Sarita’s Story

Sarita's Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

“I was in such a comfortable place before I found out I was pregnant. I was 28 years old, raising my daughter and managing motherhood well while focusing on my career in the medical field. My work schedule aligned perfectly with her school schedule, and our day-to-day life was molded around the two of us so that we could be happy and content. I enjoyed the freedom I had. Life was good.

But two pink lines on a pregnancy test would quickly change that feeling.

“When I found out I was pregnant, it took a toll on me – mentally and physically. I was in a constant battle between myself and my baby. I didn’t know what to do, where to start, who to look to – who to rely on.”

So, she turned to a place she knew. A place she could feel safe.

“I went to Alcove Health because I was comfortable with them. I came here 9 years ago with my first child. I knew I could trust them.

I experienced a family at Alcove – a mother, a nurturer, and a team who healed me back to life. I felt uplifted and empowered. I knew Alcove was where I could leave my tears, and when I walked out those doors, my shoulders would no longer be heavy. I didn’t leave feeling like a patient. I left feeling like I was a daughter loved and cared for by the whole team.”

As Sarita continued, she talked about the women on our team who impacted her.

“The moment I walked through the doors, Candra’s presence at the front desk made me feel safe and put a smile on my face—and every time after. She is a jewel. Karen, my advocate, and Kinta, my nurse, are my light and protectors. In the darkest time of my life, they found a way to make it my brightest. If it wasn’t for the two of them, I don’t know where I would be today”.

Since my first visit, I have become a better woman and mother. I love this team with every ounce of me, and I know that my time with them will live with me for the rest of my life. I can see that God sent them to save lives. They saved my life and my daughter Gabby’s life”.

February 19, 2024

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Introducing Our New Community Relations Coordinator!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Rachel joined our ministry last spring as a development volunteer when she moved to the area after marrying her husband, Bobby, in March. Her vast skills and experience in donor relations made her an asset to our team, and in December, she came on board officially as our new Community Relations Coordinator.

As the Community Relations Coordinator, Rachel will assist Anne and the Development team with our Defenders4Life monthly giving program and donor care. She’s a face you’ll quickly get used to seeing, and we know you’ll love her just as much as we do!

You’ll enjoy hearing about Rachel’s unique background as you get to know her. She grew up a Pastor’s kid, one of four daughters to be exact, and as her faith grew, so did her desire to protect the unborn.

She spent several years living on Prince Edward Island in Canada for ministry purposes, and, while there, volunteered at a local pregnancy center. She is no stranger to taking a stand for life by walking for life in her previous hometown and marching for life in DC.

When she’s not at CNP, you might find Rachel occasionally working as a wedding planner but most certainly out enjoying life. She and her husband Bobby love traveling (she’s visited 43 out of 50 states so far), being outdoors, game nights, movies, mini golf, bowling, singing, and so much more!

So drop by sometime, say hey to our newest team member, and welcome her to the CNP Family!

February 19, 2024

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

I’m A Christian and Want An Abortion

I'm a Christian and I Want an Abortion

You are physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual. The decisions you make – about many things – impact all these areas. Abortion is no different.

You may be staring at a positive pregnancy test and feeling conflicted because you’re a Christian and want an abortion.

You may have thought you’d never have an unplanned pregnancy. You may have thought you’d never even get in a spot where you’d consider an abortion. But here you are, facing both realities.

So, what now?

You are physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual. The decisions you make – about many things – impact all these areas. Abortion is no different.

That’s why, at our clinic, Alcove Health, we look at the whole woman. Because every single part of you matters.

So, if you’re a Christian and want an abortion, take a deep breath. Seriously. Go on and take several deep breaths. You’re about to make a big decision and you owe it to yourself to be settled enough to fully understand your options.

First of all, regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there are some things every woman should do before starting any abortion procedure. These relate to your physical body.

The healthiest thing to do first is to make sure you are pregnant. That may sound silly, especially if you’ve already gotten a positive result from an over-the-counter pregnancy test. But it’s not silly; it’s wise.

