Hope & Life December 2015
The biannual newsletter of Pregnancy Assistance Inc.
Coordinator
Lara Malin
Board
Contents About Us
1
Message from the Chair
2
Message from the Coordinator
2
Chair
Eric Jas
Deputy Chair
Russell Sumich
Secretary
Laura Craig
YOUth Expo
3
Treasurer
Myrna Hyde
Living Life to the Full
3
Board Member
Bronia Karniewicz
Abortion Grief Australia
4
Bring the Beauty Home
5
Henny Shares Hope & Life
6
Contact
Living with Saint Francis
8
Pregnancy Assistance Inc.
Pregnancy Assistance 20th Anniversary
10
Little Visitors
11
East Perth 6004
Volunteer Training and Development
12
T (08) 9328 2926
Donations Update and Appeal
13
Elizabeth’s House 195 Lord Street
E info@pregnancyassistance.org.au Monday - Friday Visiting Hours 10am - 3pm After Hours By Appointment
Beautiful volunteer Anne Easton
About Us Who are we? Pregnancy Assistance Inc. is an independent Catholic organisation initiated by Archbishop Barry Hickey in 1996. We provide compassionate care and emotional, practical and informational support to women in need throughout their pregnancy and post birth. Our free and confidential services are extended to all people irrespective of religion, race, demographic or personal values. What do we do? We provide a safe space in which all pregnant women have access to the care and support they need during their pregnancies and the freedom to make healthy decisions whether they are facing a crisis pregnancy and/or have had an abortion, miscarriage or still birth. We walk the pregnancy journey with the women we meet, assisting them through their crisis, encouraging them along the way and empowering them to walk independently into the future with HOPE and DIGNITY restored. Our free and confidential services include: • Pregnancy testing • Pregnancy care consultation and professional counselling • Accommodation provision • Future study/employment pathways • Practical support – bassinets, baths, nappies & clothes, maternity clothes • Financial assistance • Advocacy & support services referral • Post abortion care & grief counselling Who knocks on our door? Anyone and everyone affected by pregnancy who is in need of a little (or a lot) of help! We receive 170+ contact per month from pregnant women who are distressed due to one or more of the following; • • • •
Unexpected pregnancy Teen pregnancy Abortion concerns Financial hardship
• • • • • • • • •
Foetal anomaly Domestic violence Homelessness Isolation / loneliness Relationship breakdown Drug addiction Mental health issues Migration Grief/loss
Our Centre (lovingly nicknamed Elizabeth’s House) in East Perth is open for appointment (telephone or face to face) and allows for popins because sometimes you just need help now! Individuals are also welcome to metaphorically ‘knock on our door’ by contacting us via e-mail or Facebook. What method do we use when talking about abortion? We utilise Heartbeat International’s L.O.V.E. Approach when pregnant women come to us in distress over whether to keep, adopt out or abort their baby. Pregnancy Assistance was founded on Christian values and offers its services as an alternative to abortion. We believe our counselling approach allows the woman to focus on her own needs. However, under no circumstances do we believe we have the right to supersede/impose upon a woman’s decision. We will continue to support and welcome back individuals in love who have made choices that differ with the personal values of Pregnancy Assistance’s volunteer base. Who supports us? God supports the operations of Pregnancy Assistance by providing the right resources at the right time. And you are part of that providence! Pregnancy Assistance operates through the generosity of its supporters and we thank you. Your support gives Hope and Life so please (if you haven’t already) donate and get involved. We especially thank the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth for providing our rental costs.
Message from the Chair
Message from the Coordinator
Christmas is nearly here,
At Elizabeth’s House, we
a time to reflect, a time
rely on the Spirit of
to reconcile, and time to
Christmas i.e. love,
give. For Pregnancy
peace, hope and charity
Assistance it is also a
all year around.
time to look back onto a year.
