Pregnancy Center Volunteers Honored with President's Volunteer Service Awardby Staff
September 25, 2008
WASHINGTON, (christiansunite.com) -- The President's Volunteer Service Award will be conferred on 32 Heartbeat International affiliated pregnancy resource centers and 55 volunteers who serve Heartbeat affiliated centers this week. Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Joxel Garcia, M.D., M.B.A., will bestow the honors on Heartbeat's affiliates and volunteers for the significant contributions they have made to their communities.
"Heartbeat International is an effective network of more than 1,000 faith-based community organizations aided by more than 25,000 volunteers. We are thrilled to see our volunteers honored by the Administration," said Heartbeat International President Peggy Hartshorn, Ph.D. "We are very proud to carry on the American tradition of volunteerism and community service especially in a way that helps women and strengthens families."
In concert with the White House USA Freedom Corps, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health and Science will honor 150 "exemplary volunteers" who serve pregnancy centers around the country along with 56 pregnancy resource centers at a White House ceremony today. Pregnancy center representatives and volunteers will participate in the White House awards ceremony from 10 am-noon in the Indian Treaty room of the Old Executive Office Building connected to the White House.
"Uplifting the lives of women and families around the world is Heartbeat's mission. We are compassionate people and passionate for life. If you feel called to give back to your community and want to volunteer you can visit PregnancyCenters.org and use the center locator system to find your local pregnancy center," said Hartshorn. "Pregnancy center volunteers include doctors, lawyers, nurses, concerned parents, social workers, educators, and many others. They provide healthy alternatives to abortion for girls and women faced with an untimely pregnancy. Many of our volunteers have had personal experience with an unplanned pregnancy, adoption, and abortion."
For more information about the President's Service Award, visit PresidentialServiceAwards.gov.
About Heartbeat International:Heartbeat is an association of more than 1,000 non-profit, faith-based community organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of a pregnant woman faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Founded in 1971, Heartbeat affiliates serve women, families, and communities in 48 states and 42 other countries.
Heartbeat International operates Option Line® (800- 395-HELP and OptionLine.org), a joint venture with Care Net, to connect callers with local pregnancy centers for the help and hope they need. Each month, our national contact center responds to approximately 20,000 calls, emails, and instant messages.
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