Amanda Franks, Author at Care Net Peninsula

July 2, 2024April 14, 2025

Twice As Sweet: Welcoming These Beautiful Newborn Twins

Twice as Sweet:

Welcoming These Beautiful Newborn Twins

There is something incredibly special about newborn photo sessions—the tiny details, the soft snuggles, the quiet moments. But recently all of that was doubled when we captured these moments for a set of twin girls you helped this past year.

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

A common question that pregnancy centers often face—whether from supporters or critics of the pro-life movement—is how we continue to support a woman after she chooses to keep her child. It’s a valid question, especially for faith-based providers who are called to love and serve others in tangible ways.

The Twins Are ONE!

These sweet girls recently celebrated their FIRST birthday, and we can’t help but think about how sweet it has been to watch them grow this last year because of YOU and the support you provide our clinic.

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

June 24, 2024September 15, 2024

Praise and Prayers: A look at two years since the overturning of Roe v. Wade

Overturning Roe v. Wade - Two Years Later - Care Net Peninsula - Newport News, Virginia (VA)

Praise and Prayers:

A look at two years since the overturning of Roe v. Wade

Today marks two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion. The National Right to Life estimates that up to 89,000 lives have been saved due to this ruling (1). Praise the Lord! And while we are grateful for each of these precious lives saved, we cannot relax in our fight for life.

Despite the favorable Supreme Court ruling, abortion is on the rise.

In 2023, the US recorded the highest number of abortions in over a decade (2). Nationally, the abortion pill, which in 2020 accounted for 53% of abortions, increased last year to 63% of abortions (3). This means that each year hundreds of thousands of women are having their abortions at home. Abortions with no medical oversight, and many with only a tele-health consultation.

Here in Virginia where abortion remains legal until the third trimester, the news is not better. In addition to the swell in abortion pill use, clinic-provided abortions increased 85% since 2020. Last year alone, that accounted for 34,700 medical abortions in our state (4).

BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS!

Because of your support we are here to give life-saving help and hope to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Already this year we have seen a record number of women in our new clinic. Women arrive feeling scared and alone leave with hope and resources to support them in choosing life for their unborn baby.

Together We Praise and Pray:

So, as we celebrate the anniversary of this life-saving ruling and the lives that have been saved as a result, let us continue to pray.

Pray for life-giving legislation on a federal and state level.
Pray for Care Net Peninsula, and other pregnancy centers who are on the frontlines giving help and hope to women in crisis
Pray that women will find us and choose life before they default to an abortion.

As always, we invite you to visit our new center to meet our team and see this life-giving work first-hand. Feel free to give us a call at 757-591-0303 or email me, Anne, at anne@cnpeninsula.org.

Anne Sych, Director of Development

Monday, June 24, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

June 21, 2024June 21, 2024

Local Business Leader Micah Miller to Chair Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner

Local Business Leader Micah Miller Named Chairperson for CNP's Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner

Local businessman Micah Miller to serve as chairperson at this year’s annual Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner taking place on October 11th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Newport News, VA – This October 11th over 900 guests will gather at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia for the 38^th 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.

“Having witnessed the invaluable work of Care Net Peninsula firsthand, I am honored to chair this year’s Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner,” said Miller. “The clinic serves as a beacon of hope for women facing unplanned pregnancies, and I am privileged to play a role in furthering its mission.”

The keynote speaker for the evening will be New York Times best-selling author, Lee Strobel. For more information attending the dinner 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 nonprofit 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.

Anne Sych, Director of Development

Friday, June 21, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

May 28, 2024April 13, 2025

Everyone Loves Baby Giggles

There’s nothing more heartwarming than the bond between a mother and her baby. These photos capture the quiet joy, tender snuggles, and playful giggles that fill their days. From sweet cuddles to shared smiles, every moment is a reminder of just how powerful and beautiful that connection is.

Other Sessions: Maternity

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

May 6, 2024September 13, 2024

See Your 2023 Impact On The Peninsula

The Next Chapter

The ultrasound photo below tells a beautiful story. The pinnacle of God’s design on display in all its glory. A baby boy being formed in his mother’s womb. A stunningly clear three-dimensional image that showcases God’s ingenuity and human ingenuity in the same picture. The story of a mom defying the deadly lies of a sick culture and choosing life for her son. And of a community that gives sacrificially so that local women facing an unplanned pregnancy have a safe place to get the help they need – at no cost to them.

On top of your usual generosity, you gave so that Care Net Peninsula could build a permanent place to serve vulnerable moms and babies in our community. After 38 years of serving well over 10,000 clients we no have a beautiful, welcoming, state-of-the-art clinic that is a reflection of your love and passion for the women and babies we serve.