Over the years, some women have walked in our doors worrying about needing an abortion and walked out 45 minutes later realizing they weren’t even pregnant. Verifying the accuracy of your pregnancy test is the smartest next step.

If the lab-grade pregnancy test is positive, the next medical service you need is an ultrasound.

An ultrasound will give you three important pieces of information about what’s going on inside your body physically: 

  1. the location of the pregnancy (if it’s ectopic it will require immediate medical attention, not an abortion)
  2. the age of the pregnancy
  3. whether or not the pregnancy is viable.

All of these pieces of information are important for every woman, regardless of her spiritual beliefs – including women who have no spiritual beliefs at all. This information could reveal that there’s not even a viable pregnancy to abort. For many women, that’s a relief.

Additionally, if you’re a Christian and want an abortion, you will want to unpack how a decision to abort could impact your life spiritually.

That’s why it’s important to pick a clinic that allows you the space to consider your spiritual concerns. Women with and without spiritual beliefs get abortions. But if you’re a Christian and want an abortion, you’re saying that you do have spiritual beliefs.

Every Alcove Health client is given the safe space to consider how an abortion will affect her life holistically, including spiritually.

Many women do not claim to be followers of Christ; so, they may not be concerned with what God says about abortion at all. But that’s not what you’re saying. After all, your spiritual concerns are what led you to read this blog.

So, the best way to help you process the option of abortion specifically for you is to ask yourself a few questions.

FirstDo you believe God creates life? Your life? Your baby’s life? 

If the answers to these questions is yes, then the 2nd question is, Since God creates life, do you believe He creates life for the purpose of abortion?

If the answer to that question is no, then the final question is, Does it matter to you what God thinks? If your answer is yes, then how will an abortion impact you spiritually?

Your answers to these questions are important to your pregnancy decision because they will be important after your pregnancy decision.

At Alcove Health, we provide medical services plus advocacy services. We provide a safe space for you to consider your options, talk through your feelings, connect with resources & support, and leave feeling empowered that you have a plan that respects your entire life.

If you have spiritual concerns about having an abortion, you can process those safely here in our clinic with no judgment.

If you’re a Christian and want an abortion, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed to be in this spot. We want you to know that we are confidential & judgment-free; you can walk through our doors with confidence that you will be cared for compassionately and privately.

Call or click here to request your free and confidential appointment today.

Sherri Pigue, Client Advocate

February 9, 2024

Are you struggling to heal from a past-abortion? You’re not alone. Find out more about our past-abortion healing groups and one-on-one sessions.

Read More News Updates

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

2023 Year-End Letter from Our Executive Director

Together, we can continue to be that place of miracles and transformation for countless women and families in need. When you make a year-end gift to Care Net Peninsula, you are providing the help and hope that women need to choose life for their baby.

Read More »

2023 Year-End Letter from Our Executive Director

A Year-End Letter from Our Executive Director

I spent a lot of time talking about buildings this year. That’s because, for the first time in CNP’s 38-year history we own our own home. And it’s beautiful. It proclaims the love, hope and compassion that YOU have for vulnerable women and babies in our community. Praise God for his provision through your generosity!

But, our new building is just a ministry tool. Its value doesn’t come from the city assessor, it comes from God. It comes from using 11101 Warwick Boulevard to serve moms and save babies in our community. Here are a few examples that give it value from this past year:

These women, like so many others, found help and hope at Care Net Peninsula. Your unwavering generosity provides a safe and caring environment for women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering them the chance to explore their options and make truly informed decisions.

Another brave women shared her journey with us:

Your year-end gift to Care Net Peninsula will empower local women like Mariana to choose life for their unborn children and draw closer to Jesus. Your partnership ensures that we can continue to offer counseling, medical support, and essential resources to pregnant women and their babies.

One more woman, full of gratitude, summed up her experience with our ministry this way:

Your continued support is vital to the success of our mission. With your generosity, we can reach even more women and families in need, providing them with hope, love, and resources that require to choose life, transform their futures, and experience the boundless love of Christ.

