Catherine Mulhern – The Catholic Sun
Salina was shocked to learn that she had unexpectedly become pregnant. She was uninsured and worried so she used Google to research her options. Google returned many results, including Planned Parenthood. But Salina’s gut told her to go to Aid to Women Center and she’s glad she did.
Accompanying her through the thick and thin of this pregnancy and another soon to come, Aid to Women Center staff members walked with Salina along the path that led to the “greatest blessings” in her life – her daughters Callie, 2 years old, and Faith, 1 year old.
Salina quickly made this place of support for mothers-to-be a community that would change their lives.
Aid to Women Center – one of the 70 ministries supported by the Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) – is a pregnancy center that is committed to providing compassionate, Catholic-minded care no matter the circumstances. The care includes free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds (low-cost), prenatal care, breastfeeding consultations, peer counseling, peer-to–peer counseling, and material items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, and more.
But to the staff members, these services are only the beginning of a much greater mission – to show the unconditional love of Jesus to every woman who walks through their doors.
Your gift to Charity and Development Appeal (CDA), ensures that Salina and hundreds more pregnant mothers are cared for and accompanied by loving families. You also have an impact on more than 70 CDA charities and ministries, providing hope for thousands of families and individuals in need.
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“Many of these mothers have been hurt in some way and have not been shown their worth or dignity,” said Anne Dennis, Outreach Manager of Aid to Women Center. “We just want to love them and hold them up. We want to show them that someone has their best interest in mind, and they are worthy of love and intentional care.”
While some women may think that this idea is too good to believe, they are surprised at how many women realize the genuineness of the staff and their desire to help women.
As DennIs continued, “God’s love is Too good to be true. That’s the kind of love we hope to share with the mothers and fathers who come to Aid to Women Center.”
This is the same love that has impacted Salina’s life deeply.
Salina was confirmed pregnant by Aid to Women Center’s first visit. She decided to continue her prenatal and parenting preparations there. Among the many forms of support she has received, three stand out: A baby blanket with the words “You are wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14” that she was given during her first visit, the fact that the staff members know every mother by name, and the love of those who have accompanied her so closely.
“It’s not that I could just come to get diapers and clothes,” said Salina, who is deeply grateful for these items. “It’s so much bigger than that. Aid to Women Center is a close-knit organization. It is easy to visit and talk with staff members about any topic. You need community when you are having kids, and it’s been such a blessing to find that here.”
Aid to Women Center counseled over 2,300 women who were considering abortion in Tempe’s two locations between 2022 and 2023. In November 2022, they opened a much-needed third center, extending women’s health care and prenatal services to the low-income and uninsured women of South Phoenix. They also have a location right next to Planned Parenthood.
Aid to Women Center depends heavily on CDA funding to maintain its doors and to serve more than 170 women each week. Dedicated staff members are able to continue providing medical care, material support and, most importantly, the love of Jesus for mothers in post-Roev.Wade society through CDA funding.
“You who support the CDA are an extension of the work being done here,” said Joe Kendra, Executive Director of Aid to Women Center.
“Without you, there is no one to answer the phone and no one to greet women who come through our doors. You are the person who answers the phone when a woman needs assistance. When we meet a woman and hear her story, you are there with her. When we meet with a woman who took the abortion pill, you are there with us.
“Thank you for making this possible.”