As we think about the
Furthermore, we have a
hope-filled crisis journey
fruitful
clear agenda and we know which way we need
of Mary, Joseph and
to go to ensure we continually improve our
their unborn child Jesus, we are given the keys
service. Hence we look forward to 2016 and
to love those going through pregnancy crisis.
beyond.
We are given COMPASSION, remembering how
Next year will be one of festivity, when
families in crisis are waiting to hear that they
Pregnancy Assistance will celebrate its 20th
are not alone and their needs will be met. We
anniversary. I also hope we will be able to
are given HOPE that a treasure is hidden and
implement the much needed structure and
waiting to be unwrapped through every journey
improvements, to ensure we continue to be
of hardship, enabling us to walk beside those
effective and compliant, and that we can
whose road is winding and rough. We are given
provide a safe place for our volunteers to work
JOY watching the road begin to smooth as
and for our clients to visit. I am grateful to my
provisions are met, we bring gifts and celebrate.
colleague board members, the coordinating
We unwrap the gift of life together, pondering
staff and all the volunteers, whose relentless efforts make Pregnancy Assistance what it is, a welcoming refuge for those in need of
for so long and is finally born! Thank you for making 2015 a gift of love, for
support. Moreover, where would we be without your prayers, and your spiritual and financial support? We are immensely indebted to your generosity in these areas. Please take your time over this Christmas break to read our second edition of “Hope & Life”. May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
the treasure that had been hidden from all eyes
supporting us and enabling us to continue to give freely and generously. May the Spirit of Christmas drench us all . ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Lara Malin, Coordinator
Eric Jas, Chair 2
Hope and Life
YOUth Expo On the 21st of October, 2015, Pregnancy Assistance was given the opportunity to have a stall at Seen and Heard’s ‘The About YOUth Health Expo’ which was held at the Parkerville Children’s and Youth Centre. This expo was sponsored by the Shire of Mundaring and was provided to about 200 Year 11 students from schools from the surrounding areas. This expo provided Pregnancy Assistance with a great chance to reach out to these students to inform them about our services and resources, and to also connect with their Health teachers and school nurses. We had a busy day at the expo, where the students also had a great time
playing games and getting involved in lots of fun activities. Overall, the expo was successful, and we hope that Pregnancy Assistance is able to engage in more community outreach events in the future.
Living Life to the Full My husband and I went to speak to Pregnancy Assistance after we found out we were expecting baby number 4. We had previously decided not to have any more children and
can't thank Pregnancy Assistance enough. Cheers, Nadine & Tone (and master Sonny!)
really struggled with the idea of what road to take. We both had very different expectations and viewpoints and couldn't come to a decision that we could agree on. After speaking with a counsellor from Pregnancy Assistance, we were able to find a common ground and move forward. Seeking independent advice, being heard and just having someone mediate our dialogue, made all the difference to us being able to come to a decision we could both agree on. We were finally able to find some clarity in a very difficult situation. Baby number 4 is now eight months old, and a wonderful addition to our gang. I honestly Hope and Life
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In March this year, Abortion Grief Australia Inc. (AGA) received a government grant to integrate the community in the healing, early intervention, and prevention of abortionrelated mental illness. A significant part of AGA’s work with the community is to offer training and on 28th May, AGA commenced a 6-week course which was held on Tuesday mornings for 2 hours. With the support of the Knights of the Southern Cross, AGA approached the Sisters of Saint Joseph who kindly gave permission for their boardroom at St Joseph’s Convent in South Perth to be used as the training venue. The property with its beautiful gardens, tranquil atmosphere, and easy access to free parking, was an ideal location. Notices were sent out to all Catholic Parishes several