When I walked in things were already hoppin’. Volunteer Madonna was with her client and welcomed me in to the room after explaining to this couple it was my first night and I was new. The couple didn’t mind at all. They were very happy to be told that the pregnancy test was positive, but it was a little too early to do an ultrasound. I listened as Kathi (Heartbeat’s nurse manager) and Madonna spoke to the couple--all went well.

 

Our next client came in on time and it was my turn to be the advocate for this 25-year-old young woman who was pregnant and needed pregnancy verification to sign up for Medicaid. We filled out the paperwork, we obtained her specimen and we filled out more paperwork and she shared with us her concerns and how she heard about Heartbeat/Your First Look. A medical professional suggested she come to Heartbeat because we would be compassionate about her situation.

 

What a thrill we all had seeing her baby for the first time. And he/she was an active little one. Mom seemed genuinely thrilled and very patient with the entire process. We couldn’t believe our eyes seeing little arms and legs sticking out. Through this process we discovered she was further along in her pregnancy than what she thought. After the ultrasound we discussed where she could go from here. We discussed midwifery and doctors and clinics. I was so proud to tell this young mom that we also have parenting classes at our Heart to Heart Program. Yes, we are a “full service” organization! We want to be here for you and help you through your pregnancy and after. She has some issues she has to contend with concerning her pregnancy but I know she felt comforted as she left our clinic and she was glad she chose Your First Look.

 

As I left the clinic, (it was about 8:45 p.m.) I was so glad I spent my evening there. I was thinking of Heartbeat’s Mission that was written many, many years ago stating we are committed to promoting the well-being of young girls and women with emotional and personal problems relating to actual pregnancies through free, confidential, and compassionate services. And that’s what it’s all about.

 

Carol Clark, Heartbeat Volunteer

 

 

 

 

It’s hard to believe it has been 40 years since Heartbeat of Toledo Pregnancy Support Center first opened its doors.

 

Did you know that Heartbeat of Toledo was the first pregnancy help center in the country? Back in 1971 there were no home pregnancy tests and abortion was not legal. Our founders, Dr. John Hillabrand and Mrs. Lore Maier, saw a critical need for a safe, confidential, and compassionate place for women facing unplanned pregnancies to get the help they needed. Heartbeat of Toledo was ahead of its time in providing these services.

 

After opening our office here in Toledo, Dr. Hillabrand and Mrs. Maier assisted others in opening pregnancy centers throughout the country and internationally as well. Mrs. Maier went on to lead an affiliate organization called Alternatives to Abortion International. That group later changed its name to Heartbeat International in the 1990s. Today, Heartbeat International has more than 1,100 affiliates throughout the world.

 

Heartbeat of Toledo has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the young women we serve. Recently we opened an early pregnancy center to provide free ultrasounds and the opportunity for women to meet with a registered nurse to discuss their pregnancy. The ultrasounds are used to confirm the viability of a pregnancy as well as the baby’s gestational age.

 

We feel it is important for women facing an unplanned pregnancy to get as much information as they can before making any decisions regarding the future of their pregnancy. In addition to ultrasounds, client advocates are also available to help women explore their options.

 

Although our ultrasound center has only been open for a short time, it is already making a huge impact on the lives of the women we serve. The ultrasounds truly give these women a window to the womb and help them realize that what is growing inside them is not just a “blob of tissue.”

 

Besides our early pregnancy center, Heartbeat also offers Heart to Heart, a prenatal and parent learning program. Now starting its fifth year, Heart to Heart gives new and expectant parents the opportunity to earn the baby items they need by completing one-on-one parenting lessons.

 

We’re also proud to announce our newest program, “Healthy Relationships.” This program is being offered thanks to a grant from the Toledo Community Foundation. Healthy Relationships is a joint program offered between us and Positive Choices, a program of Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.

 

Healthy Relationships focuses on helping young women gain self respect and learn how to form healthy, lasting relationships with others.

 

To celebrate our 40 years of service I would like to invite you to join us at our 40th anniversary banquet planned for Tuesday, March 29 at Gladieux Meadows. Our featured speaker is Actress Jennifer O’Neill who is the national spokeswoman of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. She has been an active participant in the annual March for Life in Washington D.C.

 

Cost for this very special dinner is $50 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Heartbeat at 419-241-9131.

 

I’m sitting in a very sunny window right now, but I’m told that snowy weather will be here soon. Let’s hope spring arrives early this year.

 

Happy February,

 

 

 

Pat Todak, Executive Director

Heartbeat of Toledo Pregnancy Support Center

 

 

You’ll also hear about our plans to begin offering ultrasounds to our clients and our plan to move to bigger quarters. Studies have shown that abortion-vulnerable women who see their babies on an ultrasound are much less likely to go through with an abortion. They come to realize what we already know—that growing inside them is a human life.

 

Please email or call Heartbeat at 419-241-9131 to make a reservation. Hope to see you at our breakfast.

 

 

 

 

Carol S. Clark

Board President