On Saturday, a 2-mile pledge walk will raise money for the Pregnancy Care Center. Organizers hope the center's 16th annual Walk For Life will bring the center's goal of raising $22,000 within reach.
"If you are passionate about women, family, children and babies, this is a great cause to take part in," said Marge Squire, development and communications manager at the center.
She said organizers decided to have the event on Mother's Day weekend to identify with all mothers.
About 100 people walked last year, so this year the center is hoping for at least 50 people at each site. For those who cannot make it to the walk, participants have the option of walking at their homes or at the gym on a treadmill.
To help raise money, volunteers collect pledges. Any amount is acceptable. Walkers will collect names, phone numbers and addresses. The center takes care of the billing.
"We try and make it as easy as possible for the walkers and volunteers to collect pledge donations, as well as have the opportunity to walk, even though they may not be able to be at the actual event," Squire said.
There are three walk locations — St. John the Baptist Church, 110 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill; Free Christian Church, 31 Elm St., Andover; and Hope Community Church, 11 Hale St., Newburyport.
Hosted by the hospitality committee at St. John the Baptist Church, all money raised goes toward materials and support services the center offers for expectant mothers with unexpected pregnancies.
Mary McCarthy, the center's executive director, called the Pregnancy Care Center a pro-life, Christ-centered ministry that educates prospective parents — mothers and father — about all options available, including abortion.
The bulk of the services and materials that the center offers benefit mothers and children. Material services continue for a baby for about 21 months. The center helps the mother from the time she steps in the door to the time her baby is a year old, Squire said. The mother receives a gift bag with diapers, clothes, blankets and other necessities, as well as a baby shower.
"From clothing to blankets to diapers to cribs, we have everything a new mom could need to take care of a baby. We're here for women who find themselves with an unintended pregnancy. They are in crisis. We try and help guide the woman through her options and her choice. First and foremost we are for the mother and supporting her in her choice. In essence, that ensures we also care for the baby."
The center has a maternity boutique.
"Not only is it important for the babies to have the clothes they need but also the mother. They can come in here and find a few outfits that make them feel comfortable and beautiful throughout their pregnancy," Squire said.
Last year, there were 1,600 client visits at the center's three locations. The main site is in on Main Street in Haverhill, with satellite locations in Amesbury and Newburyport.
The center's food pantry, which provides meals for baby as well as the family, served 242 households, giving out 739 bags of food amounting to 4,434 meals.
Expectant mothers can meet weekly with a peer counselor to discuss all their questions and concerns, or for emotional support, Squire said. All counselors are trained for 20 hours before meeting with clients. The center is looking to expand the peer counseling program to include man-to-man peer counseling as well.
"A lot of times people tend to forget that the father-to-be is in just as much crisis and it's important that we try and offer him the support he may need as well," Squire said.
Funding for the center comes entirely from individuals, businesses and churches in the region. It also receives limited government funding, Squire said. The center is always in need of diapers, formula, cribs, bassinets and strollers.
"It's important to be where people are. Not everyone has a car they can drive to wherever they need to go. Many people either take the bus or walk. Having three locations makes us pretty accessible to everyone in the area," Squire said.
For more information or to register, call 978-373-5718 ext. 53 or visit www.firstgiving.com/pccmv.
The Center is also looking for participants for its "Golf Fore Life" event on June 16 at Far Corner Golf Course at Main Street and Barker Road in West Boxford. Registration is from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. followed by a shot gun start at 8 a.m. and lunch at 1:30 p.m. The event is a scramble format. The cost is $160 per person and includes a golf cart, green's fees, luncheon and prizes. Single golfers will be matched up with foursomes. For more information, call Squire at 978-373-5718 or e-mail margesquire@pccnortheast.org.