weeks prior to commencement, and an enthusiastic group of 18 people were welcomed at the first session. Week 1 covered abortion trauma and grief – what it is and how it presents. As their homework, trainees were asked to speak to another person during the week, about what they had heard in that session. Week 2 began with a debrief of the homework, and then the elements of healing abortion trauma were covered. Week 3 was held at Pregnancy Assistance (PA) where trainees filled the front room to capacity, and flowed out the door into the passage. Luckily it was a cold day, and the atmosphere was cosy rather than cramped. PA’s Counsellor, Lisette Jas, ran the session and gave the trainees valuable insight into the services PA offers to those in pregnancy crisis, and those suffering abortion grief. While maintaining client confidentiality, Lisette shared aspects of a few cases that highlighted the depth of the grief 4
that many women and men suffer after abortion. It was so helpful for trainees to hear how PA had helped with financial guidance, material assistance, and emotional support; and also to hear how sadly, sometimes the best efforts were unable to prevent tragedy. PA’s ‘love in action’ approach was evident throughout and trainees heard the message that love and practical help are always offered, no matter what the situation. Weeks 4 and 5 covered more in-depth information about possible physical consequences of abortion; for instance infertility, and the increasingly welldocumented link with breast cancer. Pregnancy crisis counselling was introduced for those trainees looking to volunteer on AGA’s telephone Crisis Line, abortion procedures including RU486 (the medical abortion) were explained and case studies were shared (always maintaining confidentiality). AGA’s Men & Abortion Trauma initiative was introduced, with trainees voicing their amazement that many men are traumatised and grieve after abortion. For the final session, AGA invited a mother of three to speak about her experiences of abortion and her healing journey. The room was silent as she shared her trauma and grief openly, with several people being moved to tears. She shone as she spoke of her healing, an ongoing process, which is evident in the renewed life she experiences now. Her personal story brings hope to those suffering and a sense of joyful purpose to those who are inspired to volunteer / work with women and men suffering after abortion. -Erica Williams
Hope and Life
Bring the beauty home Life can bring pain Of the highest degree There are many ways Of restraining the free But life is fleeting And I won’t waste time lamenting Staying chained to the past My misery cementing There is so much beauty in this world I am beginning to see And it’s just as much yours As it belongs to me Recovery does not need To be a journey traversed alone Let’s join hands And bring the beauty home By Rebecca White
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Henny Shares Hope & Life on an International Level
Stephanie (nick name - Henny) is one of our
I thought their their message was beautiful and
super courageous Mums. It has been an honour
that is what inspired me to take part. I had
to walk alongside Henny throughout the years
always felt that being a mother, a single mother
and watch her grow from strength to strength
in particular reduced my opportunities in the
through her motherhood experience. She is
pageant world, however, Global United
truly inspiring and is proof that no matter the
International proved me wrong in a good way
situation, there is always hope and a hidden
and made me smile.
treasure waiting to be birthed from the hardship. What is the Ms Global United International and what inspired you to take part?
It felt great to be a part of something I have always dreamed of doing- beauty with a cause. The journey started when I entered the
The Global United International Pageants
MAQuest (Miss, Ms, Mrs Australia quest) and
believes that “Beauty comes from within” that’s
represented WA in the National Finals on April
why they are a community service based
2015. They too are similar to Global United
pageant which has a cause – supporting kids
allowing women of all ages to enter from teens
with cancer. All women are welcome to enter
and ages above. Their cause focuses on Ovarian
the event which is not based on age or simply
Cancer awareness and my multi-language
looks but rather inner beauty and making a
awareness project,for their campaign “T.E.A.L.
difference.
