Your Pregnancy Help Organization and COVID-19

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Impacting Canada through new initiatives: the French Translation Project and Healing Conversations!

 

 Below is an update from CAPSS, one of Heartbeat International's Joint Affiliation Partners:

 

 

Behind the Scenes

 

At the end of January, we launched the 2018 CAPSS National Conference website! The conference is happening April 17-20 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This is a very important equipping and encouraging time for pregnancy care centre staff, board, and volunteers! We are excited about the speakers and workshops, and we are looking forward to connecting as one unified group. This conference is only possible because of the ongoing support you provide! So, thank you! We will be sure to report back to you on conference in the next newsletter.

     We are also excited about a new opportunity - the French Translation Project! Quebec is a big province, and yet there are only two CAPSS-affiliated pregnancy care centres there. We know there is interest and a great need to establish more. In order to do this effectively and with excellence, CAPSS manuals need to be translated into French. This is a big undertaking, but we know God will provide. You can read more about this project in the Ask Dr. Laura section below!          

 

Life News

     On any given Sunday, if statistics are even slightly accurate, thousands of post-abortive women are sitting in church buildings across Canada. If abortion is not discussed with mercy and compassion, or not discussed at all, these women can feel silenced and disqualified from having a deeper faith journey.

     So then, "How can the church speak mercy, forgiveness, healing, and grace to the post-abortive woman, so she can embrace the freedom and love promised to all who trust in Jesus Christ?"

     In February, CAPSS released Healing Conversations, a video and booklet created to help pastors and those in the church start conversations on the topic of abortion. These resources are designed to inform and educate on the realities of abortion in Canada, introduce ways the Canadian church can approach this subject, and encourage partnership with local pregnancy care centres.

     The Healing Conversations video is shown below. It can be downloaded here and it is available to view on the CAPSS website, where you will also find an application form to order the booklet. This booklet is an excellent resource on the status of abortion in Canada, post-abortion stress, and how to start the conversation.

     Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions or to give feedback on these new resources! 

     We envision that as the church and pregnancy care ministries collaborate, thousands of post-abortive women will find hope, healing, and forgiveness. Thank you for partnering with us to start and facilitate healing conversations.

 

Making an Impact

 

     Every year we gather statistics from CAPSS-affiliated pregnancy care centres. We look for impact in areas such as client visits, babies born, material supports, post-abortion counselling, healthy relationship presentations, and clients who were presented the gospel. We are currently collecting this information and will be sharing this with you soon in the CAPSS Annual Report! 

     But even more telling than compiled numbers is the difference your support is making in individual lives. Your support equips pregnancy care centres to provide the best care possible and reach those who are in need of help. Please be blessed and encouraged by the client quotes below, shared by one of our affiliated centres:
  • Thank you so much. The pregnancy care centre is full of wonderful caring people that allow parents to find their own path and help along the way! Without judgment they help many families grow and prosper - thank you!
  • My experience with the pregnancy care centre was excellent. I went there when I was 3 months pregnant. They did great counselling, motivated me a lot, and since it was an unplanned pregnancy, things were different. But through the guidance and counselling things went smooth. Now my baby is 2 months old. So happy to be loved and supported by the pregnancy care centre. Thank you so much.
  • I could say many things about how you welcomed me and made me feel like my son was worthy of celebration; but when it comes right down to it, you helped save his life. Thank you is not sufficient. 
This is the difference you are making. Thank you!

 

Ask Dr. Laura

 

Q:  What can you tell us about the French Translation Project?

A:  Many years ago I worked as an au pair in France. It was an interesting year filled with opportunity, hardship, and many lessons in life. Even after living among French speaking individuals for the greater part of one year, I still found it difficult to discuss matters that had emotional depth or nuance. I didn't understand the language well enough.
 
     We are blessed to live in a bilingual nation. I love and value the diversity of the Quebecois culture and language. Sadly, even though Quebec has approximately the same incidence of abortion as several other provinces, it has very little pregnancy care support for individuals struggling with an unplanned pregnancy.
 
