Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services has a “bun in the oven,” so to speak. The faith-based pregnancy support centre is set to expand in the next few months, with even more services for women who find themselves pregnant and facing one of life’s most difficult decisions.
This fall, Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services (PPSS) will begin offering limited health care services, including medical confirmation of pregnancy and screening, and assessment and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
“We’ve always wanted to serve our clients with holistic care,” says PPSS Executive Director Helen De Luna, who practiced obstetrics in her home country of Philippines for a decade before moving to Peterborough with her physician husband and family. She has been heading up PPSS since 2007.
Helen describes PPSS clients with a gentleness she says comes from her faith-based approach to helping others.
“We are not judgmental,” she explains. “A great majority of our clients are dealing with difficult relationships, difficult emotions, and difficult decisions. The more we can offer them in one place, the better chance they will have to make informed and healthy decisions.”
Along with the expanded services, PPSS is looking at an organizational realignment this fall.
Dr. Rodrigo De Luna, who has practiced for more than a decade at the Peterborough Clinic, will become the volunteer medical director for the centre. The health care team will also include a paid nurse manager and trained volunteer nurses.
“The centre will continue to teach parenting skills and education, and donations will continue to be available,” says Helen.
However, none of this can happen without the support of the community. That’s why PPSS is having its annual fundraising gala, “All About Love”, on Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008).
As well as entertainment and live and silent auctions, the gala features special guest speaker The Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch.
Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey, Kellie has focused on helping others as a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. She has practiced medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children and presently works as volunteer surgeon at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. She served as the Minister for the Status of Women and the Minister of Labour in the previous government.
All proceeds from the gala go to the non-profit organization to support the planned expansion. Phase one is expected to cost about $51,300 and phase two, which includes the purchase of ultrasound equipment, will require an additional $63,000.
Gala co-chair Catia Skinner says the expansion promises to create a hub where those facing unexpected pregnancy will find all the information they need, from a confirmation of pregnancy to advice and help around parenting.
“The reason I admire PPSS so much is because of the education they provide to unexpected parents,” Catia says. “PPSS helps to provide parents with the information they need to make an informed decision.”
“Every woman deserves to be heard and supported in a safe and loving place when faced with an unplanned pregnancy,” Helen says. “Everyone who is part of our team has such a caring heart. We ask that you please help support our organization so that we can continue to provide these services to the Peterborough community.”