the B.E.A.T.” , impressed the judges and directors
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so much that they were happy to crown me The “Ms Australia Global United” 2015 tile. (T.E.A.L. the B.E.A.T. are acronyms for Tell Every Amazing Lady the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer; B is for bloating of the abdomen , E is for eating small amounts and feeling full, A is for abdominal, pelvic and lower back pain, T is for troubles going to the toilet ) From there I went on to represent Australia in the 2015 world finals of Global United International, held in Minnesota, U.S. On the 1st of August 2015, I said “AMEN” as I was announced and crowned Ms Global United International 2015-16. Inside it felt like a dream and my head in-shock whispered “I won the world title” and “thank you God” because on the outside – it was truly a reality. Why did you want to honour Pregnancy Assistance (PA) with an appearance during your year of reign as Ms Global United then to now- being a single mother of two,
International? PA gave me hope in troubled times, you guys kept saying “you can!” You didn’t look at me as a burden and you stood by me when everyone else was trying to get rid of me or didn’t want to deal with me. You guys were the only ones who advocated for me, encouraged me to keep
who has been through domestic violence - to completing my bachelor’s degree. I am holding a permanent government health job and have returned to complete a Masters of Pharmacy. This would not have been possible without support from PA. Inside I am in tears because I can say God is
believing in myself and keep going. In a few words I can say “I love you guys”! I was at many low points in my life and PA always welcomed me and would tell me “you are a beautiful woman destined for great things”. Looking back at how far we have come from
truly working through PA to help my girls and I have a brighter future, “thank you for making a big difference in our lives and God bless you all!” Ms Global United International 2015-16, Stephanie Henny Trinh
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Living with Saint Francis Did you know that his mother called him John, but his father renamed him Francis after returning from his many business trips in France? That is where at the time he made most of his fortune as a silk merchant. Like many young boys in the Middle Ages, Francis of Assisi (1182 - 1226) dreamt of becoming a knight. However, he found himself physically too weak to pursue his dream. Instead he became a travelling Friar Minor. Francis’ remarkability lies in the simplicity and honest manner in which he handled the challenges in his and other people’s lives. He would not fight, but nor would he sulk along the sideline. Rather, he would peacefully approach every challenge full-on. This unique style makes Saint Francis a fascinating guide who can teach us to transform our weaknesses into sensitivity, and our obstacles into signposts along our life’s journey. The stories about Saint Francis, and his view on “the good life” cast a surprising view onto sustainability, care, leadership and the monetary economy. Saint Francis and the Sense of Suffering The Pregnancy Care Consultants at Pregnancy Assistance often meet people who experience intense anguish. It poses questions about the sense of suffering in each of our lives. Jesus Himself has shown us how suffering and love are interlinked. The saints have followed in Jesus’ footsteps and have all given example of this, including Saint Francis. Isn’t it senseless to believe in a God Who allows His children to suffer? Saint Francis, who asked “Lord, what do You want me to do?” during his entire life, received a life full of pain and misery. Some people believe he was suffering from depression for many years. Is that what God 8
wanted: to destroy him? Is that also what God wants from us? Do we have to suffer to be loved by Him? We could rigorously deny this and state that God is not like that, that He is a God of love; however, it is not so easy to explain the situation. Saint Francis’ life was one of deep misery with only some consolation. That has also applied to other people’s lives. Many people who suffer greatly want to have another life; one without much suffering, where a reasonable degree of happiness is experienced rather than continuous misfortune. In theory happiness is a relative state of mind. True happiness cannot be experienced if misfortune hasn’t at least once taken place in the same person’s life. The relativity of happiness (and of suffering) is also circumstantial. In our wealthy, secular and rational society, in which everything must be effortless and perfect to us, suffering is particularly challenging to accept. The same traumatic event is often better tolerated by a person living in a third world country than by a person living in one of the best first world countries. A certain degree of suffering is essential in life to learn our life-lessons; to build character. As our wisdom and spirituality increases through our life journey we will commence to realise this. But then, what about extreme suffering? How to meet and respond to people in their deepest anguish? Extreme suffering, and its sense, is a great mystery. It has pushed people away from God, and we therefore wonder why it is necessary. In many cases we struggle more with the extreme suffering of others (in particular that of a loved one) than if we were
Hope and Life
to experience it ourselves, even if that person appears to cope with it quite well. Here, Saint Francis experienced something special. During times of deep misery, so intense that he was willing to die on the spot, he would receive a taste of the everlasting joy. A feeling of bitterness was transformed into one of sweetness. What was it that he received; what did he see? Saint Francis, and many other saints, shows us how intense suffering can be borne by surrendering to God’s love. How simple is this to say and to understand, and how difficult is this to do. So how to respond to a person who is experiencing intense anguish? The answer should be found in God’s love, no matter what the cause of the anguish might be. So letting God’s unconditional love shine through us is the starting point and the foundation of the response. An intensive care of abundant love will, with time, neutralise the overdose of suffering.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, Let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light;
Sections in this article are taken from “Living with Francis” by Willem Marie Speelman (Meinema Zoetermeer). Pregnancy Assistance wants to adopt Saint Francis’ philosophy, and embraces his Prayer for Peace. This prayer is not written by Saint Francis. It first appeared in France in 1912 in a small spiritual magazine called La Clochette (The Little Bell). It was named The Prayer of Saint Francis after it appeared on the back of an image of this saint with the title ‘Prière pour la Paix’ (Prayer for Peace).
