Center of Hope benefits from charity ball
The Center of Hope celebrated the end of summer with an evening of outdoor fun, food and music at the first annual “Flip Flop Ball” Aug. 28. The fundraiser was held at Sampey Park Pavilion in Perryopolis. Susan Cook and Linda Smith were joint co-chairwomen for the event. The center is a non-profit 501c3 pregnancy care facility. “The attendees learned about the work of the center by viewing a display of brochures, posters and samples of the services that the Center of Hope offers pregnant clients ranging from ages 14 to 40,” Faith Malenke-Kaylor, executive director of the Center of Hope, said.
The directors of the board are Thekla Forse, Nick Diakunik, Linda Smith, Nathan Anderson and Stacey Markwardt.
Clients receive free pregnancy tests, peer counseling and are referred to local agencies that will help them with their pregnancy. The women are given information on all choices available to them.
The “Learn While You Earn Program” is used in counseling sessions that are geared toward each woman’s individual situation. After successful completion of the program(s), the clients earn Baby Bucks to redeem on baby supplies, such as blankets, sleepers, shoes, clothes, etc.
The Center of Hope is located on the corner of 338 W. Main St. and Oakland Avenue, Uniontown.
Residents of Uniontown and the surrounding areas may come into the center from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Clients may call 724-438-6070 to make an appointment.
The center is funded by donations from individuals, churches and various fundraisers. Other fundraisers were a Concert for Life held in the winter and a calendar party held in the fall. Also a baby bottle campaign is ongoing for organizations and churches that want to provide its members with an opportunity to participate. Members are asked to fill the bottles with loose change and return them to the church or organization. Sharon Rankin is the coordinator for the campaign and information about it is available by calling the center.
For more information about the center and its programs, to volunteer or make donations, call the center at 724-438-6070 or e-mail info@mycenterof hope.org.