The holiday season is upon us once again, and what a joyous time of year! It is a time of gathering with families to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas and the traditional meals and gifts that are associated with this season. With this comes all the endless decisions we make over the holidays, there are many indeed, and we do so effortlessly. The decision process is simple, we know what our options are, and we seek out information, make up our mind and come to a conclusion. Usually the decision making process is easy, but there are times when some decisions become difficult and challenging, especially so, when the decision will impact one’s life and the life an unborn child.
When a woman comes to Reachout Pregnancy Center in a crisis pregnancy situation she is coming to find information and assistance to make the right decision. Our mission is; “to provide loving support and education for pre- and post-natal women so that they choose life for their babies and to aid women who have had abortions.”
We provide to every woman who is considering an abortion, information about her pregnancy, education about adoption alternatives, first time parenting support, and a variety of other resources available to help her with her decision to choose life. We offer loving support by providing free pregnancy testing, sonograms, maternity clothes, layettes, diapers, formula and clothing. We have post abortion counseling and programs for those women who are struggling with their pain. Our goal is to educate, inform, and support her decision to choose life.
Since Roe vs. Wade passed forty years ago, 25% of our current generation is not with us, making decisions today. We need to continue to change one heart at a time, for the survival of the next generation and generations to come.
Last year we were able to change the hearts and minds of 90% of the women who came to our center, abortion minded, and through our client advocate counseling, she decided on life instead. Fortunately the number of women deciding that an abortion is an option is on the decline. This can only mean that our message is being heard. With your support we are making a difference for the lives these women and of their unborn child.
Over the past 5 years we have served approximately 21,000 women and our numbers are growing, especially as the economy continues to weaken. So far this year we have served close to 5,100 women and have two months to go. For many of the first time clients asking for material assistance, it is their first experience ever asking for help. Most of our clients receive food stamps, which only pays for food, and not toiletries or diapers. It costs Reachout approximately $123,000 per year to provide all the services we offer, and we rely solely on private donations.
As the year 2011 comes to a close, we are asking you to consider Reachout when making your decision for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, AZ Form 321 this year. Arizona allows you to designate how your tax dollars are spent up to $400.00 can go directly to the services and programs we offer to the many women and families we serve.
It is through your continued support and generosity that we are in our 39th year of serving the Tucson community. Thank you for helping us to help the countless women who have made the decision to choose the gift of life.
On Behalf of the Reachout Pregnancy Center’s Board of Directors and Staff, we wish you many blessings for this holiday season,
Marilou Lopez
Board President