     Recently, there has been both interest and initiatives that have brought CAPSS into the awareness that we can do more - and we want to do more to help! One of the best ways we can begin this effort is to provide quality French language resources. And so, we have begun our French Translation Project! We have a skilled translator lined up and we have key documents that are being prepared for translation - specifically our Essentials Manual, which is a comprehensive "how to" manual for communities looking to establish a pregnancy care centre.

     We are excited to see what God is doing and how He will change hearts and save lives in Quebec!

 

 

 
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CAPSS Newsletter December 2017


 


Behind the Scenes


     Thank you to everyone who replied to our survey questions. We loved hearing from you!

     Based on your feedback, we are considering changing to a bi-monthly newsletter in the new year, and we will be sure to identify specific areas of need when asking for support. We are happy to hear that just like us, establishing centres and equipping and encouraging centre staff is very important to YOU! Thank you for caring and being committed to this ministry.

     Please contact us at anytime to give further feedback or if you have any questions. You can connect with us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 1-866-845-2151.

     This past month we've been busy planning for CAPSS National Conference in April, creating new resources (see below in "Making an Impact"), and Dr. Laura has had a number of speaking engagements! We're thankful for these opportunities to establish excellence and create awareness.

Life News    

     Sometimes the headlines and the news can be pretty discouraging. But there are many life affirming and celebratory stories out there, they just don't usually make the news! So this month we want to share one of these stories with you.

     We want to introduce you to Christina and Alora, clients of one of our affiliated centres. This is the impact you are making when you help to establish and equip pregnancy care centres. You are helping real people like Christina and changing lives. Thank you!
Christina and Alora


Making an Impact

 
     One of the most impactful and far-reaching things you do is help establish pregnancy care centres. We know that you believe every individual, in every community, should have access to the education and support that pregnancy care centres offer. Everyone should have the freedom to make a life affirming choice.

     With this in mind, last month we created a new brochure - "Who will help her?" - to explain why centres are needed, the steps to take to establish one, and the difference a centre can make. We've included pictures of the brochure below.

     If you would like to order a brochure or would like more information, go to the CAPSS website or phone Susan at the CAPSS office (1-866-845-2151). We are here to help!
 

Ask Dr. Laura


Q:  Looking back on 2017, what are you most thankful for?

A:  I'm most thankful for the growing momentum in the pregnancy care movement across our nation. And I'm so thankful for the way the Lord has connected us with one another! "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall" (Nehemiah 4:19-20). Yet we are linked - arm in arm with others who remain hopeful that no life is undeserving of help and no choice is too far from the redemptive power of God.


Recommended Reads
 
 
 
Give Support Now

How you can make a difference:


DONATE.
CAPSS receives no government funding and is 100% donor supported. Consistent monthly support is needed!

Monthly Partners provide CAPSS with stability and a solid foundation on which to plan and move forward. Please consider committing to monthly support of $25, $50, $100, or more.

PRAYER SUPPORT.
We need intercessors to pray for CAPSS and for those on the front lines. Your prayer support is essential!

CONNECT.
We need you to tell others about the work being done! Please share this newsletter, our website, and our Facebook page with others who care about supporting life choices.

 

 

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A Flawed Law: Canadian “Bubble Zone” Doesn’t Protect Women

Click here to read "A Flawed Law: Canadian 'Bubble Zone' Doesn’t Protect Women" on Pregnancy Help News.

 

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CAPSS Newsletter: 2018 Conference and Legislative Update

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Capss

 

Behind the Scenes


     We have been busy planning for the 2018 CAPSS National Conference happening April 17-20, in Niagara Falls, Ontario! Our annual conference is a unique time of equipping and encouraging pregnancy care centre staff, board, and volunteers from over 70 centres across Canada.

     A lot of thought and prayer go into planning the workshop topics and the plenary speakers. And we are excited about what is coming together for next year!

