
DATE: Thursday, October 9, 1997             TAG: 9710080194

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 16   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   91 lines

CRISIS CENTER TOURNAMENT IS A FUND-RAISING SUCCESS THE MINISTRY PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR THOSE FACING PREGNANCY.

September 23 may have seemed like a normal day in Hampton Roads, but for 115 golfers and the Suffolk Extension of the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater Inc. it was a nearly perfect day.

The agency sponsored its 3rd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament at Sleepy Hole Golf Course.

While the tournament offered five hours of play, fun, fellowship,dinner, and prizes provided by 46 tournament sponsors, the event also raised $7,000 for the agency.

``It was a tremendous success,'' noted Karen McIntyre, director of Suffolk's Crisis Pregnancy Center. ``There was an increase in players and sponsors this year, and we enjoyed God's special blessing - an awesome day.''

Back at their new office site at 814 W. Constance Rd., the Center's volunteers talked of the ministry and the lives that will be touched as a result.

The agency opened its doors in Virginia Beach in 1985. In November 1988, Suffolk's center opened with Patty Blanchard as its director. In October 1993, another center opened at 5000 Portsmouth Blvd. to serve Portsmouth and Chesapeake.

Suffolk's center moved to its newest location in June. It is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every Wednesday. McIntyre and her volunteer staff say the ministry is flourishing.

``We're here to help anyone and everyone, those with planned and unplanned pregnancies and our services are free, confidential and available to all,'' McIntyre explained.

The purpose of the Center is ``to offer women in crisis pregnancies life-affirming choices.''

``First and foremost we are a Christian ministry,'' McIntyre pointed out. ``Our desire is . . . to let women know of the help available to them.

``Pregnancy is a time of real change and turmoil, even under normal circumstances,'' McIntyre said. ``And things are especially difficult if the pregnancy is unplanned.

``We want to be the shoulder to lean on, the arm to help someone through. We want to let people know all the resources available to them. And especially if they are considering an abortion, we want to show them life-affirming alternatives.''

McIntyre said the Suffolk center counsels an average of 12 clients per week. McIntyre cited a recent survey which indicated that 45 percent of new babies born in Suffolk are from out-of-wedlock pregnancies to show there is a need for expanding the ministry.

The Center offers confidential, caring help and free pregnancy testing. Counseling and education concerning personal issues and pregnancy are provided by the trained staff. There are groups to help women and men deal with the effects of an abortion in their lives.

The Center offers a one-on-one advocacy program and referrals are available for financial aid, medical and housing needs, and adoption.

``We've done the homework and we know what's available. There are many things set up to help women deal with their unplanned pregnancies,'' McIntyre noted.

The Center also provides seminars and educational programs for churches, schools and other organizations upon request. ``I'm Worth Waiting For,'' an abstinence-based program that addresses sexuality and chastity issues, is one of the programs offered. Through talks, skits, video presentations and personal testimonies, the presentation team helps teens define their own philosophy regarding sex. They encourage a commitment to sexual purity, and offer help for those who want a new start.

``This program is powerful and pertinent,'' McIntyre said. ``We give the truth in love so that participants can make informed decisions.''

Another service of CPC offered by the center, that is supported entirely by donations, is providing baby layettes for new moms. Baby clothing, furniture and accessories are often donated by individuals and churches who hold ``baby showers'' for the Center.

``No amount of effort or involvement is too small,'' McIntyre said. ``Some people give a few dollars a month in support, others donate a few hours of volunteer service a year. Some give baby supplies or organize ``baby showers' to our community.'' MEMO: For further information or for assistance, call Director Karen

McIntyre at Suffolk's Crisis Pregnancy Center at (757) 925-0843. The

Suffolk center is at 814 W. Constance Rd. across from Suffolk West

Shopping Center. The center is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 5

p.m. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER

Leo Cook, left, and Larry Mihalchik watch Pete Lewis stroke a putt

on the green at the 9th hole of the benefit tournament.

Ed Kerr expresses his dismay at the trajectory of his shot off the

tee at the 9th hole during the golf tournament to benefit the Crisis

Pregnancy Center. The tournament raised about $7,000 for the center.