» Christie Pearson, R.N.Director of Nursing Shana* entered the ultrasound room visibly carrying a heavy load of shame. As she waited, she contemplated the difficult decision before her. She wrestled with the “what ifs” and weighed the pros and cons of parenting and abortion. Shana is married, and this pregnancy was the result of an extramarital affair. She revealed she felt very strongly that all of her children should have the same father. It is this conviction, along with other pressures, that led her to believe an abortion was her best option. She remembered me because I was the nurse who met with her at her pregnancy test appointment. She shared openly about how she was still not sure whether to keep the baby or abort. Recently she went to the emergency department with pain. She was very nervous to have an ultrasound and feared that something could be wrong. She was also worried about her own health issues. Her concern was a glimmer of hope that led me to think that she was considering parenting.

Shana’s boyfriend came with her to the ultrasound appointment; he wanted her to have an abortion. An abortion would be an easy way to hide an extramarital affair or eliminate an unwanted child. Shana’s mother was also present and remained very quiet during the ultrasound. I wondered if her silence was a stamp of approval for abortion, or an inward cry of disappointment and helplessness. As we looked at the images of her grandchild on the ultrasound screen, we were able to confirm that the baby was in the uterus. I measured the baby from crown to rump to determine that her dates were on target. Then we saw the heart beat – a flicker of life pulsating on the screen that at first sight, brings a myriad of emotions to expectant parents. I wondered which emotions would stir within this mother, father, and grandmother. At that moment, Shana sighed. To me, her sigh reflected relief. Her

see HOPE, page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE :: New Ultrasound page 3 :: Banquet Review page 4 - 5

Hope, Faith & Love

WINTER 2015

2

From tHe director

grandmother and boyfriend remained silent.

Shana was very quiet as I finished the ultrasound procedure. I asked if she would like a picture to take with her today and she gladly agreed. Hope. I stepped out to let her get dressed and when I returned, I saw her gazing at the ultrasound images of her baby. She completed her exit evaluation and I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to share truth about God with her. Faith. I felt He wanted me to remind her that we all make choices that are not always God’s will, but He loves us anyway. I reminded her that while we were sinners, Jesus died for us. Love. I told her that God wants us to choose to follow Him, even after we make bad decisions. I shared with her God’s desire to

restore her and that life isn’t easy, but we are not alone.

Before she left, I told her that God still loves her and wants to help her through this. Her exit evaluation indicated that she was still undecided. However, I know that does not leave us without hope. At AVA Care, we provide education, help, and hope. And we will continue to care for her…no matter what she decides. She may have left undecided but not without receiving a glimpse of hope, a little bit of faith, and a whole lot of love.

* Client name changed for confidentiality.

HOPE, from page 1

SUSAN NUll

Susan Null is the Executive Director.

» I recently went rollerskating for the first time in over 25 years...and didn’t fall! » I am a member of the Harrisonburg Rotary Club.» As a teenager, I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up.

Each year I reflect on AVA Care’s impact, I am amazed and humbled by our supporters. That is why I love the banquet. It allows the AVA Care staff a chance to look back on accomplishments for the year and feel the support from our community for what lies ahead.

Leading staff onto the front line where we face women who are making a difficult pregnancy decision is a big task. We rely on each of you to STAND WITH US. The Word of God tells us that where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is (Matt 18:20) and apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But to make a unified stance, we need a unified mind.

I’m sure each of you heard about the videos from the Center for Medical Progress that show horrific abortion practices and the selling of fetal body parts by Planned Parenthood. If you have not watched these videos, I highly encourage you to do so. According to a Fox News national survey, “Nearly half of voters have seen or heard about the videos (49 percent).” That means more than half of voters have not seen the videos. Friends, we cannot shy away from this because “it’s just too hard to watch.” We need to arm ourselves with the truth and be fully informed on the current abortion situation in our own country.

We believe in being informed and that information empowers. At each orientation, we educate our staff and volunteers on abortion so they know the truth about abortion in our culture. I encourage you to take the quiz on page 7 to test your abortion knowledge.

Here’s how you can stand with us:1. Be Educated – watch these videos so you know what is really going on. Full footage and

transcripts available at www.centerformedicalprogress.org/cmp/investigative-footage.2. Become an InvestHer – financially partner with AVA Care today so that more women

can be spared the regret of an abortion.3. Pray – pray for the women who walk through our doors everyday and for the staff who

serve them.

