“I think I’m pregnant.” For many women, these words are a cause of immediate joy, but for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, the words may trigger emotions of anxiety and concern for the future.

Based in Turnersville and with a satellite office in Burlington Center Mall, Burlington, Choices of the Heart is a ministry that reaches out to those who face an unplanned pregnancy with confidential guidance and support. Its mission is to empower individuals to help make healthy life choices related to their sexuality and child-bearing, consistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the sanctity of human life.

Choices of the Heart serves hundreds of clients every year, providing them with compassionate concern, hope and practical assistance.

The center offers a variety of services, all of which are confidential and free of charge. The services include:

• pregnancy tests and ultrasounds;
• assistance with referrals for pre-natal care, Medicaid, WIC and housing placement, if needed;
• mentorship for new moms; EQUIP – as clients take classes and meet with a peer counselor, they earn points that can be used toward baby items such as diapers, clothing and wipes;
• Post Abortion Counseling – for women who are suffering after having had an abortion, Choices of the Heart offers an eight-week, biblically-based program called “Heart” that allows clients to work through their emotions and find healing.

The work of Choices of the Heat is made possible through the service of volunteers. Volunteer positions include: peer counseling, mentoring, helpline counseling, baby and maternity supply organizers, administrative assistant, data entry clerk and church liaisons. Volunteers also assist with the organization’s annual events, including the Walk for Life, fall gala and Baby Bottle campaign.

All volunteers are required to submit an application, provide references and complete a background check and interview. Training is then provided on areas of interest. Volunteers working directly with clients must have completed high school or be at least 18 years of age.

Among the core of volunteers who help out at Choices of the Heart, are members from parishes in the diocese including Sacred Heart, Mount Holly, St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford, and Jesus the Good Shepherd, Riverside. The Knights of Columbus council in Mount Holly also offers support to the agency as well.

For more information, call 856-374-2833 or visit: www.choicesoftheheart.com.

Does your parish, school or charitable group need volunteer assistance? Put out a call for volunteers through the Faith in Action feature of The Monitor. Send all requests to [email protected] FAITH IN ACTION into the subject line.