Altoona Times

State Senator Judy Ward recently met with Pastor Jay Gilbert and his wife, Tiffany Gilbert, founders of Voices for the Unborn Pregnancy Center, to discuss the organization's mission and work. Ward expressed her admiration for the inspiring work done by Voices for the Unborn, stating, "Their unwavering passion for mothers, babies, and families shone through in the numerous ways they assist and support so many pregnant women in need."

Voices for the Unborn was established in 2021 as an expansion of the Gilberts' ministry, Another Level Ministries, with the aim of defending and promoting life through education and empowerment. The organization partners with various Pittsburgh organizations to provide comprehensive care and support to pregnant women. Their services, which are confidential and free of charge, include pregnancy testing, medical referrals, counseling, material assistance, post-abortion support, parental education and training classes, adoption referrals, fatherhood mentoring, and an economic self-reliance program for parents and grandparents.

As the chair of the Senate Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, Ward has had the opportunity to visit several pregnancy support centers across Pennsylvania. She commended the lifesaving support provided by these centers, stating, "Vulnerable women across the commonwealth need and depend on the tremendous work that these pregnancy centers do, and we as policymakers need to support them."

Voices for the Unborn is just one of many pregnancy support centers in Pennsylvania. These centers offer a range of services, including material assistance, parenting and life skills education, counseling, and referral services, all free of charge. Many of the women who seek assistance from these centers are low-income earners or reside in urban areas. Some centers even provide additional services such as residency halls, opportunities for higher education, and job placement. In Pennsylvania alone, there are over 120 pregnancy support centers that serve more than 60,000 clients annually.

The impact of these centers is significant. In 2019, they distributed over 91,000 baby items, including diapers, clothes, car seats, and strollers. Additionally, more than 6,500 clients participated in parenting education classes, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for their children.

Senator Ward encourages residents to stay informed about her legislative efforts by following her on Facebook and Twitter. She emphasizes the need for policymakers to support and prioritize the vital work carried out by pregnancy support centers across the state.

In conclusion, the interview with Senator Judy Ward highlights the importance of services for pregnant women and the crucial role played by organizations like Voices for the Unborn in supporting vulnerable women and families.