About the Center
Mission
The Shady Grove Pregnancy Center is a non-profit, non-denominational predominately volunteer-based organization. Our primary goal is to help anyone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy by providing supportive care and life-affirming alternatives to abortion. In every encounter we endeavor to demonstrate the love of Christ.
Overview
The Center has been serving women and children in need since 1983. We see approximately 1,000 women a year, the majority between the ages of 15-24. A staff of one full-time executive director, five part-time employees and 60-70 volunteers provides services.
Services
All of our services are free and include education and counseling on pregnancy related issues; pregnancy tests; parenting classes and mentoring; Spanish services; post-abortion counseling; material support such as maternity and baby clothes, food and formula, diapers and baby furnishings to the extent we are able, and community referrals for prenatal care, social services, housing, legal, financial and emergency assistance.
Finances
The majority of our financial support comes from individuals, churches, organizations, United Way and Combined Federal Campaign and fund raising events. For every dollar we receive at least 85 cents goes directly to client programs and services.
Affiliation
The Shady Grove Pregnancy Center is governed by a local board of directors and is affiliated with Care Net, National Institute of Family and Life Advocates and Hearbeat International.
History of the Center
Sue Keusal,
a founding member
In 1982 two groups of Christians (one Catholic, the other Protestant, which included Sue Keusal), were working independently to establish a pro-life pregnancy assistance center in upper Montgomery County. When they learned of each other's existence, they joined forces and founded the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center.
On June 24, 1983, the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center opened its doors in the office building at the corner of Shady Grove Road and South Frederick Avenue (also Route 355). The same location once housed a clinic, which performed abortions. The clinic has moved, but the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center remains.
When the Center became a reality it had almost no material assets and only three individuals trained in crisis counseling until a training program for twenty-five new volunteers was initiated in August 1983.
With God's help and the inspiration and generosity of volunteers and supporters, the Center has become an oasis of hope for women and their children. The Shady Grove Pregnancy Center now occupies an eleven-room suite and has grown into an effective team of 60-70 dedicated volunteers and a small paid staff.
A Look to the Future
The Shady Grove Pregnancy Center's goal is to become the primary resource women in our area choose when confronted with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. We want to continue to find effective ways to get out our message, "Pregnant? You have options! Contact the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. We can help."
The Center's programs and services are under constant review and evaluation in an effort to find ways to improve methods, policies and practices. The Board of Directors is committed to preserving and enhancing the Center's hard-earned reputation for compassionate and loving services. With full trust in God, the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center looks to the future with confidence.