Displaying items by tag: start
Healthcare Worker
Serving as a nurse or other medical professional in a pregnancy help medical clinic can be of a great benefit to clients and the organization. Physicians can serve as medical directors, which allows organizations to offer medical support such as ultrasound, STI/STD testing, pre-natal care, ormore. Nurses and sonographers, with the appropriate training, can provide ultrasound scans, pregnancy tests, and more. Even oustide individual medical clinics, healthcare providers can join the Abortion Pill Rescue Network to help women who are hoping to save their children after starting a chemical abortion as prescribing providers or hotline consultants.
Heartbeat International has a fantastic array of courses available online through the Heartbeat Academy just for nurses in need of CEUs as well. Here is a simple way to gain additional skills and knowledge valuable to your position and ministry in the pregnancy center while obtaining those Contact Hours you need to keep your license active.
Opportunities for training or supporting the pregnancy help movement for healthcare workers:
- Join the Abortion Pill Rescue Network
- Medical Matters (monthly newsletter)
- Medical Essentials Manual
- Online CEU Opportunities
- Online Ultrasound Training
- Online Sonography Refresher
- Pregnancy Help Institute - Ultrasound Track
Executive Director
Heartbeat provides several resources and trainings that were created for the Executive Director of a Pregnancy Help Organization. We know it takes a lot of your heart, time, and energy to manage staff and volunteers, work well with the Board, make sure prospective clients can find you, and keep the organization on budget (not to mention keeping that budget funded). We're here to help you find the right tools for the job.
Executive Director resources available for you include:
- Pregnancy Help Institute - New Director Track or Leadership Track
- Staffing Essentials
- A Vision for Your Organization
- Salary Surveys
- The Latest Reports and Publications
- Take Heart (Encouragement pieces)
Board Member
Heartbeat provides several resources and trainings that were created for the Board Member of a Pregnancy Help Organization. The Board sets the mission and vision for an organization. It's a challenging role, and for many organizations just starting out, the Board also staffs an organization. There's a lot to learn and a lot to take in, so Heartbeat has tools and training to support each Board Member to make more effective pregnancy help organizations.
Board Member resources available to you!
Starting a maternity housing ministry
Maternity housing programs are a special part of the spectrum of services offered by pregnancy help organizations. Heartbeat is delighted that you are considering this ministry. The Scriptures are very clear that we must help those in need by meeting their needs.
For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in (Matthew 25:35 NASB).
We are seeing homes develop independently as well as in partnership with other pregnancy help organizations.
It is important to lay a good foundation in every ministry and this is certainly true for a housing ministry. This work requires great faith and strength and planning. Below are a few things to initially consider.
Six basic steps as you plan
1. Gather data and information on the needs in your community. Talk to other ministry leaders and understand their perceptions of “gaps in services.” Have a solid understanding of the existing resources in your area. Gather research on unique factors that affect your community. This information will both inform your vision and help make a case for future donors.
2. Begin to write down your vision and how you see it unfolding. Be as specific as possible.
Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets,that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time;it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NASB).
- Who will you serve? How long can they stay?
- What type of activities are going to happen in the home?
- What type of property do you think you will need? Who will you serve? How many are you planning to serve? Give the age group and types (i.e., pregnant, single parents). Write these things down.
3. Make plans to visit existing programs. See what other housing ministry locations and programs may be in existence already by visiting the Worldwide Directory. Just type in your city or zip code and it will show you the life-affirming organizations that already exist in your area. To focus on housing organizations, use the Directory Code “Housing.”
4. Look for a small group of people to work with you as you plan. It is often a small group of key visionaries (sometimes called a Founding Committee) who set the cornerstones of the vision in place, recognizing that changes will be made along the way. Eventually, these people could be the beginning of your Board.
5. Be aware of the regulations that govern the work. In the US, a 501(c)3 and/or fiscal agent relationship is necessary to receive tax-deductible gifts. Understand state-level guidelines that impact housing organizations. Research the city-level regulations related to being a “group home” or having a “special use permit.”
