Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

Serving Moms and Saving Babies

In A Post-Roe World

2022 Impact Report

Remember the end of a world in Super Mario? You’d defeat Bowser only to find Toad saying “Thank you Mario, but our princess is in another castle.” That’s a bit like the pregnancy center movement right now.

On June 24th, 2022, Roe was aborted! This was great news. The Dobbs decision meant the abortion question would be answered at the state level. In many states, thousands of babies have been saved as a result. But not here in Virginia. In fact, our state as a “purple state” has caused national players on both sides of this issue to label Virginia as a battleground state in post-Roe America. On to the next castle we go.

For Care Net Peninsula, our mission has not changed. We’re doing everything we can to save babies from abortion by caring for pregnant women in crisis. We served nearly 900 clients in 2022. To handle this growth, we purchased 11101 Warwick Boulevard, the future home of our ministry. We’re also constantly adapting to changes in the abortion pill market and trying to stay ahead of Google’s algorithm that filters us out of certain searches now.

Thank you so much for partnering with us in 2022, and please keep the women and babies we serve in your prayers. 

Who Is The Abortion Minded Woman

She could be anyone! Your sister, friend, maybe even the woman sitting next to you in church. It’s easy, in our culture, to believe that abortion is the only way out of an unplanned pregnancy.

Unplanned Pregnancies and Abortions

3,016 unplanned pregnancies
1,435 abortions

*Most recent data available is 2021

According to the Virginia Department of Health, 22% of preborn babies on the Peninsula are aborted. In reality, it’s even higher! That’s because Virginia, like most states, only tracks facility-based abortions. Online abortion companies are mailing abortion pills (for abortions up to 11 weeks) to local women every day without accountability. These companies are strategically located in states that do not track abortion stats, so we have no way of knowing how many babies they’re killing in our community. 

Your Impact in 2022

648

Pregnancy Tests

585

Ultrasounds

199

STI Tests

101

Church Mentors

236

Bundles4Babies

Ashley, a client you served, and her daughter Ani, visiting Karen, a Client Advocate, and the clinic team.

Casey's Story

“IT FELT LIKE A CRUEL JOKE” – Casey saw those two pink lines and was once again overwhelmed with grief and bitterness.

Casey was married with two children, but then had two unplanned pregnancies. Both ended in abortion. Her decisions to abort weighed heavy on her heart in ways she hadn’t fully processed. And yet, here she was, pregnant again. These same lies from before were starting to take over. Would this pregnancy end the same way?

After my second abortion, I was left feeling empty and unloved. My life was becoming a train wreck that caught fire and exploded. I struggled with anxiety and depression and allowed the wrong people into my life. I even convinced myself that my husband didn’t love me anymore, so I left. I turned to drugs and alcohol to escape from the pain.

“One night, blinded and overwhelmed by grief, I was ready to end it all. If my daughter had not walked out to me when she did, snapping me back to reality, my children would have woken up and found me dead in the morning.”

It was only two weeks after this incident when those two pink lines appeared. Casey was working on mending her marriage and family, but she feared a new baby would hurt their progress. Then, she began to experience early pregnancy complications that reminded her vividly of her past abortion decisions and how quickly this could all be over with. But could she live with that decision for this a third time? Casey didn’t want to let another child down, so she made a call to Alcove Health. 

“It wasn’t my first time at Alcove, but this time it was different. There was no hiding. They met me with open arms, and I felt like they genuinely wanted to help me. I met with Sylvia and Shantelle, who understood my situation and talked to me without judgment or ridicule. They gave me hope things would work out.”

“In a time where I felt so alone, scared, and just overwhelmingly sad, Alcove was a bright light of hope.”

“Alcove provided me programs, like LEAP (their parenting program) to help me get started. They connected me with a mentor group that helped keep me grounded and growing in The Word. I returned to my faith, sobered up, and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I will never forget that moment 6 months later when I was baptized with my children, family, and nebworn daughter there to witness.”

