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Local Physician, Libby Palumbo, DO Named Chairperson for Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner

Local Physician, Libby Palumbo, DO Named Chairperson for Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner

Local physician Libby Palumbo, DO will serve as chairperson at this year’s annual Peninsula4Life Benefit Dinner, taking place on October 17th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

This October 17th, over 900 guests will gather at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia for the 39th 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.

“I am honored to chair this year’s Peninsula4Life dinner to support Alcove Health and further their mission of supporting women with unplanned pregnancies and empowering them to choose life for their unborn children.

Upon becoming a physician, I recited the Hippocratic Oath, pledging to uphold ethical standards in my practice, including not to harm or give a lethal drug to anyone, even if asked, nor to advise such a plan. I am proud to partner with this organization and protect the most vulnerable patient, the unborn child. “

The evening’s keynote address will be delivered by Focus on the Family Partner and renowned physician Dr. Bill Lile, who will share insights on cutting-edge medical advancements used to treat complex conditions in the womb. To learn more about attending the dinner or to make an online donation, 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.

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Anne Sych, Director of Development

Monday, July 7, 2025

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Meet Denise – A Nurse on a Mission to Serve Moms and Save Babies

Meet Denise

A Nurse on A Mission to Serve Moms & Save Babies

We’re thrilled to welcome Denise Espada, RN, BSN to the Care Net Peninsula team!

Denise first joined us in January 2024 as a per diem nurse, and this fall, she transitioned into a part-time role, bringing not just clinical expertise but a heart deeply committed to the mission of life.

As a Registered Nurse trained in limited ultrasounds, Denise works directly with the women who come through our doors, offering both medical care and compassionate support as they navigate big decisions. Her calm spirit and genuine love for people have already made her a blessing to our team and the moms we serve.

Denise’s heart for this ministry runs deep. She had been serving at another pregnancy center in Virginia, but when a position opened up at CNP, she knew God was opening a door that was closer to home and would give her the opportunity to dedicate more time to the mission.

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Denise holds a BSN from Adelphi University. She’s lived in Virginia for the past 12 years and currently serves in both the women’s and children’s ministries at Calvary Chapel of Gloucester. And when she’s not serving at church or in the clinic, she’s most likely spending time with her big, beautiful family—her husband of 28 years, their five children, and two (almost three!) grandchildren.

She’s also bilingual and grew up in a Spanish-speaking home—something that has been a gift to many of the moms we serve.

When asked what she’s most looking forward to, Denise didn’t hesitate:
“Continuing to show women LIFE and LOVE.”

We couldn’t be more grateful to have Denise on our team, and we know you’ll love her just as much as we do. Next time you’re at the clinic, be sure to say hello and help us welcome her to the CNP Family!

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Thursday, December 19, 2024

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From Hiking Trails to Hope-Filled Talks – Meet Our New Client Advocate

From Hiking Trails to Hope-Filled Talks

Meet Our New Client Advocate

The Care Net Peninsula family is growing again, and we’re excited to introduce you to one of our newest team members, Jessica Dykema!

Jessica officially joined our team this September as a Client Advocate. She recently completed her advocate training and is already meeting one-on-one with the women we serve. If you’ve been around CNP for a while now, you know just how vital our advocates are, and we’re grateful to have Jessica stepping into this critical role with wisdom, compassion, and a heart to serve.

Jessica and her husband, Steve, have been married for 20 years. Together, they have two “homegrown” boys and a daughter who was lovingly handpicked from India. As a family, they love traveling internationally and spending time outdoors, especially hiking!

Jessica brings with her a rich background in ministry and education. She holds a B.S. in Bible and Intercultural Studies and a master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from Columbia International University. After 16 years of homeschooling, she’s currently pursuing certification as a professional life coach.

Her journey to Care Net Peninsula started when a CNP donor invited her to the Peninsula4Life Dinner and encouraged her to consider applying for the Client Advocate role. Before officially joining our team, Jessica also served as a Church Mentor, walking alongside women during this new season of their lives.

Jessica is passionate about using her God-given talents to make a lasting impact for the Kingdom. She’s a member of LibertyLive Church and is excited to serve women in our community with truth and grace.

We’re grateful that God led Jessica to our team, and we look forward to seeing how He will use her in this new season!

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Thursday, December 12, 2025

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Keeping the Lights On & Mission Moving – Meet Timothy Marr, Our Director of Operations.

Keeping the Lights on & the Mission Moving

Meet Timothy Marr, Our Director of Operations

If you’ve been around the Care Net Peninsula office over the past few months, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen Tim Marr quietly (but efficiently!) making things run behind the scenes. While he’s been with us for 8 months now, we figured it was time for a proper introduction.

Tim serves as our Director of Operations, overseeing everything from finances and HR to building logistics and general support for our team. If something needs fixing, streamlining, organizing, or evaluating, Tim’s likely already on it.

A Hampton native, Tim brings both local roots and a wealth of ministry experience to the team. He spent 20 years pastoring churches across North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and West Virginia before returning to Virginia in 2021. Most recently, he served as a General Manager in the restaurant industry. But when a Care Net Peninsula email hit his inbox announcing the Director of Operations opening, something stirred – and, as Tim puts it, “the rest is history.”

Tim holds a BS in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He’s also an elder at Reformation Christian Fellowship and has a heart deeply rooted in gospel-centered service.

When he’s not at the office, Tim is husband to Katie (married 28 years!) and dad to four wonderful children – Kylie, Carson, Kara, and Colton.

We’re so thankful for all that Tim brings to Care Net Peninsula. If you haven’t met him yet, we hope you’ll take the time to say hello – he’s usually the one making sure everything (and everyone!) has what they need to thrive.

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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Get to Know Emalee

Get to Know Emalee

Our Development Coordinator

Many of you have gotten to know our Development Coordinator, Emalee Yow, through the Walk4Life and the Peninsula4Life Dinner this year. But we thought it was time to really introduce her to the CNP Family!

A native of New Bern, North Carolina, Emalee moved to Virginia with her husband, Adam, to be part of the Manna Church Newport News relaunch. Over the past few years, God has been moving to bring Emalee to our team.

Before her move to VA, Emalee earned a Bachelor’s degree from Manna University and served as a Missions and Outreach Intern at Manna Church in Fayetteville. During this time, she worked hard on her skills in planning and executing large-scale events, outreaches, and mission trips.

Emalee’s proficiency in these areas made her transition into the role of Development Coordinator smooth when she joined us earlier this year in the middle of Walk4Life planning and Bottles4Life Campaigns, and we know she has been a blessing to the Development team.

If you’ve ever met or talked to Emalee, you know right away why we’re all so grateful to have her on our team. In fact, it’s hard to believe she hasn’t even been with us for a whole year yet!

So feel free to stop by and say hi to Emalee, learn about our upcoming fundraising events, and grab a cup of coffee.

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

October 22, 2024

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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)
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. 

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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.

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Anne Sych, Director of Development

Monday, June 24, 2024

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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 38th 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.

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Anne Sych, Director of Development

Friday, June 21, 2024

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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

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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!
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Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

Friday, August 11, 2023

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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.

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Anne Sych, Director of Development

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

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