Please join us in making a difference in the lives of women and families facing crisis pregnancies.

To contribute right now to our mission, please make a gift t the button below. Every dollar makes a difference, and your support is deeply appreciated. 

Together, we can continue to be that place of miracles and transformation for countless women and families in need. When you make a year-end gift to Care Net Peninsula, you are providing the help and hope that women need to choose life for their baby. Please pray and consider making a gift today. 

Thank you so much for your incredibly generous support. This past year was an important year for Care Net Peninsula, but there’s still work to be done. Please join us in praying for God to use our ministry in a profound way to serve more women and babies than ever in 2024.

I pray that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas,

P.S. Your giving makes the stories you read in this letter possible. Will you consider a year-end gift to Care Net Peninsula to save even more babies from abortion in 2024? Thank you for your generosity.

Read More News Updates

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

2023 Year-End Letter from Our Executive Director

Together, we can continue to be that place of miracles and transformation for countless women and families in need. When you make a year-end gift to Care Net Peninsula, you are providing the help and hope that women need to choose life for their baby.

Read More »

Giving Tuesday 2023

Today is the Day!

Giving Tuesday 2023

Today, on Giving Tuesday, will you join us in providing the gift of LIFE to hundreds of pre-born babies across the Peninsula?

For $70 you can provide ONE DAY of ultrasounds to a women facing unplanned pregnancies and wondering what to do next. An ultrasound opens a window to the womb where a woman can see her baby for the first time – where she can see her baby’s heart beating and body wiggling around.

An ultrasound shows that what she tries to hide away in her mind, that her baby isn’t real yet, is false. An ultrasound shows her that there is LIFE growing inside of her womb. 

A 2020 study from Care Net National states that 75% of the women they polled considering abortion chose LIFE after seeing an ultrasound. 

For $70, you could help FIVE women see the truth!

Will you join us by providing a day (or more) of ultrasounds and providing the women we serve with the help and hope they need to choose LIFE

Thank you for joining us in the fight for life on the Peninsula!

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday 2023

Giving Tuesday 2023 Care Net Peninsula
Giving Tuesday 2023 Care Net Peninsula

Save the Date: 

Giving Tuesday 2023

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of Care Net Peninsula. Your generosity and dedication to serve moms and save babies across our community allow us to provide hundreds of local women each year with the help and hope they need to choose LIFE for their babies. 

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in taking a stand for life by giving a life-saving gift by providing ONE DAY of ultrasounds to our clinic to serve the women wondering what to do next when facing an unplanned pregnancy.

$70

That is the cost of five ultrasounds – five opportunities to glimpse into the womb where a woman and her partner can see their pre-born baby for the first time!!

So mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 28th, and together, we can continue to provide FREE ultrasounds to women when they need them most!

Why is an ultrasound so important? A 2020 study revealed that 75% of the women considering abortion choose life after viewing an ultrasound. 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

Hope For A Lifetime: 5 Years and Counting

Four times she tested, why?

“I did not want to believe the results”, Rylinn recalled.

So, she took test after test, hoping the results were wrong. But every pregnancy test came back the same: positive.

“I was terrified when I discovered I was pregnant.” She was only 23 years old at the time.

“I was not in the best place,” she admitted. “I did not feel prepared enough for a child.”

“I had a dream job bringing in a decent income, yet, I still felt like I could not afford to bring a child into the world.”

And then there were Rylinn’s plans for her own life – what would those plans look like now? “I was nervous, scared, and anxious about what my future would be like with a child in it. I was indecisive of what to do: whether to keep this child or consider other options.”

But one thing Rylinn was sure of – she needed help.

“I happened to stumble across Alcove Health Women’s Clinic,” she said.

That stumble led Rylinn to the help and hope she needed.

Rylinn recalled that she “received so much more” than what she expected when she first walked through Alcove Health’s doors. “I spoke with the staff, who were all so helpful and kind”

 “The clinic team helped me explore my options for my pregnancy and gave me the prenatal vitamins I would need. All at no cost,” Rylinn said. “The staff knew of my apprehensiveness with the pregnancy and the rough time I was having and went out of their way to comfort me with kind words and pray for me.”