God is doing awesome work in Casey’s life . . . and you’re part of her story! Your support provides a safe place for women like Casey to process and learn the truth about abortion. And in a post-Roe world, the truth is more important than ever. For Casey, that meant her daughter was saved from a physical death and she herself from a spiritual death and into a new life with Christ – one that frees her of the guilt, shame, and regret she felt, and helps heal the wounds she carries. 

Client Story Written By Amanda Franks

We're Building a Permanent Space to Serve Local Moms

In June 2022, we bought 11101 Warwick Boulevard. You gave over and above your regular giving to turn this 1970’s office building into the future home of our ministry. We’re at nearly 100% of our $600,000 Capitol Campaign goal and we hope to start construction in April 2023.

The care net team

Board of Directors

Garrett Maroon

Chair

Wayne Holcomb, Esq

Vice-Chair

Pastor Shaun Brown

Secretary

Dyan Gurley

Board Member

Teresa Chalsma

Board Member

Pastor Riley Halliday

Board Member

Carrie Cecil

Board Member

Staff memberS

Ryan Holloway

Executive Director

Dr. Jerrid Neeley, D.O.

Medical Director

Shantelle Giles

Clinic Director

Anne Sych

Director of Development

Linda Mesibov

Operations Manager

Amanda Franks

Marketing Manager

Kinta Dye, RN, BSN

Nurse Manager

Meg Williams, RN, BSN

Nurse Manager

Karla Laskowski, RN, BSN

Nurse

Patty Shuster, RN

Nurse

Sherri Pigue

Client Relations Manager

Katelyn Carpenter

Development Coordinator

Sylvia Pottle

Advocacy Manager

Karen Reynolds

Client Advocate

Jenn Nicholson

Client Advocate

Candra Smith

Clinic Admin Assistant

Joyce Stackhouse

Administrative Assistant

Friday, May 5, 2023

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

The One True Advocate

The One True Advocate

She will hear of the one who conquered sin and death

Missy cleans houses. Jason works in a restaurant. For the past couple of years, they’ve been busy raising a family. It brings to mind the well-known lyrics, “And even though we ain’t got money, I’m so in love with you honey” It’s a well-known story.  Couples living paycheck to paycheck for years, sometimes decades, finding pleasure in the simple things in life.

And then, every so often, something happens.  And the world momentarily stops turning.  Life as we know it changes.  For this generation it is COVID 19.

These couples know what it is like to miss a payment or two. That is part of the reality of living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes it’s a broken bone or a bout with the flu. But this COVID 19, it’s different. Living on love becomes scary. When will people be comfortable having their homes cleaned again? When will people be able to afford to eat out again? With all this new uncertainty there is fear. Always fear.

So they start with the basics. Diapers. Where can Missy and Jason turn for real, practical help? A friend of a friend knows of a place. They make a call. They are connected to someone who identifies herself as an “advocate”. An advocate is one who publicly supports or recommends. She will certainly do that.

But little does this couple know that this phone call was a divine appointment secured by the one true Advocate before time began. So they will get their diapers but they will get so much more.

As Missy pours her heart out to this unknown advocate, the true Advocate will be there as well. Missy will hear about Him and how He alone is able to calm her fears. She will learn that she need not fear COVID 19. She will hear of the one who conquered sin and death.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV)

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Why I Became a Nurse

Why I Became A Nurse

“I love that God uses our personal history to shape us in our careers”

I was 16 years old when I received a call from my mom—I was across town at a friend’s house for the day. It was a very hot Florida day in August 1984, and my Dad, 44 years old, had been out cutting the grass. He was feeling winded and diaphoretic, so he stopped for some cold water and a cigarette. That didn’t work. It quickly escalated to intense chest pain and panic—my mother insisted he lay down in the back seat of the station wagon while she drove at high speed to the local Air Force Hospital. They confirmed quickly that he was having a massive heart attack. That day changed the Lester family.
It changed the way we ate, it changed my parent’s personal habits; it changed the way we interacted; it changed my future.

