11 Jul In it for the Long Haul
The Rockville Women’s Center (RWC) began serving our community in July 1987 – 33 years. As you may know, RWC was incorporated as the Rockville Pregnancy Center in 1986. The following information is from the original application filed with the IRS for Recognition of Exemption.
The specific services, benefits, etc. we intend to provide are as follows:
- A hotline will be established and an office (center) opened where women can obtain free pregnancy tests and counseling to help them deal with the problems and pressures associated with pregnancy.
- A referral file will be developed and maintained to provide our clients with information as to where help can be obtained from either other agencies (both private and Governmental) or private individuals who can meet their needs, such as temporary housing, etc.
Now in its 4th decade, RWC’s mission is to reach and empower abortion-vulnerable women and serve families in the Washington metropolitan region. COVID-19 reminds us of how life can change suddenly, disrupting, and interrupting our routines. When Governor Hogan issued the Stay at Home order in March, we quickly figured out how to continue a ministry in the midst of a global pandemic. We implemented safety precautions and adjusted our service hours. But we were open for service because God’s power does not diminish in the midst of a pandemic. In fact, His power is put on greater display.
We have experienced God’s sustaining power in greater measure during this COVID-19 pandemic. We’re still seeing lives impacted for Life. It is a reminder that He is Sovereign over all despite what we see. Abortion is a pandemic and He is sustaining us in the midst of it and helping us to fight against it, no matter how long it may take.
RWC is here for the long haul. Our mission is not accomplished until abortion is no longer an option.
Our work has been slow since mid-March when the stay at home order went into effect. Our communities are slowly reopening as people adjust to coming out in public. We are celebrating the birth of 30 babies so far in 2020. There may be a few more but we have not made contact with the moms yet. We are praying for the safe and healthy arrival of several babies later during the year. Please keep moms and babies in prayer.
I am grateful for your continued partnership and support as we navigate the “new normal” of facial masks and social distancing. I am thankful that you stand with us in fighting the abortion pandemic. We’re in this for the long haul because our God will provide all that we need to keep fighting if we resolve to not grow weary. Let us praise our God of Hope and keep fighting the good fight of faith.
God bless you.
Steffi Benjamin
Executive Director