clinic updates Archives - Care Net Peninsula

August 27, 2020February 7, 2022

2020 Drive-In4Life Update

You Are Providing for Moms Through Covid-19 and Beyond!

When you can’t assemble together for your annual Walk4Life what do you do? Our passionate community didn’t let a global pandemic stop us from raising awareness and funds to serve moms and save babies on the Peninsula.

On June 13th we gathered together in the parking lot of Coastal Community Church for Care Net Peninsula’s first (and prayerfully only) Drive-In4Life. In our decorated cars we celebrated what God has done to continue to provide the needed funds to offer practical help and hope to women in crisis. And can you believe that we held our BIGGEST Spring fundraiser . . . EVER!! Raising over $150,000!!

You did it!! We are so grateful for all of the hard work our fundraising walkers (we never changed the term . . . oops), teams and churches accomplished to provide care in crisis!

Top Teams

Christ Fellowship Church of Wburg $13,600

Young Team $12,985

Bridgeport Church $9,560

First Church Port Warwick $5,700

Laufer Insurance Solutions $5,525

Peninsula Community Chapel $4,830

Holloways4Life $4,350

Seaford Baptist Church Life Matters Ministry $3,955

Community Bible Church $3,850

All Generations Church $2,965

Top Walkers

Ryan Holloway $4,350

Caroline Driscoll $3,525

Zipporah Young $3,450

Charlie Littlefield $3,100

Rhonda Laufer $3,000

Leah Alden $2,725

Cary Taylor $2,585

Chloe Figgers $2,250

Andrea Beck $2,175

Anna Alden $2,065

The Water Babies won BEST OVERALL CAR!

The Cecil Family won MOST CREATIVE CAR!

The Alexander Family won MOST ON MESSAGE CAR!

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors:

Amanda Franks, Marketing Manager

August 27, 2020

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

We are excited to introduce you to our newest team member, Katelyn Carpenter. Katelyn joins us as our Development Coordinator, and she is someone you will get very used to seeing and talking to as the year goes on.

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

Tragically, 15 children in Virginia died from Covid-19. But since March 2020, 300 times that number of babies died from abortion . . . on the Peninsula. That’s over 4,000 preborn lives taken from our community in less than 3 years. But it would have been more.

May 28, 2020February 7, 2022

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)

Sheri Coker, Senior Client Advocate

May 28, 2020

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

May 6, 2020February 7, 2022

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.

Meg Williams, RN, BSN

May 6, 2020

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

April 19, 2020February 7, 2022

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

Stephanie Meitz, Senior Client Advocate

April 21, 2020

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

April 19, 2020February 7, 2022

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

Sherri Pigue, Client Relations Manager

April 20, 2020

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

April 19, 2020February 7, 2022

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

Stephanie Meitz, Senior Client Advocate

April 19, 2020

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

September 4, 2018January 16, 2022

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.”

By Kimberly Logsdon, Executive Director

September 4, 2018

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

May 21, 2018January 16, 2022

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.”

By Kimberly Logsdon, Executive Director

May 21, 2018

Serving Moms and Saving Babies in a POST-ROE WORLD

See the impact YOU made in 2022

Meet Our New Development Coordinator

Leesa Conley to Chair Care Net Peninsula’s 37th Annual Walk4Life

Local businesswoman Leesa Conley to serve as chair at this year’s annual Walk4Life Community Event to take place on May 13, 2023 at Newport News Park

Critical Year-End Ministry Update

March 6, 2018January 16, 2022

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!