Care Net

(This is the 2nd post in my look at Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers that deserve our support.)

Today we look at Care Net. Care Net "was founded in 1975 as the Christian Action Council by renowned scholar Dr. Harold O. J. Brown, with its primary focus to engage evangelicals in responding to the abortion crisis."

"In the 1990s, the organization’s mission crystallized into reaching out to women facing unplanned pregnancies through the work of pregnancy centers. In 1999, the organization changed its name to Care Net. Today, Care Net has grown to become the largest network of pregnancy centers in North America, with 1,100 centers serving over 350,000 women each year."

"Care Net is now ministering directly to women in crisis through our 24/7 Option Line call center and website featuring America Online's (AOL) Instant Messaging service. A joint venture with Heartbeat International, the Option Line has become one of the most effective ways to reach the most abortion-vulnerable segment of women – 18-24 year olds – particularly on the internet. Women facing unplanned pregnancies are turning to Google and Yahoo search engines for help—and there they find Care Net and the Option Line ready to connect them with the support of a local pregnancy center. "

"The mission of Care Net is to promote a culture of life through the delivery of valuable, life-affirming, evangelistic ministry to people facing unplanned pregnancies and related sexual issues. We carry out this mission by supporting the largest network of pregnancy centers in North America and by operating the Option Line call center and website that assist women in need around the clock.

Our vision is to help build a culture of life in which every pregnant woman is offered the support she needs to choose life for her unborn baby. We also envision a future where people will be transformed by the Gospel and desire to live out their lives in accordance with God's design for sexuality.

We know that none of these positive changes can occur unless we are first committed to sharing the love, hope, and truth of Jesus Christ, both in word and deed. In the words of Isaiah 61, Care Net and its network of pregnancy centers are truly committed to sharing the Good News, caring for the brokenhearted, and bringing gladness to those who despair."

The services provided by local Care Net centers may include:

Free pregnancy tests
Options counseling, including comprehensive information on adoption and parenting, as well as information on abortion procedures and risks
STD/STI testing and information
Bible study classes
Support groups and peer counseling
Ultrasound services
Parenting classes
Material assistance, including diapers, maternity clothes, strollers, cribs, carseats, and more
Job and housing assistance and referrals
Additional community referrals

Care Net does need financial help. They also need volunteers at their local sites. For more information go to their website.

To volunteer or if you need to find a pregnancy center you can go to the Option Line website. Not all the Pregnancy Centers are affiliated with Care Net. If you need to find a nearby center you call also call 1-800-395-HELP(4357). Option Line also provides help for those suffering from Post-Abortion emotional problems.