By Linda Muirhead
Special to The PREVIEW
“Seeds of Life” is the theme of this year’s Pagosa Pregnancy Support Center’s annual fund-raising banquet, to be held at 6 p.m, Friday, Sept. 27, at Centerpoint Church.
This is the center’s largest fund-raising event and is crucial for keeping our doors open so we can reach out to young singles and families in our community.
There was a large increase in client visits, as well as budget cuts to center hours, programs and staff support in 2011 and 2012. Thanks to the success of our recent Golf Marathon, the center is again open four days a week. However, the Golf Marathon scarcely covers one-third of the annual operating budget. With a successful banquet and the diverse funding we have introduced, we know we will be able to continue to offer much needed programs to our community.
There have been 3,785 Earn While You Learn classes completed since the program’s start in 2008. Each class gives our clients a chance to meet one-on-one with a mentor, while also learning from educational prenatal, life skills, relationship and parenting material.
In 2012, volunteers gave more than 3,500 hours of their time to support the center. Each day, at least three volunteers are available to mentor clients and teach classes.
In addition, volunteers help with cleaning, administrative duties, managing the boutique, with fund-raising and other special events. Volunteer time and efforts are equal to, or greater, than that of staff hours each year.
Currently, the Pregnancy Support Center collaborates with more than ten local community organizations to offer the best services possible to individuals in need. The Pregnancy Support Center is the go-to organization for early prenatal care and parenting education.
This year’s Seeds of Life banquet promises to be an evening of encouraging supporters that, together, we can sow seeds of life in our community. Together, we can support young ladies in choosing life. Together, we can prepare men for fatherhood. Together, we are a beacon of hope for this community. A step of faith, like the mustard seed, is all that is needed to enable miracles and acts of service here in Pagosa Springs. You are encouraged to partner with us.
Reservations required no later than Sept. 21.
Call the center at 264-5963 or e-mail admin@pagosapsc.org to reserve your spot.