 “I’ll never forget it!”

And now, five years later, Rylinn’s little girl, Shai is here – breathing, smiling, and laughing with her grateful mom.Why? Because the pregnancy that terrified Rylinn five years ago is now a 5-year-old little girl. Shai is growing, playing, spending time with her family, and learning new things every day.

In 2018, donors gave to Care Net Peninsula so that Rylinn and other women would receive help when they needed it the most. They gave because the understood the urgency and fear that accompanies an unexpected pregnancy. They gave in faith that their generosity would serve moms and save babies.

And it did!

If you gave back in 2018; you are part of Rylinn and Shai’s story.

Your giving to Care Net Peninsula did far more than just support a trip to our pregnancy center.

Your generosity – then and now – supports all the trips that come after that first trip to our clinic. There are also trips to parks, churches, museums, and family reunions – every trip that living children make. School events, weddings, and babies growing up to have families of their own. All because, in the moment a woman is making a pregnancy decision, you decide to give her the support she needs.

That’s the significance of your giving. The right support at the right time makes every future moment possible. And moments become lifetimes, just like Shai’s.

Sherri Pigue, Client Advocate

Friday, November 17, 2023

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

Finding Help and Hope In The Arms of the CNP Family

Finding Help & Hope In the Arms of the Care Net Peninsula Family

When I think about courage, my instinct is to conjure up images of heroes like William Wallace or Rocky Balboa. But is there a clearer picture of courage than women like GaBria, who chose life for her baby despite incredibly difficult circumstances?
 
Our clients often face pressure to abort from the father, their parents, their friends, the culture, and even themselves. But God, in his goodness and mercy, gives some the unbelievable courage to stand against it all and choose life for their baby.
 
In this context, our role (yours and mine) is to equip these heroes for what lies ahead. At the clinic, we do this in many ways:         
• Options Counseling      
• Confirmation Ultrasounds      
• Pregnancy Tests      
• STI Tests      
• Parenting Support      
• Spiritual Mentorship      
• Post-Abortion Support
When a client chooses life, we stand ready to help her navigate the path forward. For GaBria, we were thrilled to walk with her through her pregnancy and to meet her beautiful son Ai’Luan. But her courageous spirit didn’t stop there. In May, at our Walk4Life, she walked onto a stage, baby in tow, and shared with 1,200 people about her experience with our ministry.Please pray that all our clients would have courage like GaBria. And that we serve and equip every woman God sends our way.       
For Life,
Executive Director
OVERWHELMED. FRANTIC. DISBELIEF.
Life was challenging for 24-year-oldGaBria. Raising a one-year-old daughter while living with her mother was not the life she planned. Recently recovering from a car accident and in the process of trying to get her own apartment, life was hard enough. Adding another child into her already shaky world would be too much to handle. “When I looked at that positive pregnancy test, I was overwhelmed, frantic, and in complete disbelief.” Abortion was the only way GaBria saw out of this situation.”
A SAFE PLACE TO PROCESS
GaBria found Alcove Health online and made an appointment. “I made the appointment thinking of and wanting to talk about abortion.” At Alcove, GaBria found a safe place to process her feelings surrounding her pregnancy – information about abortion and her concerns about raising multiple children as a single mother.
At Alcove, GaBria encountered much more than a listening ear. She received resources and partners that couple help her if she chose to carry her baby. From parenting classes to help with material needs, GaBria grasped onto hope as she considered options she never knew she had. “I decided I could do this, and I was going to have my son.”
Beyond practical resources, GaBria encountered a caring team that walked with her throughout her pregnancy. She experienced the love of God through the warmth and affirmation she received from her client advocate, Sylvia.  “That day I made the decision to carry my baby, I told Sylvia that I would not be doing this alone. That she would be going with me through the whole pregnancy.” And she did!
Nurse Meg also served on GaBria’s care team, providing her with prenatal education, diagnostic testing, and an ultrasound.  “The whole team was so kind. Meg made me laugh and feel so comfortable, she knew so much about ultrasounds. It made such a difference.”
JUST WHAT I NEEDED
GaBria found the support she needed in the Alcove team.  “From the smiling face of Candra at the front desk to advocate Jenn, Alcove was just what I needed. I received support, answers to my questions, education, and, most of all, non-judgemental kindness. The parenting classes helped me prepare for my little man while having a 1-year-old daughter, and I received lots of practical baby items too.”
And she continued,  “My pregnancy was not easy. My car broke down, there were medical concerns about my baby’s development, and when I needed someone to talk to, I knew I had someone to turn to for advice and direction. Sometimes it was simply knowing someone was praying for me. Other times it was a kind word or a resource I could turn to for help. I knew I was not alone, and I had somewhere to turn.”
AND THE 2 ARE NOW 3
Born five weeks early at 4 pounds 11 ounces, baby Ai’Luan arrived healthy into the arms of a family that is so grateful for his life. Every day is not always easy for GaBria, but it is joyful.  “Today, I am in my own home with both of my children, my life is more positive, and I have so much support. I am thankful to Alcove for the love, kindness, resources, and practical help that helped make it all possible.”
GaBria continues to receive support and material needs from her Alcove family. What a joy it is that God uses us to serve GaBria and these precious little ones.
Help women like GaBria by make a gift today!

