Advancing the Mission:

Celebrating a Legacy of Hope and Community

Words by Lifestyle Staff

This September, Tulare-King’s Resources for Life invites you to join a special fundraising event to support its ongoing commitment to serving Central Valley families with compassion, dignity, and unwavering support. Advancing the Mission is an opportunity to reflect on the impact the organization has made and to look ahead with renewed purpose.

Formerly known as Tulare-Kings Right to Life, the organization recently adopted a new name to better reflect the scope of its work. “We’re offering so much more than we were a decade ago,” says Executive Director Ann Marie Paden. “From preschool programs to classroom curriculum, fertility awareness education, and community symposia, our name needed to represent the full range of resources we provide.”

The new name, Tulare-Kings Resources for Life, was officially adopted by the board in late 2024, keeping the familiar TKRL acronym while redefining its meaning for a new generation.

Since last year’s Advancing the Mission event with actor Jim Caviezel, TKRL has grown rapidly. Their once-quiet office is now a hub of positive energy, with a team of passionate advocates, skilled volunteers, and new programs that reach across the lifespan.

Kyle Savage, representative from Senator Shannon Grove’s office, presented an award on her behalf in recognition of TKRL’s efforts to bring vital resources to the community.

As pictured: Tania (Program Coordinator), Andrew (Education Specialist), Ann Marie (Executive Director), Rebecca (Admin/Financial Specialist), Kyle Savage, Melissa (Event Planner), Michael (Media Manager).

Among the new resources now offered:

• NaPro Introductory Sessions: Held monthly by Kaitlin Pyron, RN/FCPI, these sessions teach the Creighton Model System—an evidence-based, holistic approach to fertility that offers alternatives to IVF and real solutions for reproductive health challenges.

• TKRL Preschool Classes: Designed by longtime educator and board member Bonnie, these free three-session classes emphasize the value of life and appreciation of babies. Families have traveled from as far as Bakersfield to attend.

• Classroom Curriculum: TKRL has entered local public and private schools, offering a medically informed, developmentally appropriate supplement to life science classes. Lessons include fetal development education using infant models, Live Action’s short film Baby Olivia, and engaging classroom materials.

• Symposia for All Ages: Two new events—the Senior Symposium and the Adoption Symposium—have broadened TKRL’s outreach to key demographics, providing valuable community resources on aging, adoption, and foster care in partnership with agencies like CASA Kings County and Koinonia.

Coming soon is perhaps their most ambitious educational offering yet: a high school curriculum developed in-house by their Education Specialist. This five-day course will include modules on body literacy, cycle health, STI prevention, fetal development, and life-affirming alternatives, all taught by medical professionals and tailored for youth.

“It’s all about education,” says Paden. “It’s at the heart of everything we do.”

This year’s Advancing the Mission event, taking place on September 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Visalia First, will kick off a campaign to raise $1 million for virtual reality technology and programming, enhancing the educational curriculum for students across the Central Valley. “We needed a nationally known speaker because we believe this project will be adopted nationwide,” says Executive Director Ann Marie Paden.

“This isn’t just about one night,” says Paden. “It’s about investing in the future. We’re building a culture of life through education—one classroom, one student, one family at a time.”

Join TKRL on September 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Visalia First (3737 S Akers St, Visalia, CA) for an evening of celebration, connection, and vision. Group rates and student discounts are available. Reserve your tickets at tkrl.org.

While Advancing the Mission is a fundraising event, its broader goal is to connect the community with resources, tools, and conversations that support health, education, and family well-being.

Advancing the Mission

Tuesday, September 2

Doors open at 5:30 pm

Program begins at 6:30 pm

Purchase tickets at tkrl.org Questions? Call 559-732-5000

Here’s what a new Advocate has to say about TKRL:

“It’s amazing to see all denominations supporting one another in the cause for life. I am most impressed that TKRL encourages all people of faith—and even those who are not believers—to get involved. There is a place for you at TKRL to participate.”

— Betty Mendoza, Visalia

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