Behind the Scenes
We have been busy planning for the 2018 CAPSS National Conference happening April 17-20, in Niagara Falls, Ontario! Our annual conference is a unique time of equipping and encouraging pregnancy care centre staff, board, and volunteers from over 70 centres across Canada.
A lot of thought and prayer go into planning the workshop topics and the plenary speakers. And we are excited about what is coming together for next year!
The theme is "Banner of Love" based on Song of Solomon 2:4. We know we are protected by God's banner of love over us and we believe we are called to reach out to the broken women, men, and families with a banner of love. The support we offer and the conversation we have, must always first start with love.
This year all of the workshops will be organized into 5 main tracks: Board, Client Care, Communications and Outreach, Fund Development, and Leadership. As well as professional development, we have created time and space for centre staff and volunteers to connect, receive encouragement, and be refreshed.
CAPSS annual conference equips pregnancy care centre staff and volunteers to serve with excellence. This is only possible because of the support YOU provide. THANK YOU!
Life News
On October 25th, an announcement was made that Ontario passed legislation to protect women's right to choose abortion (click here to read the full report). The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017, allows for safe access zones to be established around facilities that offer abortion services as well as the homes and office of regulated abortion providers. British Columbia, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador have already enacted similar safe access zone laws.
Attorney General, Yasir Naqvi, said, "Our government believes that every woman in Ontario has the right to make decisions about her own health - and she deserves to do so freely, without fear. This legislation sends a clear message that we will always stand up for a woman's right to choose."
At first glance, this news can be intimidating and discouraging. Or, we can see it as an opportunity to enter the conversation and bring clarity to the work we do!
On some points, we agree with the government and legislation. We don't condone intimidation, harassment, or violence, and we believe a woman has the right to choose without fear or pressure from others. However, we do know that some women choose abortion because of fear or pressure from others. We also know that many women make the choice for abortion without full knowledge of what they are choosing.
CBC Radio contacted Dr. Laura and asked for a statement. We are thankful that Dr. Laura was able to share the information above, as well as explain very clearly what it is that pregnancy care centres do -- offer education and support in a caring, nonjudgmental environment.
Although engaging with the media on the controversial topic of abortion can be intimidating, we are thankful for the opportunity to speak the truth in love. We are also thankful for your prayers and support which provide for the work being done!
Making an Impact
We are excited to recently have held the CAPSS Director Accreditation Training (DAT) last month in Ontario. 13 Directors from pregnancy care centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario participated.
Here are some quotes from their training evaluations:
- I feel so much more focused and prepared to go forward as Director at the centre. I was feeling overwhelmed and scattered before but this training really helped.
- This has been a great week and I feel so thankful for the knowledge, prayer, and connections that we've been blessed with this week. Thank you!
(Text and photos taken from CAPSS newsletter)