Steadfast in our efforts,

Be informed

CHRISTIE PEARSON, R.N.Christie is the Director of Nursing.

» I worked at the YMCA as a teen.» I have a fear of bugs!» I once “showed up” several macho guys at a climbing wall in a Texas sporting goods store.

3

center newsnew Ultrasound» Susan NullExecutive Director

In 2009, the national Knights of Columbus (K of C) launched an initiative to provide medically certified life-affirming pregnancy centers with modern technology to monitor the health of babies in-utero. This initiative was aimed at allowing women to visually see their baby’s development. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson stated, “Even from the early stages of pregnancy, a mother can see her developing child, hear the baby’s heartbeat, and recognize the miracle of the new life within her.”

As part of the initiative, the K of C Supreme Council matches qualifying funds raised by local and state councils. As of March 2015, the K of C donated over 540 ultrasound machines at a cost of over 16.1 million dollars.

AVA Care was among those chosen by the K of C as a recipient of a new machine. local council, Fr. Edward W. Johnston #9488 and the JMU Knights of Columbus partnered with local churches; Holy Infant Catholic Church, First Presbyterian, and Blessed Sacrament to raise funds for a state-of-the-art machine for AVA Care.

Director of Nursing, Christie Pearson, stated, “This new machine provides our clients with a clearer image. It’s easier to operate, user friendly, and more dependable than our previous machine.” The previous machine would malfunction during ultrasounds and cause AVA Care to cancel future appointments, which was disappointing to all concerned. With a more dependable machine that offers clearer images of the baby, we are able to consistently offer women a beautiful glimpse of the life growing inside them.

Thank you Knights for your support, and a special thank you to Grand Knight Brett Sinclair for championing this effort.

members of local council, Fr. edward w. Johnston #9488 with AVA care’s new ultrasound machine.

Father Ken shuping with members of the JmU Knights of columbus at the ultrasound dedication.

AVA care’s new ultrasound machine dedicated to serving women in the Harrisonburg community.

4

» Mary CollierDirector of Marketing

Approximately 400 supporters attended the AVA Care Annual Fundraising banquet that took place in early October. Dr. Marc Newman, keynote speaker and president of Speaker for life, addressed the crowd by suggesting that deep down, everyone desires to be a hero – they just don’t know how or when to engage. Dr. Newman appealed to men to lead the way in protecting women and children. He encouraged them to embrace their God-ordained roles as protectors of the weak and champions of the innocent. He suggested that Christians have taken their eye off the ball, that our country started taking marching orders from the media. He recommended we start taking marching orders from the Word of God.

Susan Null, Executive Director of AVA Care, painted a picture of the attitude and thought process of a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Mrs. Null referenced the article, Profile of a Woman with an Unplanned Pregnancy*, as she educated the audience on the thought process of a woman choosing between abortion, parenting or adoption. She highlighted the next steps for AVA Care and how the organization plans to reach these women in our community through digital advertising efforts with strategic demographic and geographic targeting.

Two former clients engaged the audience by sharing their personal stories that opened a small door into the minds and lives of women who walk through the doors at AVA Care. Both clients revealed the pain and difficulty of deciding to carry to term and parent. Sarah, an AVA Care client, was introduced. A standing ovation followed for her courage in choosing to carry her baby to term and parent in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. This ovation was an expression from local supporters that revealed the love, compassion, and encouragement needed to help her believe she can.

The banquet left attendees with a challenge to become a hero in their own community, to partner with AVA Care and embrace their role in protecting women and children. Dr. Newman listed several ways to take this heroic step. These included volunteer opportunities and a financial partnership through the InvestHer program, an AVA Care ongoing financial partnership opportunity. The night was a celebration of accomplishment for AVA Care and an inspirational encouragement to others in the community to step up and be a hero - one women, one child, repeat.

* http://support-avacare.org/profile-of-a-woman-with-an-unplanned-pregnancy-2

BAnqUet reView

Be A Hero

SPEcIaL THaNkS To ouR BaNquET commITTEE:

• Suzanne obenshain - Banquet coordinator• Ruth Lorson - decorations coordinator• JulieCoffman- online registration coordinator• meredith Baugher - table Host coordinator

Mary is the Director of Marketing:

» I love to sing. » I love to play soccer. I started when I was four and played two years in college.» My favorite color is yellow.