6. Start working on a budget. Initial resources may be thought of as Seed Money (funding to begin the ministry) or Capital (funding for purchase of large ticket items like a property, vehicle, computer network, etc). Over time, you will prepare an Operating Budget to outline the annual expense of running the ministry. As needed, begin learning about fundraising strategies and create a fundraising plan.
We look forward to walking with you as you begin this journey. Housing is a beautifully messy ministry filled with life-changing relationships. It is your opportunity to change the life of others…and be changed in the process! Welcome to the maternity housing community!
Housing resources:
- A Vision for Your Organization
- Maternity Housing Essentials
- Affiliate with Heartbeat International and Join the Maternity Housing Coalition
- In-depth Webinar for Housing Start-ups
- Join the National Maternity Housing Coalition Facebook group
- National Christian Housing Conference
- Contact Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition for Heartbeat International at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to share more about your vision and learn more about the scope of maternity housing.
We pray God’s blessing on you as you consider this very important ministry of the pro-life community.
Abortion Recovery
If you have a heart for the ministry of abortion recovery, then you share the Lord’s desire to see women and men healed and restored from an abortion experience.
Abortion creates trauma. Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS) is the condition occurring in both men and women after the abortion experience due to unresolved psychological and spiritual issues. PAS is actually a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a commonly recognized condition that often follows traumatizing events such as witnessing an act of violence or experiencing a natural disaster. Patterns of long-term emotional disorder include: depression, grief, anxiety, helplessness, despair, sorrow, lowered self-esteem, distrust, hostility, dependency on alcohol/chemicals/food/work, guilt, sexuality problems, self-condemnation, weeping, emptiness, distrust, frustration, insomnia, nightmares, dysfunctional relationships, flashbacks, anger, fear of rejection, bitterness, un-forgiveness, fear of commitment, and the inability to form close relationships.
Theresa Burke, PhD, founder of Rachel's Vineyard and co-author with David Reardon of Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion says the following:
"Post-abortion healing is a specialty unto itself. The average psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor of any other academic stripe who does not understand post-abortion issues can often inflict more harm than good on the unsuspecting woman. Many may believe they have enough insight to help, but unless they have had additional training, they often don't. Certainly, if your thoughts and feelings become so overwhelming that you feel you can no longer cope, seek professional assistance immediately. But generally, I encourage you to take the time to find one of the growing numbers of professional therapists and experienced lay counselors who have received special training in post-abortion healing."
Abortion Recovery helps individuals overcome the emotional trauma and spiritual issues experienced after an abortion. Workshops and programs are usually free and are available through local pregnancy help centers, churches and national organizations. Abortion recovery programs should address the following to help participants heal from an abortion experience; grief, guilt, anger, depression, fear, un-forgiveness, shame and defense mechanisms. Teaching on the love, mercy and grace of God should also be included so that healthy reconciliation can occur.
If you desire to start a workshop or group, you can be very effective in serving as a facilitator with the appropriate training and preparation.
Here are some thoughts to keep in mind if you decide to start an abortion recovery program.
- Understand the regret of abortion touches people deeply – emotionally and spiritually.
- Choose yourself to participate in an abortion recovery program to receive and/or confirm healing for any past abortion regret.
- Commit to be non-judgmental.
- Be able to facilitate participants’ movement towards goals while recognizing that person’s healing process involves their own commitment to the process.
- Have a desire to serve and minister to others (not looking for recognition or for fulfillment of personal needs).
- Be able to create a healthy balance between caring for the group members and limitsof responsibility for someone else’s actions.
- Be eager to learn and to realize that everyone is at a different place on their emotional and spiritual journey.
Recommended Heartbeat Resources
Click here for a listing of Abortion Recovery Resources available.
If you’ve experienced an abortion or participated in the decision-making process, you may be struggling. Click here for resources available to help.
