The Life Center annual fundraiser held Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church
Featured guest speaker-film maker, human rights activist, Jason Jones
More than 100 guests were in attendance at Trinity Baptist Church with the same mindful goal. To help the most vulnerable in our community through the Life Center. Director Tracy Watson welcomed guests and introduced the video presentation.
The video presentation explained through testimonials how education and help with basic needs allowed some individuals and families understand their situation and make informed choices.
Judy Rouse, Executive Director of the Life Center introduced Special guest speaker Jason Jones President and Founder of H.E.R.O – Human Rights Education Organization – and Movie to Movement. Jones is also a film producer, author, activist, and human rights worker. His speech was relatable, humorous and moving at times as he described how at the age of 16 was about to become a father, but after pressure from her family, his girlfriend had an abortion while he was away at bootcamp. The loss of that child inspired him to help those who are at greater risk of vulnerability and led him to not only help people in other countries, he also became a presidential campaign manager.
In 2022 the Life Center provided services to more than 500 mothers, fathers and children. More than double of last years numbers. Roughly half of the pregnant women who visited The Life Center considered abortion, but 85 percent chose to keep their babies.
The Life Center is a non-profit, faith-based alternative to abortion organization advocating sexual wellness through three areas of outreach: teaching about sexual risks, helping through pregnancy and healing through restoration. Centers in Midland, Andrews, Big Spring and Odessa uphold and promote the value of human life at every stage of existence and development. The Life Center supports mothers and fathers experiencing a pregnancy and promotes sexual wellness in the West Texas community. The organization offers practical educational tools, spiritual support and mentoring to women and men helping equip them to choose, enjoy and nurture healthy relationships.
As a non-profit the organization relies on donations to allow the continuation of services such as: pregnancy testing, prenatal appointments with a registered nurse, limited ultrasound scans, prenatal and parenting education, material assistance and optional prayer and Bible-based mentoring programs.
In fall 2023 a new program Mothering As Responsible Youth will be launched. MARY is a mentoring and discipleship ministry helping young moms ages 15-23 find community, develop life and parenting skills and grow spiritually and in their interpersonal relationships. Members receive practical help through material assistance and referrals and can also apply for scholarships to further their education.
The Life Center also relies on the help of donations of material goods such as diapers and wipes; volunteers to mentor for the MARY program including donations for the meals provided at every meeting and for funding the scholarships; sponsoring a mother and child at a cost of $2,100 which will cover education, material assistance and more throughout the pregnancy and the child’s first year; and donations for meals provided at prenatal classes.
To find out more information or how you can get involved with The Life Center call 432-606-5041, or visit https://www.tlcdonor.org/ to make a donation.