One of the false criticisms of the Pro-Life movement is that we don’t support and care for the women who choose to carry their babies to term. While there are many wonderful organizations to highlight to counteract that accusation, this week I discovered another positive, supportive organization who continues to shatter that myth.
Room at the Inn, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a safe haven and source of hope for pregnant women and their babies. They are a Catholic 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation who serve women regardless of their economic, social, religious, racial, or ethnic background. In helping young families, they recognize the importance of assisting unmarried pregnant women, especially those college age women who struggle between becoming a mother and continuing their education. Their current services include Community Outreach Center, a College Outreach Center and a Residential Program, for mothers to live with 1 or 2 children for up to 24 months post natal.
While there are numerous maternity homes and parenting outreach centers in every city and state, this one stuck out to me due to their recognition of the high abortion rates of college women. Not only do they have a College Outreach program, but they are building the nation’s first college-based maternity and after-care residential facility at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina. This one of its kind service will be providing pregnant college women the option of continuing their education while having their baby. The new facility will allow a woman to live in residence both during and after her pregnancy while attending either Belmont Abbey College or one of the other regional colleges.
I am impressed with Room at the Inn for leading the way in providing support for women who are at high risk for an abortion. Please offer a prayer for their continued good works and success in supporting at risk mothers. And if you are so inclined, Room at the Inn has a continuing Capital Campaign to make this college-based maternity facility a reality soon.