Catholic social outreach charity Pregnancy Assistance will next month be holding their 25th Anniversary Gala on Saturday 16 October at The Pagoda Resort & Spa Como, celebrating a quarter of a century of unconditional service to pregnant women and their families.
“We are delighted to be celebrating 25 years of service to those adversely impacted by pregnancy or pregnancy loss in our community,” said Ms Laura Craig, Pregnancy Assistance’s Chairperson.
“Our ministry’s longevity could only be achieved by the perseverance and faithfulness of the various staff and volunteers who have given their time and talents over the last two and a half decades.
“We are honoured that some of these people from throughout our history will be joining us at the Gala event to participate in the celebrations.”
“Some things have changed a lot since our beginnings, such as acquiring new software, moving from paper based to digital filing systems, the streamlining of our services, but have also had important additions such as a food pantry and budgeting assistance for those that are struggling financially”.
With the support of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Pregnancy Assistance also started a professional counselling service in 2017 specifically for women impacted by abortion.
Pregnancy Assistance’s services include Pregnancy Testing, Professional Counselling, Pregnancy Loss Care & Grief Counselling, Accommodation Assistance, Practical Support, Advocacy and Financial Assistance.
Board member and former Treasurer, Thomas Seeber, who has been involved with the organisation for the last five years, explained that the introduction of a food pantry, in addition to the other practical support provided such as nappies, wipes, toiletries, bassinets, clothing and blankets, has been a great source of practical help some 200 clients who visit every quarter, some of whom are migrants and refugees, and who are often without any support network.
“The reality of pregnancy is that no matter how our Western Society views motherhood and the rights of the unborn, it is always a huge event in people’s lives, and people underestimate the impact it can have,” Mr Seeber said.
“We help women of all ages: with most of our clients in their 20’s and 30’s, not just teenage girls like it used to be 15 years ago.
“During lockdown, we went contactless – our doors weren’t closed, and we maintained our service throughout that period. People kept coming and they were able to collect items from the door.”
Mr Seeber continued by explaining
that Pregnancy Assistance has been on a journey from being resourced by
volunteers to now being resourced with fully trained, professional counselling
services.
The counselling services also provides support for people who have suffered
loss during pregnancy, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic
pregnancy or abortion.
“People can experience tremendous grief and there is a real stigma around loss and abortion – as Catholics we know what the truth is and this reaffirms that belief as a tangible benefit,” Mr Seeber said.
“While some things have changed, the nature of our work has remained the same: we are committed to continuing to provide hope, and life affirming services to anyone adversely impacted by pregnancy or pregnancy loss,” Ms Craig elaborated.
“Our gala will celebrate the many courageous women and men who have visited us and have faced the many challenges that were stacked against them with admirable grace.”
Pregnancy Assistance is largely supported by many small, anonymous donations, but the Agency would like to extend a special thank you to Marvin HR, their partner and corporate sponsor for the Gala.
Tickets are $110 and are available from http://www.tickethost.com.au/?event=2032 with all proceeds and donations from the night go to furthering the work of Pregnancy Assistance.
For more information, please call Carmel or Lisette on 9328 2929.