Friday, August 11, 2023

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

Meet Benjamin Watson – Our 2023 Peninsula4Life Dinner Guest Speaker

Meet Benjamin Watson

Care Net Peninsula's 2023 Peninsula4Life Guest Speaker

Benjamin Watson is a former NFL tight end, as well as a writer, a speaker, and an activist. He is a college football studio analyst with the SEC Network, and he serves as VP of strategic relationships with the Human Coalition, one of the largest pro-life and pro-woman organizations in the country. Along with his wife, Kirsten, he is the founder of The Watson 7 Foundation, a nonprofit focused on strengthening families. They live in Georgia with their seven children. For more information, visit thewatsonseven.com

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »

Colleen Holcomb to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner

Colleen Holcomb to Chair Care Net Peninsula's 37th Annual Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner

Local attorney Colleen Holcomb to serve as chairperson at this year’s annual Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner taking place on October 20th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Newport News, VA – This October 20th, more than 700 guests will gather at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia, for the 37th annual Peninsula4Life Dinner benefitting Alcove Health, the Peninsula’s only no-cost women’s pregnancy health center. This annual event brings together local businesses, churches, and individuals to raise awareness and funds for the pregnancy clinic’s medical services and resources.

The 2023 banquet will be chaired by Colleen Holcomb, a partner at Holcomb Law, P.C. Colleen’s passion for the unborn has moved her to serve in multiple leadership roles with Care Net Peninsula and as the Executive Director of the Republican National Coalition for Life.

Coretta Scott King said that ‘the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.’ The Peninsula4Life Banquet has become a cherished tradition for the Peninsula community because it reflects that greatness,” said Holcomb. “The Care Net Peninsula team is serving on the frontlines, bringing hope and practical care to women facing crisis pregnancies. This banquet enables the community to share in and celebrate this vital work.”

The keynote speaker for the evening will be former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson of The Watson Seven. For more information or to donate online, please visit peninsula4life.org.

About Care Net Peninsula: Care Net Peninsula, founded in 1986 as Peninsula Crisis Pregnancy Center, is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides no-costs services to women experiencing unplanned pregnancy. Care Net Peninsula operates a medical clinic in Newport News offering options counseling, ultrasounds, parenting support and more.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Sarita’s Story

The saying goes—it takes a village to raise a child. To the women we serve, you’re their village. But saving that child’s life takes an entire team, as Sarita shares with you below in her own words.

Read More »

Get to Know Rachel!

Over the years, God has been very gracious to our team by bringing the right people to the mission at just the right time, and we’re excited for you to meet our newest team member, Rachel González.

Read More »