MARY COllIER

executive director, susan null, explaining the attitude and thought process of a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy.

5

Keynote speaker dr. marc newman, president and founder of speaker for Life, encouraging all of us to be a hero in our community.

underwriters$3,000+Drs. Ken & Carolyn Miller

$2,000+ Aaron & Ruth lorsonHarrisonburg OB/GYN Associates Ryan Berry Productions

$1000+Blue Ridge Chimney ServicesDwight & Carolyn HouffGalindez PaintingJoglex Corporationlandes Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.lD&B Insurance and Financial ServicesMiller’s Storage BuildingsPWD Window & Door

$500+Alex & Sarah GoryukCook Attorneys, P.C.Dean Home CenterDean & Janet WeltyDick & Becky BlackwellDoug and Sandy KuboshDr. Mac & Ruth OatesE&M Auto Paint and SupplyEastern Mennonite UniversityFarmers & Merchants BankGrace Covenant ChurchHarman Construction, Inc.IDM Trucking, Inc. Joe & Faye WamplerKarl & Barbara StoltzfusMark & Suzanne ObenshainMaxine Magri, CPAMehegan & Sons Masonry, Inc.Skyline Roofing, Inc.

BAnqUet reView

sarah, AVA care client, and her son, orion, receiving a standing ovation for her courageous decision to choose to carry and parent instead of having an abortion.

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There is still time to launch a campaign before the year ends. A typical church Change for life campaign can help provide 21 women facing unintended pregnancy with a free life-revealing ultrasound.

IT’S aS EaSy aS 1, 2, 3:

1. Call Susan at 540.434.0685 or email susan@avacareforyou.org to schedule your campaign.

2. Pick up and distribute the bottles to your congregation to fill with checks and cash. You can also use Bulletin Inserts (sample right) to help you advertise the campaign in your church.

3. Collect and return bottles to AVA Care.

We count the money and let you know how much money your church raised. If you can’t pick up or deliver them, we’ll take care of that too!

DEVElOPMENT

Mark your calendars for January 17th, Sanctity of Human life Sunday! This is a time for churches to learn more about God’s heart for life and the unborn, as well as to honor the 55+ million unborn babies that have lost their lives to abortion since 1973.

There are multiple ways your church can get involved in Sanctity of Human life Sunday:

1. INvITE a SPEakER - We would love the opportunity to come speak to your congregation about the ministry and services of AVA Care. You decide the length of time appropriate for your service. Some pastors take this time to preach a sermon on the sanctity of life as well.

2. BuLLETIN INSERT - AVA Care of Harrisonburg can provide your church with bulletin inserts, which acknowledge Sanctity of Human life Sunday and AVA Care.

3. SHoW a vIdEo - AVA Care can provide a short video highlighting our ministry. This is an excellent way to introduce AVA Care to your congregation.

4. SPEcIaL oFFERINg - Churches who wish to financially support AVA Care can take this opportunity to take up a special offering or start a Change for Life baby bottle campaign.

For more information, call Susan at 540.434.0685 or email susan@avacareforyou.org.

Help us Help womenYour investment impacts the lives of women facing unintended pregnancy, as the funds go directly towards providing medical services and education to women who feel like abortion is their only option.

Help empower women to carry their baby to term.

How does it work? - 5 easy steps

wHo we areAVA Care (formerly Harrisonburg Pregnancy Center) is a medical non-profit serving women facing unintended pregnancy since 1984.

We advocate for her, validate her concerns, and provide answers to her questions - no matter what she decides.

wHat we doWe provide free pregnancy testing and confirmations. (Long story short, we provide answers).

Our desire is to empower women to carry their baby to term through a variety of different services and programs, all of which are provided at no cost to the client:

• Pregnancy testing (nurse administered)• Pregnancy confirmation through

limited obstetric ultrasound • Client advocacy• Nurse consultation• EXCEL (Equipping Parents Program)• THREE (After-Abortion Care Program)• Men’s mentoring

Call or email to reserve your baby bottles (or pick them up from your church liaison).540.434.0685 or julie@avacareforyou.org

Distribute your bottles. Be creative and have some fun!

Fill the bottle with change (cash and checks are great too)!

Return the filled bottle to your church on the designated day.

Pray for the clients, staff, and volunteers of AVA Care and look forward to the CHANGE your donation will make in the lives of those facing unintended pregnancy in ourcommunity.

