Success Stories

A Caring Center for Women

Pregnant and unable to count on the support of the baby’s father, Cassie was considering abortion. But she wanted to explore her options before making this momentous decision. When she visited A Caring Center for Women, she found a counselor and an ultrasound tech she felt comfortable with.

“My counselor was the only person I confided in, the only person I felt like I could trust,” says Cassie. “Telling her my feelings about the pregnancy and the fact that I was considering abortion was scary, but she made me feel so comfortable. She didn’t make me feel judged and allowed me to process my thoughts out loud in a safe environment.”

Cassie underwent several ultrasounds and, as she considered her options, she realized that she truly could parent the baby. Her counselor helped her see that she did have a wonderful support system, even without the baby’s father.

The staff at A Caring Center for Women say that Cassie is “a determined young woman,” and they believe she will be a blessing to her baby. They will remain by her side during her pregnancy and after the birth of her baby.

Substance Awareness Center SUSANNA*

Speaking from the vantage point of 15 months clean and sober, Susanna reflects on the impact the Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County has had on her life.

When she entered the recovery assistance program, she found it to be “filled with love and safety.” The house manager encouraged her to ask for help in areas where she needed it, such as organizing and prioritizing. “I learned how to begin to manage my family time and responsibilities,” she says.

Susanna participated in group activities that strengthened her mental, physical and spiritual health. “I also learned that honesty, kindness and compassion with others is the key to feeling good about myself,” she shares. “I cherish the friendships I made with my sober sisters in the house, the staff and everyone connected to the program at SAC.”

“I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to begin building my new life there and making the right choices,” Susanna says. That new life includes finding her strength in her higher power, keeping a gratitude list, and restoring family relationships.

*Name and image changed for privacy

A CARING CENTER FOR WOMEN

772-257-5390 wesavebabies.org

MISSION: To love and serve women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies by offering support and education throughout their pregnancies and beyond with parenting classes, personal goal-setting, counseling and any referrals necessary

MAIN EVENT: Celebrate Life, Spring 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Bundle clothing, stack diapers and help keep the Crib Club boutique stocked and up to date

Founded: 2013

CLEVELAND CLINIC INDIAN RIVER FOUNDATION

772-226-4960 clevelandclinicirfoundation.org

MISSION: To develop and sustain relationships with individuals and organizations to enroll them in the mission of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and encourage their financial support.

MAIN EVENT: May Pops Season

Finale Concert, May 1, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Auxiliary

Founded: 1932

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES OF THE TREASURE COAST INC.

772-334-2233 dhhstc.org

MISSION: To enable communication, advocate for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, provide affordable amplification and assistive devices resulting in an improved quality of life, and to promote equal opportunities for all individuals in this unique population

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Help at fundraising events and in the office

Founded: 1988

DOGS FOR LIFE INC.

772-567-8969 dogsforlifevb.org

MISSION: To improve the quality of life for veterans and non-veterans by training service and hearing dogs

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Help with reception, special events and fundraisers, and service and hearing dog training; become a foster dog family; assist in Veterans Training Veterans program

Founded: 2002

FRIENDS AFTER DIAGNOSIS

772-770-9700 friendsafterdiagnosis.com

MISSION: Enhancing the lives of women diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones through regular support meetings, education, wellness programming, celebration and networking

MAIN EVENT: International Women’s Day Celebration, March 12, 2022

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Represent the organization at health fairs and other public events

Founded: 2010

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SQUAD

772-231-1230 volunteerambulancesquad.org

MISSION: To provide free nonemergency transportation for ambulatory and wheelchair passengers from their places of residence to and from medical facilities throughout Indian River County

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Driving our vehicles and assisting with the ambulance squad

Founded: 1966