy testing, ultrasound exams, confidential consulting, pre-abortion consultations, an abortion recovery program, adoption referrals, maternity and baby clothes and supplies as well as emotional support. The Center also sponsors abstinence programs at our local schools and the motivational curriculum is well received by students. The Center presently functions through a Board of Directors of seven, an administrative staff of three, a medical staff of three and a general staff of 14.
“The ambitious plan for a new facility has a projected cost of over $200,000 and embodies placing trust in God’s hands,” according to Fox. She added, “A new facility will likely take a year or two to finance and build.”
The Hearts & Hands of Hope Campaign aims to raise funds to expand existing services, add a Father’s Ministry, attract 40 percent more prospective mothers and house all services under one roof. The Center anticipates the community will be highly engaged in this project. Architectural plans for the facility have already been conceptualized.
This year marks the beginning of the 16th year of life-affirming work by dedicated volunteers at the Center. Since 2000, over 11,000 individual visits have been made to the Center.
Area individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations presently support the LIFE Pregnancy Center’s ministry, but additional donations and prayers are needed. Want to help? Contact the Center at 740-333-3030 or [email protected]. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 681, WCH, OH