My commitment to you is that we will do whatever we can to leverage our new facility to serve as many moms and save as many babies as possible Please continue to give generously to this mission and pray regularly for our clients, their babies, and our staff.

The Next Chapter

ingenuity in the same picture. The story of a mom defying the deadly lies of a sick culture and choosing life for her son. And of a community that gives sacrificially so that local women facing an unplanned pregnancy have a safe place to get the help they need – at no cost to them.

Executive Director

Unplanned Pregnancies & Abortions In Our Community

ABORTION IS ON THE RISE

According to the Virginia Department of Health, which is not correctly accounting for abortions by mail, the abortion rate on the Peninsula increased by 21% in 2022 – the most recent data available.

In Virginia, there are virtually no limitations on abortion up to birth, and nationally, abortions have continued to increase.

914

total women served

233

abortion minded women served

121

confirmed babies saved

546

ultrasounds

644

pregnancy tests

162

STI tests

82

clients were connected with a church mentor

150

mothers completed our LEAP parenting program

627

women received baby supplies

Sarita’s Story – 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.

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.

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.

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.”

Want to make a difference in the lives of women and babies like Sarita and Gabby? Make a gift below to serve more mom and save more babies on the Peninsula!

2023 Expenses & Revenue

517

Defenders4Life

members of our monthly giving community – one of the most sustainable ways to give to our mission.

$600k

and more raised for capital campaign funds to go towards building our new home on the Peninsula!

$82,105

Bottles4Life Campaigns

$462,000

Peninsula4Life Dinner

$240,319

Walk4Life

The CNP Staff & Board of Directors

Ryan Holloway

Executive Director

Dr. Jerrid Neeley, D.O.

Medical Director

Shantelle Giles

Clinic Director

Anne Sych

Development Director

Amanda Franks

Marketing Director

Timothy Marr

Operations Director

Sherri Pigue

Client Relations Manager

Kinta Dye, RN, BSN

Nurse Manager

Meg Williams, RN, BSN

Nurse

Karla Laskowski, RN, BSN

Nurse

Denise Espada, RN, BSN

Nurse

Karen Reynolds

Client Advocate

Jenn Nicholson

Client Advocate

Archisha Roberson

Client Advocate

Emalee Yow

Development Coordinator

Rachel Gonzalez

Community Relations Coordinator

Joyce Stackhouse

Administrative Assistant (Admin)

Candra Smith

Administrative Assistant (Clinic)

Kalea Saenz

Video Content Creator

Garrett Maroon

Board Chair

Wayne Holcomb, Esq.

Board Vice-Chair

Pastor Shaun Brown

Board Secretary

Teresa Chalsma

Board Treasurer

Dyan Gurley

Board Member

Pastor Riley Brown

Board Member

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Monday, May 6, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

April 19, 2024September 13, 2024

Sarita’s Story of Hope!

Sarita's Testimony - A real client you helped through Care Net Peninsula's free women's clinic

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.

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.

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”.

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

February 19, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

February 19, 2024July 26, 2025

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!

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

February 19, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

February 9, 2024September 13, 2024

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:

the location of the pregnancy (if it’s ectopic it will require immediate medical attention, not an abortion)
the age of the pregnancy
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.

First, Do you believe God creates life? Your life? Your baby’s life?

If the answers to these questions is yes, then the 2^nd 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 Relations Manager

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.

Bonita and Everett

April 17, 2025

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

April 16, 2025

The Twins Are ONE!

April 6, 2025

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

February 21, 2025

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

January 16, 2024April 14, 2025

Mom and Baby Girl

Thank you for providing help and hope to this Mama and her baby girl.

Photos By: Cindy Matthews, Volunteer Photographer

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Bonita and Everett

As we flipped our CNP calendars to April this month, we realized we never showed you all the sweet photos from this session of Bonita and Baby Everett.

Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond

The Twins Are ONE!

Choosing Life: A Story of Hope and Courage

Click to read our latest ministry update from our clinic.

December 19, 2023April 14, 2025

Mom’s Group Christmas Session

Mom's Group Christmas Sessions

Our clinic hosts a Moms Group for our clients, past and present, that has become a space for them to interact with one another, lean on their peers, and is an opportunity to continue to be part of their life and new journey. Ocassionally we like to offer them special opportunities, like mini sessions! So this year we decided what better than to get everyone ready for Christmas! Check out some of the pics below.

Session A Photos By: Cindy Matthew, Volunteer Photographer