My father had a couple of years of serious medical problems; I was often the one who helped care for him. My mother had recently returned to work outside the home, my oldest brother had just left for college, and I rose to the opportunity. In fact, I loved it. I didn’t mind cleaning up after bathroom messes or dirty bandages, delivered medications on time, became the walking / Physical therapy partner, and all-around encourager. Our family starting eating heart-healthy meals together, my mom and dad quit smoking after 40 years, we all began an exercise regimen, and we practiced more graciousness towards one another. We were thankful for a new beginning towards a healthier lifestyle. Two years later, I followed my brother to the state university to begin my studies in Nursing.

I love everything about Nursing. I love the science & wonder of how the body works; I love learning & teaching the interactions of medications with disease processes and healthy lifestyles; I love the hope that arises when healing takes place and the joy found in new life and fresh starts. It is a privilege to be trusted by people in their most vulnerable states, to advocate for their best interest, and to share personal moments that change lives. I love that God uses our personal history to shape us in our careers, and offers unique opportunities for us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from Him.

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

There Is Someone Who Understands

As a client advocate at Alcove Health, a follow-up call with a client can be filled with joyous news or laden with the sadness that comes with the knowledge that a life will never be lived on earth. We often think the latter is associated with abortion. We also serve women who valiantly overcome tough odds and are looking forward to bringing life into the world.

This week during a quiet moment in the day I sat down to check in with our precious women. I called one of our carry-to-term clients, Maria, only to hear on the other end of the line a nervous “hello”. Her English was broken, but there was no mistaking the sound of fear and anguish in her voice.

I felt instantly that I was her lifeline and knew that I needed to carefully listen to every syllable she uttered.
Maria went on to tell me that she had been experiencing unsettling signs earlier in the week and went to the emergency room. Once there, doctors told her that there was nothing that could be done to sustain her pregnancy and sent her back home with instructions to navigate through a miscarriage. She was explaining to me the process that she had been working through and all I could think about were the notes on her case that I had refreshed my mind with before calling. She just went through this same thing last year.
I felt instantly that I was her lifeline and knew that I needed to carefully listen to every syllable she uttered.

Maria seemed to calm down as I shared that we have resources to help her work through the days to come. Someone who understands.

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

The Return Ultrasound

The Return Ultrasound

Where One Heartbeat Changes Hearts Forever

It was what we call a “return ultrasound” appointment. A week earlier Jada came to her first appointment without the father of the baby, received a consultation and pregnancy test and was now returning for an ultrasound. This time, though, he came with her.

Jada, certain an abortion was her best choice, was now returning with the father, who she didn’t even want included in the first appointment.

The ultrasound revealed she was quite a bit further along than she expected to be. A clear image of a definite baby. The couple was quiet, but not upset. There were some tears, but not of despair, more of awe. Later, as I thought about it, it seemed to be a sacred awe. One that feels like fear, but weighs like a privilege.

Afterwards, in the consultation room for another consult, both Jada and the father of the baby stated similar sentiments: overwhelmed, with a mixture of fear and excitement. The father spoke of wanting to do this right.

“I have a great program I want to tell you about, Dad,” I say to the young man, planning to tell him about a local program just for Dads.

He exhales and smiles. “Wow, you called me ‘Dad.’ That’s the first time anyone has ever said that to me.”

It was a word that rolled off my tongue quickly, but a word he clearly felt very deeply. “I’m going to call them as soon as we leave here,” he said of the program for Dads.

A man, coming in just to see an ultrasound image, leaving with the weight and honor of fatherhood. It was a good day.

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

The Best Gift

The Best Gift

A Safe Space to Process Your Feelings

Going through any crisis can leave one frazzled and in need of reassurance. What if you add an unplanned pregnancy and a pandemic into the mix? Here at Alcove Health, we are meeting women daily who are living this reality.