     The theme is "Banner of Love" based on Song of Solomon 2:4. We know we are protected by God's banner of love over us and we believe we are called to reach out to the broken women, men, and families with a banner of love. The support we offer and the conversation we have, must always first start with love.

     This year all of the workshops will be organized into 5 main tracks: Board, Client Care, Communications and Outreach, Fund Development, and Leadership. As well as professional development, we have created time and space for centre staff and volunteers to connect, receive encouragement, and be refreshed. 

     CAPSS annual conference equips pregnancy care centre staff and volunteers to serve with excellence. This is only possible because of the support YOU provide. THANK YOU! 

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Life News

On October 25th, an announcement was made that Ontario passed legislation to protect women's right to choose abortion (click here to read the full report). The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017, allows for safe access zones to be established around facilities that offer abortion services as well as the homes and office of regulated abortion providers. British Columbia, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador have already enacted similar safe access zone laws.

     Attorney General, Yasir Naqvi, said, "Our government believes that every woman in Ontario has the right to make decisions about her own health - and she deserves to do so freely, without fear. This legislation sends a clear message that we will always stand up for a woman's right to choose." 

     At first glance, this news can be intimidating and discouraging. Or, we can see it as an opportunity to enter the conversation and bring clarity to the work we do!

     On some points, we agree with the government and legislation. We don't condone intimidation, harassment, or violence, and we believe a woman has the right to choose without fear or pressure from others. However, we do know that some women choose abortion because of fear or pressure from others. We also know that many women make the choice for abortion without full knowledge of what they are choosing. 

     CBC Radio contacted Dr. Laura and asked for a statement. We are thankful that Dr. Laura was able to share the information above, as well as explain very clearly what it is that pregnancy care centres do -- offer education and support in a caring, nonjudgmental environment. 

     Although engaging with the media on the controversial topic of abortion can be intimidating, we are thankful for the opportunity to speak the truth in love. We are also thankful for your prayers and support which provide for the work being done!

 

Making an Impact

 

We are excited to recently have held the CAPSS Director Accreditation Training (DAT) last month in Ontario. 13 Directors from pregnancy care centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario participated.

 

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These new CAPSS Directors received training in: Right Roles (Board and Executive Director Relationships), Servant Leadership, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Branding, Counselling the Abortion-Minded Client, Developing Programs, Training and Caring for Volunteers, and Self Care. 

     Here are some quotes from their training evaluations:
  • I feel so much more focused and prepared to go forward as Director at the centre. I was feeling overwhelmed and scattered before but this training really helped.
  • This has been a great week and I feel so thankful for the knowledge, prayer, and connections that we've been blessed with this week. Thank you!
     We know there will be a ripple effect of impact and excellence as these Directors take this training back to their centres. This is one of the many ways that your support is utilized to impact and equip those serving and helping on the front lines!

 

(Text and photos taken from CAPSS newsletter)

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Extra! Extra! Read All About Our International Partners

 Below are a few of our international partners' newsletters and updates, which may be of interest to you:

Click here for Be'ad Chaim Newsletters and Updates.

Click here for news from Centros de Ayuda para la Mujer (CAM).

Click here for the Canadian Association of Pregnancy Support Services (CAPSS) monthly newsletter.

Click here for the Pregnancy Help Australia (PHA) Newsletters.

Click here for ProVida's news section.

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Pregnancy Care Canada

PCC logo FEB20 CircleCheck out PregnancyCareCanada.ca to see the good work and exciting initiatives of our friend Dr. Laura Lewis, Executive Director, and her team at Pregnancy Care Canada (formerly The Canadian Association of Pregnancy Support Services CAPSS) and the associated pregnancy centres. We also are excited about our joint affiliation agreement whereby all Pregnancy Care Canada affiliates gain affiliation with Heartbeat International for no additional cost.

Click here to visit the Pregnancy Care Canada website.

 

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