And where there is sadness, Joy. O Divine Master grant that I may Not so much seek to be consoled As to console; To be understood, As to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are Born to eternal life.
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2016 - Pregnancy Assistance 20th Anniversary Pregnancy Assistance started almost 20 years ago with a mission to “provide relief from poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness for pregnant women of all sections of the public irrespective of race,
men, the unborn and even grandparents. Week in, week out for nearly 20 years our doors and phone lines have been opened with a smile and a welcome to whomever seeks our help.
colour or creed” – taken from the opening
So our 20 year anniversary will be celebrating
objective in our Constitution 1996. In 2016 we
the work, prayers and support, as together,
will be honouring our 20 years of service with
hand-in-hand, we continue to offer hope and
a joyful Gala dinner celebration, the details of
life, and love and prayer for all Western
which will be announced in the New Year.
Australian women and men facing an
Over the past 19 years we have been supported
unplanned pregnancy.
by many people, especially our volunteers and
20 years of prayer
our essential supporters who have provided
20 years of love
the much needed financial means, emotional
20 years of hope
encouragement, practical help, and most
20 years of life
importantly, the many and steadfast prayers.
20 years of healing
The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants deserve
20 years of grace
a special mention here. Inspired by Msgr. Philip
20 years of Mercy
Reilly, a Catholic Priest in New York to pray out
-Sharon Balsarini
the front of abortion clinics. Since 1996 in Perth the Helpers prayerful presence have prayed for God’s love to open people’s hearts at their most crucial point in time. And it is effective. The number of abortions in Perth has actually
-S
decreased since 2001. (re: media release by the Western Australian Department of Health in 2006). The vision of our founding Chairman, Brian Peachey together with Archbishop Barry Hickey’s support and blessing in establishing and setting up our Chapel has been perhaps our greatest asset in combatting the abortion culture. The many priests who have offered Holy Mass in our Chapel, together with the devotions and prayers, has helped women,
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Little Visitors We love it here at Pregnancy Assistance when mums, dads and little ones come and visit Elizabeth’s House. We are always ready to offer a listening ear along with a cup of tea and enjoy those little bundles of love.
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Volunteer Training & Development Every year Pregnancy Assistance organises
various agencies and it was wonderful to see 30
training and workshops because it is important
people attending. In short, we all enjoyed a very
to equip our volunteers with essential
interactive day!
knowledge and skills to be able to care and inform others who may be struggling or are feeling unsupported during a pregnancy. Identifying strategies and exploring techniques that may help is a way of helping people through their struggles. On 11 November 2015 we welcomed Brad as
It was wonderful to spend time together on the 11th of November with our beautiful sister agencies!