AVA Care of Harrisonburg | www.avacareforyou.org | www.support-avacare.org | 833 MLK, Jr. Way | 540.434.0685

Sample Bulletin Insert

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Susan NullExecutive Director

Nancy martinDirector of Volunteer & Client Services

christie Pearson, R.N.Director of Nursing

mary collierDirector of Marketing

miriam clarkDirector of Finance

michael Botticelli, m.d., Facog Volunteer Medical Director

Ned adamson, m.d.Volunteer Consultant for Ultrasound Services

Board of directorsHahns Kanode – PresidentTony Wilt – Vice PresidentSusan Ferguson, CPA, MS – TreasurerChris Johnson – SecretaryAndrew Baugher, Esq.Becky Botticelli, M.D.Betty ChappellMelissa Jenkins

missionWe are a medical non-profit that provides education, help, and hope to those facing undesired pregnancy.

guiding Practices1. Provide accurate information.2. Extend grace and respect.3. Show the love of Christ.4. Serve through volunteers.5. Pray.

ava care virtual NewsletterWe are pleased to announce AVA Care will be offering a virtual newsletter in an electronic format to view on your home computer, phone, or tablet. If you would like to discontinue your mailed hard copy and save us the cost of postage and printing, please call 540.434.0685 or email mary@avacareforyou.org to change your newsletter preferences. No action is needed for those who wish to continue to receive a hard copy by mail.

interested in volunteering?• NURSING INFORMATIONAl SESSIONS: JAN 25th 9 - 10 AM, FEB 22nd 5 - 6 PM• WINTER VOlUNTEER ORIENTATION: JAN 12th 5:30 - 7:30 PM• SPRING VOlUNTEER TRAINING: TBA

For more information email nancy@avacareforyou.org.

833 MLK, Jr. Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 :: 540.434.7528 :: www.support-avacare.org :: like us on Facebook!

Test your knowledge With These True/False questions

1. Abortion has always been legally practiced in America and the American Medical Association has consistently been in favor of providing this service to women in need.

2. 68% of women who have an abortion identify as Protestant or Catholic.

3. In the landmark case Roe v. Wade, Jane Roe ended up legally aborting her child. “Jane Roe” has remained anonymous.

4. Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, with no state intervention through the first trimester, and thereafter with restrictions as states determined. Doe v. Bolton (also made public January 22, 1973) made abortion legal for any reason by further elaborating on “the health of the mother” to include factors such as physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman’s age.

5. Half of pregnancies among American women are unintended; and about 4 in 10 of these result in abortion.

6. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that the unborn child is not a person and therefore is not protected under the Constitution.

7. 61% of women who have had abortions have one or more children.8. More than fifty-six million unborn babies have been aborted since

1973.9. Approximately three in 10 American women today will have an abortion by the

age of 45.10. Married women must have their husband’s consent to have an abortion in

VA.11. Parental consent is required in the state of Virginia for all minors seeking an

abortion.12. less than 5% of women indicate rape as a reason for choosing abortion.

* For more information on the questions above visit www.guttmacher.org.

1. False 2. True. 3. False 4. True 5. True 6. True 7. True 8. True 9. True 10. False 11. True 12. True

Newsletter paid for and sponsored by

FREE PREgNaNcy TESTINg aNd coNFIRmaTIoN - So SHE kNoWS FoR SuRE.

HOW YOU CAN HElP

material Needs» Diapers (size newborn, 3, 4 & 5)

» Baby Girl size 0-3 months – onesies, sleepers, outfits

» Maternity clothes – (especially size small) new or gently used

» What to Expect When You are Expecting 4th edition books

Wish List» laptop

volunteer Needs» RN’s/lPN every shift

» Receptionist – Every other Wednesday, 9 AM – 12 PMFridays 9 AM – 12 PM, and 12PM – 3PM

Financial» One-time donation» Become an InvestHer - ongoing financial partnership

Contact Susan at susan@avacareforyou.org for more information.

833 MlK, Jr. Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

540.434.7528

www.support-avacare.org

Virtual Newsletter Sign-up Now!

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“Everyone really listened

to all my thoughts and

feelings and no one

judged me on anything.

My visit was everything

I expected and more.

[My client advocate]

was amazing and really

opened my eyes and

heart.”» Recent Client