Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Heartline Pregnancy Center celebrated its 20th year of service to the community Thursday.
Heartline services include pregnancy testing, counseling and support as well as baby supplies and Teens 'N' Tots Childcare, which allows young mothers to complete their education. Heartline also will have the capability of providing ultrasounds in the near future.
Pastor Gerald Yoder, Warsaw Church of God, gave the opening prayer and served as the master of ceremonies.
Polly Henry, a former Heartline client and single parent, credited Heartline with turning her life around and allowing her to "become a woman of responsibility and have purpose in my life."
Gabby Fisher, a former Teens 'N' Tots client and a student at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, said, "My family and Heartline were there for me. Teens 'N' Tots gave me peace of mind to get my education and take care of things when Isaac wasn't with me."
Dave Koontz, executive director of Kosciusko County Right to Life, provided an update on RTL activities and spoke of the relationship between RTL and Heartline, which provides a positive alternative to those contemplating abortion.
Jo Faulkner, executive director of Heartline for eight years, said, "Twenty years ago, Heartline started with seeing 30 young women a year. We now see 65 each month and serve 350 new clients each year."
She also gave an overview of Project Ultrasound that included ultrasounds and pictures of several Heartline babies. She recognized significant volunteer contributions by presenting Spirit of Compassion Awards to: Mary Lou Phipps, who has volunteered for more than 18 years and has completed 2,800 hours of auxiliary work; Rosemary Spurlock; Kirstyn Niebbia; and Deana Ochoa.
The keynote speaker was Kimberly Ann Bonds, PULSE FM 96.9.
Pastor John B. Lowe II challenged the group to commit to supporting Heartline, which is supported by individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and The United Way.
Special thanks go to: Tim Ziebarth; Our Father's House, who catered the meal; and Team Lawton for compiling and designing the Project Ultrasound presentation.
Monsignor James Wolf, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, closed with prayer.
Heartline Pregnancy Center is at 337 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw. For more information, call the 24-hour hotline at 574-267-5110 or visit www.heartlinepc.com
