Hope Pregnancy Center of Cape May County

An unplanned pregnancy can turn life upside down. Many physical and emotional changes take place that can cause fear, confusion and feelings of helplessness or isolation. And, often there's little or no support from one's family. If you or someone you know is in such a position, there is hope, and someone to turn to.

Hope Pregnancy Center is a ministry comprised of trained individuals who help those in a crisis pregnancy situation. A nonprofit organization, it was newly named in 1999 when two formerly independent crisis pregnancy centers, LifeGuard of Ocean City and Crisis Pregnancy Services of Cape May Court House, merged. They presently have two locations in Cape May County, one in Ocean City and the other in Rio Grande.

As a ministry, Hope Pregnancy volunteers help each mother-to-be make godly decisions, beginning with a commitment to see the pregnancy through, and ending with the choice between allowing adoption or choosing to rear the child. Life is precious. Hope believes that from the moment of conception you are a unique human being, ("I chose you before I formed you in the womb," Jeremiah 1:4).

For many, it's not an easy road, but Hope Pregnancy Center will help in every way, and all along the way-from emotional counseling to practical support.

During the pregnancy, they educate the mother in the things she's experiencing, and they encourage her to take good care of herself - not to smoke, drink or take drugs, and to eat more nutritiously.

While their Biblically-based counseling reaches out emotionally and spiritually, let's face it, many need physical help. Hope Pregnancy fills this need also, by giving practical assistance through maternity and infant clothing, furnishings and supplies. They also provide referrals for financial and housing assistance and to other community resources. Referrals for adoption are also available. Their support doesn't end with the birth of the child; it's ongoing, with valuable help and planning for the mother's and baby's future.

Sometimes in a crisis pregnancy people tend to forget that it often involves the boyfriend or husband, and Hope Pregnancy Center is quick to offer its services to them as well. Trained, knowledgable and compassionate volunteers offer valuable counseling to girls and women, boyfriends and husbands and even the prospective grandparents. Their mission statement reflects their goals: "To offer, in the name of Jesus Christ, alternatives to abortion through Biblical instruction, practical assistance, education and referrals to women and men involved in crisis pregnancies."

Additional services include free pregnancy testing, post-abortion counseling and abstinence education. Everything they do is FREE and confidential.

Hope Pregnancy Center is a non-profit organization, and help is always welcomed and sincerely appreciated. You can help them by committing to monthly financial support (donations are tax deductible) or by joining their "prayer warriors" who handle difficult counseling appointments. Donations of new and used, clean, infant and maternity items are always welcomed. Volunteers are always needed, both as counselors and with administrative and clerical chores. Perhaps you could get your church involved in financial and prayer support, or why not consider becoming a liaison for your church? And, if you would like someone from Hope to come and speak at your church, school, club or organization, Board members are available to do that as well.

Hope Pregnancy Center is located at 321 West Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey, (609) 398-9449 and 3808 Route 9 South in Rio Grande (609) 886-7022. You can visit their web site at www.hopepregnancyofnj.com or write to P.O. Box 767, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.