Please contact ministry services for further assistance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics
If you have a heart for integrating medical services or expanding medical services in existing programs your pregnancy help organization offers, we are here to assist you in making that transition.
Many organizations today offer, are adding, or at least are contemplating medical services. Other established medical organizations are taking the basic model a step further, by adding STD/STI testing, Abortion Pill Reversal, natural family planning, prenatal care, birthing centers, and well-woman care. Some are becoming “hub” pregnancy help medical clinics and are encouraging others to refer clients to them for ultrasounds among other medical services. The medical community represents natural contacts with our pregnancy help organizations, as we partner to bring a more positive, life-affirming, and holistic approach to the care women need.
Before adding medical services, your pregnancy help organization must first lay the groundwork. The Medical Director (a D.O. and/or M.D) and other healthcare professionals are necessary for this transformation. In most cases, the organization would operate under the licensure of the Medical Director. In some states, pregnancy help organizations are included within the types of facilities that must obtain licensure.
In most states, there is a designated agency such as a state department of health that is given the authority and responsibility for regulating health care facilities. You should contact this agency in your state to determine what specific licensure requirements are in place and whether they pertain to the type of facility you intend to operate. In states where licensing is required, a pregnancy help organization must comply with applicable regulations and must submit to periodic agency inspections. The scope and substance of applicable regulations differ from state to state.
An ultrasound tech, a trained nurse, or other trained health professional as approved by your state regulations and your Medical Director would perform the ultrasounds.
One thing is clear: offering relevant medical services increases the number of clients served. Only a medical diagnosis of pregnancy can truly answer the question, “Am I pregnant?”
As a pregnancy help medical clinic, you can provide on-site immediate services that will empower women to choose life. Primary among these services is ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy.
Often when supporters understand the impact of adding medical services they are enthused and increase their giving. Further, adding medical services can be appealing to new donors as they see the effectiveness and positive client outcomes. Some organizations have reported dramatic increases in their revenue over the years as they add medical services and communicate to their supporters the successes in doing so.
Recommended Heartbeat Resources
- Built By Design (Manual and/or Online Course)
- Medical Essentials
- Medical Matters (a monthly newsletter for pregnancy medical center staff)
You may also wish to find a pregnancy help center in your area that offers medical services and tour their facility. They may be able to walk you through the transition quickly by sharing their process and their policies and procedures. For more information, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Pregnancy Help Centers
If you have a heart to open a pregnancy help organization then you are among the many that have a desire to meet the need of women facing unexpected pregnancies. Many pregnancy centers exist today because of the vision that God placed in the heart of an individual like you.
Pregnancy help centers are non-profit organizations established by pro-life supporters that work to assist women who have an unexpected pregnancy. Most pregnancy centers are in the United States, however many have been established overseas. They’re usually affiliated with a pro-life Christian organization such as Heartbeat International. The pregnancy centers provide pregnancy consultation, intervention and support; education and information on pregnancy adoption, abortion, sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs); services and referrals for ongoing needs.
Some pregnancy help organizations include medical services like ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, abortion pill reversal, and STI/STD testing. These are considered pregnancy help medical clinics.
5 Critical Questions to Answer First
- What is the specific need to address?
- What area and demographic needs to be served?
- Are any other organizations serving this need for this area/demographic?
- Is it possible to join or extend the work already existing?
- Can the community support this need?
We suggest checking Heartbeat’s Worldwide Directory or going to www.OptionLine.org, enter your zip code to see if/what other organizations exist in your area and network with them as you pursue starting a ministry so as to not compete with funding resources in the area.
Often times, we find that a group may wish to open a center in an area where another center has been strategically planning and praying to open. You may actually be the answer to another ministries prayer! Many states have coalitions of pregnancy centers and will be a good reference for you as you start, and then as you grow your center.
Recommended Heartbeat Resources
Heartbeat International is here to assist you. Affiliation is complimentary the first year for brand new start-up organizations. Click here to learn more about the benefits of affiliating with Heartbeat International.
