president's corner december 2021

At the beginning of 2021, we selected our theme and Bible verse for the year. “Together for Life, 1981 to 2021”, reflected on PDHC’s first 40 years of Rescuing Lives and Impacting Generations. God has richly blessed this ministry through the founding generation, staff and volunteers over the years, relationships built through our community and church partnerships, financial supporters to sustain our mission, passionate prayer warriors, and life-saving services for women and families in the community. Isaiah 43:19 was chosen as our Bible verse for the year as we looked ahead with a renewed sense of hope following a challenging year due to the pandemic.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

As 2021 comes to a close, we thank God for each of you and the richness of the blessings we have to celebrate: 

PDHC’s Youth Development Program returned to the classroom in many schools in Franklin and Fairfield Counties this year, including some new schools. Thousands of middle and high school students were educated with medically accurate information regarding healthy relationships, life goals, decision making, media influence, peer pressure, bullying, teen pregnancy, STI’s and teen dating violence. When asked, most teens desire the same things in life: Success, respect, health, wealth and meaningful relationships. However, many of them differ in their perception of how to obtain the success they desire based on today’s culture. It is important in today’s society to teach teens they cannot simply choose their futures, they can only choose the HABITS that form them. Character is taught and modeled in every Common Sense Culture class and students are equipped with the knowledge to make healthy life choices for a brighter and empowered future.

"I think this is an amazing program that really digs deep into how relationships work and what can happen, so they get stronger." ~ Student

"Thank you for giving of your valuable time and sharing an important message with our students. You provided our students with a role model in which they could relate. Thank you for your time and   your commitment to helping our youth. We would love to have you back next year." ~ Teacher

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PDHC’s Pregnancy Intervention Services has helped over 2,300 women through over 9,800 visits this year. Many of these women in crisis visit multiple times during their pregnancy for personalized consultations, pregnancy test verification and ultrasounds. So far this year, more than 800 decisions for life have been made following a life-saving ultrasound. Abortion Pill Reversal continues to be a critical service provided at PDHC for women who have taken the first set of abortion pills, regret their decision, and want a second chance to save the life of their baby. In 2020, 80% of abortions in Franklin County were via the abortion pill. This year PDHC has been able to provide Abortion Pill Reversal Services to 10 more women. 


Unfortunately, some suffered a miscarriage or continued through with their abortion decision. For those struggling with their decision, we made sure to connect them with our Pregnancy Loss programs and services.  Thankfully, 2 healthy babies have been born, and a few of the women are still pregnant.

This year we have been challenged with our current ultrasound machines that are beyond their life expectancy and in need of replacement at our 4 centers.  We are excited to announce that Focus on the Family will be covering 80% of the cost to provide us with 2 new 3D/4D machines through their wonderful Option Ultrasound Program in the new year. We were able to raise the other 20% at our Celebration for Life Galas in September, along with funding to add additional nursing staff at our centers to provide those crucial ultrasound services.   

PDHC’s 24/7 hotline continues to be the first point of contact for women in crisis with over 40,000 calls, texts and chats so far this year.

 “I cannot begin to thank the center enough for all of the unconditional love and support throughout the scariest time in my life. I felt like I had a family.” ~ PDHC Client


"PDHC has been incredible! They treat you like family from the time you call and visit to the time you walk out! The nurses explained everything. Amazing staff! " ~ PDHC Client

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PDHC’s Family Empowerment Programcontinued to grow this year with over 5,600 parenting class visits by more than 400 new moms and dads. Not only did they receive education to help them become better parents for a healthier family, but they also received crucial baby supplies such as diapers, wipes, car seats, cribs, clothing and many other needed baby items. PDHC continues to walk alongside moms and their babies all the way through the first year of the baby’s life. 
 
“PDHC offered me parenting classes that I needed so much. I have seen a lot of changes in my parenting. You grow up seeing things and dealing with stuff a certain way and it may not always be the best. You don’t want to carry that on to your kids, so having that knowledge and being shown other ways to approach different situations, it’s better for you mentally and your child. Definitely the classes were the most helpful, especially CPR, parenting techniques, swaddling, and the ABCs of sleeping, and the maternity clothes and baby clothes and diapers they gave us too. I appreciate that and them offering that. Some people don’t have that opportunity for that help.” ~ PDHC Class Participant

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83 individuals participated in PDHC’s Abortion Recovery Program through more than 700 sessions, finding hope and healing from a past abortion experience.  This included confidential consultations, drop in connection meetings, Living in Color Bible Studies, Rachel Vineyard Retreats, a Celebration of Restoration Luncheon, and other personalized healing programs. PDHC’s Abortion Recovery 24/7 hotline has helped individuals begin their healing journey through more than 2,000 texts this year.

“Lasting friendships are built here. We fellowship and share God’s grace with each other. The healing continues at Connection Night.” ~ aR Program Participant

2021 has been filled with God’s grace through every life saved and changed with each of PDHC’s four pillars of programs and services. This will have a lasting impact on families for generations. Thank you for answering God’s call and walking alongside us to make it possible.
 
Together for LIFE!

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