our workshop presenter. Brad travelled from the USA where he lives and works. He has served as a family counsellor and he is committed to promoting pregnancy wellness
Sending a shout out of love to:
through education, advocacy and community awareness. He is an advanced clinical practitioner holding a Master of Science in Social Work, an MA in Marriage and Family Counselling and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Counselling. Brad’s presentations were educating and interesting. We explored how to reach clients, how to convert callers to clients and we discussed practical counseling tools. It is important to know that a client’s life is more
Pregnancy Assistance Bunbury Pregnancy Assistance Frankston Pregnancy Help AUstralia Pregnancy Matters Albany Pregnancy Problem House The 40 Days for Life Team Women’s Life Centre Albury
often than not compacted with issues that extend beyond just being pregnant. We will help them to the best of our ability and If necessary we will refer them to other agencies or advocate on their behalf to ensure ongoing care. The workshop took place at the Downstairs Centre at St Mary’s Cathedral. We were pleased to make this training available to others from
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Donations Update
An Easy Way to Support PA!
This year we provided practical charity to over
As you may know, costs for postage are
600 families. Relief is written on the happy
increasing. While we love to provide you with
faces of those who leave our premises loaded
a hard copy of Hope and Life, you can support
with a generous helping of free gifts. A weight
us financially by simply sending through your
is lifted from their shoulders and a peace is
email address. This way we can continue to
restored to their heart. Please spread the word
communicate with you electronically and make
that we need donations and remember that we
a saving on our postage costs.
see 30
a very
nd of iful
of
ry ton
y
m y
can only receive new items and certain gently used second hand items for distribution to our visitors. It is important that all donations are in excellent condition. Please wash thoroughly before donating.
If you would like to switch to email, please send an
email,
titled
LIST
to;
admin@pregnancyassistance.org.au and we will be pleased to add you to our email mailing list. Thank you!
YES we accept: • Nappies and wipes
CAN YOU HELP?
• Clothes (sizes 00000 – 0 & maternity) • Bassinets • Wraps, blankets and bedding • Play mats, bouncers & baby bags • Toiletries (baby shampoo, wipes, baby soap) • Car seats suitable from birth • Pampering gifts for mum
NO Thank You, we don’t accept: • Cots / Porta-cots • Prams
Pregnancy Assistance is growing and we are desperately in need of new computers and laptops for our hardworking volunteers. These purchases will assist our team in operating more efficiently and in turn will help us to serve and reach more clients who are in need of HOPE! Please see back page for details on how to donate. Please attach a note stating that you would like your donation to go towards the computer purchase.
• Strollers • High chairs
We thank you for thinking of us and appreciate your kindness in giving. Hope and Life
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Thank You Thank you for supporting us to continually achieve our principal objective – “To provide relief of poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution, or helplessness for pregnant women of all sections of the public irrespective of race, colour or creed.” Pregnancy Assistance Inc. solely relies on private donations. We are an ACNC registered charity, and all monetary donations above $2 are fully tax-deductable. Your generous support gives and changes lives and allows people to taste just how sweet and good hope and life truly is.
Christmas Appeal : Formula Needed Although many of our Mums do breastfeed their new little bundles of joy, there are some who are unable to do so. While we are able to supply many of our new Mums with all of the other necessities they require, such as nappies and clothes, we have been very short on formula of late. This can be quite an expense for families who are under financial pressure, and we would love to be able to provide formula when we can. Please consider donating a tin of formula to Pregnancy Assistance this Christmas season, and help support a family in feeding their gorgeous baby!
Your Donation Makes A Difference The Archdiocese pays for our rent but for all else we rely entirely on GOD speaking to your heart! Pregnancy Assistance Inc. PO Box 8129 Perth BC WA 6849 T: (08) 9328 2926 Donations over $2.00 are tax deductible Name/Corporation:
Date:
Address:
Postcode:
Email: I make the following donation to Pregnancy Assistance Inc. of $ once only
monthly
By cheque/money order: made payable and addressed: Pregnancy Assistance Inc. PO Box 8129 Perth BC WA 6849 By Direct payment: Pregancy Assistance Inc. | Westpac | BSB 036014 | Acc 306953 Mastercard
Visa
Card Number:
Expiry:
Name on card: 3 digit verification number:
Signature:
Online: www.pregnancyassist.com.au
Date:
/