Recently I met with Ava, a young mom contemplating an abortion to end her unplanned pregnancy. One of the first statements she made to me was:

“I was sitting in the parking lot at the abortion clinic crying so hard. I just knew that I didn’t belong there. It just didn’t feel right. So, I looked online and found Alcove Health.”

Shyly she sat down, quieted her nerves, and began to tell me that she is a single mom with two daughters who depend on her. Ava had just lost her second job when Covid-19 struck and has no family to help her, only a lifelong friend who is solely encouraging her to hang in there. Ava shared with me that she is desperate to do better than her mother did and be a good example for her girls. Berating herself for a “moment in time” her heartbreaking story continued. I was honored to listen and share these moments with her knowing God was present with us in the room.

A smile and many tissues later, I was able to tell her that she has already given her children a better life than she had. I told her that she is not alone. There is a community standing by you and rooting for you to have the future that you have fought so hard for.

Ava breathed a sigh of relief and said, “This feels so good, you know? Just having the chance to hear myself say this out loud and uninterrupted is the best gift. Thank You. I needed this more than you know.”

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Compassion and Life

Compassion & Life

Dr. Lunsford, Pictured With Kinta Dye, RN, BSN And Meg Williams, RN, BSN

Dr. Elizabeth Lunsford is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Riverside Health who lives in Gloucester, Virginia. She received her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and serves as Medical Director for our pregnancy center. She explains in her own words why she volunteers her time and skills to the work of Care Net Peninsula.

“I chose medicine after I volunteered at a free clinic and I found many people needed better access to care. That’s why I decided to study medicine, because I could see the direct impact of my effort to improve people’s lives. I love helping people optimize their health and live healthy, productive lives to their fullest. As a physician, I am thankful to have medical skills to offer people, but I feel their greatest need is to find relationship with God through Jesus. When this spiritual relationship is restored, then all the other areas of their life ( health, finances, parenting, relationships, emotions ) come into balance as well. Jesus was the “Great Physician” who restored people to health and wholeness in all areas of their lives, and I seek to follow in His footsteps.

Care Net Peninsula provides clinic services at no charge to women facing an unintended pregnancy. This ministry offers an incredible opportunity to truly meet people in their place of need at a time when fear can overwhelm their mind causing them to make decisions they may regret in the future. The Care Net Peninsula center provides opportunity to not only provide pregnancy tests, but more importantly, to speak life and hope into people when they are making critical decisions about their lives and their unborn children. We provide all these services in a caring, respectful atmosphere.

I feel honored to be a part of this professional, compassionate ministry.”

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Board of Directors Update

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

We are pleased to announce the newest members to our strong leadership team! Thank you for your prayers for wisdom and favor for our Board of Directors and Staff members.

Dr. Hellman is a pathologist affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. He serves as the Lab Director for Mary Immaculate Hospital. Dr. Hellman received his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and has practiced for more than 20 years. He is married to Cynthia. God gave him an immediate “Yes!” when he prayed about joining Care Net’s Board.

Mr. Temple is an Attendance Officer with Newport News Public Schools and Acting Pastor of Immanuel Fellowship Church. He has served on multiple community Boards for the City of Newport News. He is married to Cynthia and enjoys 3 children and 1 grandson. He feels this ministry exemplifies Psalm 111 which sings “great are the works of the LORD.”

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Ultrasound Ribbon Cutting

ultrasound ribbon cutting

Saturday, March 3 was a great day of celebration in our clinic as the Knights of Columbus cut the ribbon on the second ultrasound they have donated to the ministry in the past five years. Twelve parishes worked together to raise funds — matched by the national level Knights — necessary to purchase the $30,000 sonogram machine. New Covenant Church raised $1,500 over a weekend to donate the exam table. Our expanded clinic now has double the capacity to serve women in need! Thank you, generous community!

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »