We had a year of records and celebration with over 1,100 pregnancy help leaders in attendance at the 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference. If you missed anything, recordings of Workshops and Keynotes are now available for purchase here. Check out this video recap and review below!
45th Annual Heartbeat International Conference
Atlanta, Georgia | March 29 - March 31, 2016
Conference Schedule | Exhibitor Information
Prayer and Worship | Keynotes | Workshops | In-Depth Day | Conference Brochure
Schedule at a Glance for 2016 Conference
Monday, March 28
5-7pm - Registration for Pre-Conference In-Depth Day
Tuesday, March 29
Pre-Conference In Depth Day (paid registration is separate)
8:00am - Registration
9:00 to 5:00pm - In Depth Day training
2:00pm - Conference Attendee Registration Opens
2:00pm - Exhibit Hall Opens
6:00pm - Annual Conference Opening Session (Dinner & Keynote)
Wednesday, March 30
8:30am - Morning Session & Keynote
Workshop Session A
12:00pm - Lunch & Keynote
Workshop Session B
Break & Prayer Time
Thursday, March 31
8:30am - Morning Session & Keynote
Workshop Session C
12:00pm - Lunch & Keynote
Workshop Session D
Workshop Session E
6:00pm - Closing Banquet (Dinner & Keynote)
| Early Bird Pricing ends Feb 17 |
Regular Pricing Feb 18 - March 4 |
Late Pricing after March 5 |
|
| In-Depth Day Only | $145 | $155 | $165 |
|
In-Depth Day and Opening Dinner |
$220 | $240 | $260 |
| 2016 Annual Conference | $389 | $489 | $589 |
| Conference Bundle | $499 | $599 | $699 |
Keynotes
We are glad to welcome Keynote speakers for the 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference, who are key leaders in the pregnancy help movement, as well as prolife leaders from around the United States.
Reverend John Ensor, President, PassionLife
John Ensor is a glad co-laborer in the rapidly expanding pregnancy help movement. He is the President of PassionLife, an ordained evangelical pastor and the author of several books, including Innocent Blood: Challenging the Powers of Death with the Gospel of Life. He and his wife, Kristen, have been married 34 years. They have three grown children and live in Roswell, GA
Bishop Harry R. Jackson, Jr., Senior Pastor, Hope Christian Church
Harry R. Jackson, Jr. is senior pastor of Hope Christian Church, a 3,000-member congregation in the nation’s Capital with his wife Vivian Michele. Bishop Jackson is also the Presiding Bishop of the International Communion of Evangelical Churches. This network of networks currently oversees 1,000+ churches around the world. He also is founder and president of High Impact Leadership Coalition, which exists to protect the moral compass of America and be an agent of healing to our nation by educating and empowering churches, community and political leaders.
Pat Layton, Author, Surrendering the Secret
Pat is a passionate and inspiring leader who during her 25 years in full time ministry has founded a variety of ministries including a Pregnancy Resource Center, a Christian Adoption Agency, and an abstinence education program. Pat hosts a national woman’s conference and a post abortion recovery program called Surrendering the Secret. She is a busy speaker, author, and Life Coach. Her post abortion recovery Bible study Surrendering the Secret was published by Lifeway in 2008. She has recently published a Bible studies gift book series called Born to Bloom, A Surrendered Life released by Baker books in August 2014 as well as her latest release called Life UnStuck.
Shawn Carney, Co-Founder, 40 Days for Life
Shawn Carney, co-founder of 40 Days for Life, is one of the youngest and most inspirational pro-life speakers in America. Shawn began in the pro-life movement in college as a volunteer and after college was asked to be the Executive Director of the organization he volunteered for, the Coalition for Life which is made up of over 60 churches. Shawn’s passion for local pro-life ministry led to rapid growth during his years as executive director. Shawn helped recruit and train thousands of volunteers, increased the income of the organization’s annual banquet from $80,000 to $322,000, and orchestrated the purchase and remodeling of a new office next door to the Planned Parenthood abortion facility to offer free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, and loving support to women.
Andy Merritt, Pastor, Edgewood Baptist Church
Andy is the pastor of Edgewood Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, where he has served for over 38 years. In addition to his pastoral duties, Andy is one of the early pioneers of the Pregnancy Center Movement. In 1981 Andy led his church to establish the nation’s first church sponsored Pregnancy Center, which now has had the opportunity to minister to over 65,000 different women.
In addition to the Center, the church established the New Beginnings Adoption Agency in 1984. Andy has traveled nationwide assisting in the establishment and training of over 500 Pregnancy Centers, and his church hosts a National Pregnancy Center Conference every other year the first weekend of March.
Jim and Joy Pinto, At Home with Jim and Joy
Jim and Joy have been recognized locally and nationally for their ministry to the poor, and for promoting racial reconciliation and the dignity and sacredness of every human life. Their radio and television show At Home with Jim and Joy plays on EWTN every week promoting life, marriage, and family. Joy serves as Executive Director of Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center, a Pregnancy Resource Center in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama where Jim also serves in Ministry Development. The Pintos are proud parents of 4 children and 15 grandchildren and have been married for 38 years.
Leo Severino, Producer, Metanoia Films
Leo Severino is a writer and producer of the films Bella, Crescendo and Little Boy. He graduated from the University of Southern California Law School in 1999 and started his career as a young lawyer in one of the world’s largest law firm’s (Gibson Dunn & Crutcher) prestigious Los Angeles and London offices. In 2001, he moved to the Fox Networks Group where, as Director of Business Affairs, he was the youngest executive in the department and worked for three years with the company handling the national programming division. A chance meeting with Eduardo Verástegui in 2004 resulted in Leo’s departure from 20th Century Fox to become a partner and producer, in charge of Business Affairs, for Metanoia Films.
Workshops
The 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference offered a rich lineup of workshops, with a total of 75 workshops organized in 15 distinct tracks. Two tracks (Medical Advancement and Ultrasound Advancement) were tailored for nurses and medical professionals in the pregnancy help community, and offered Continuing Education Nursing Contact Hours provided through Heartbeat International. Two additional workshops (Helping Mom and Baby Bond and Fertility Awareness and the New Feminism) were also available for Continuing Education Nursing Contact Hours. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 16061 for 1.25 contact hours each workshop. All courses are eligible for Life-Affirming Specialist credit hours.
Advancing Leaders
Whether you've been a pregnancy help leader for 20 years or 20 minutes, Advancing Leaders is designed to give you the tools you need to walk out the door the best leader you can be.
The Millenials are Coming! How to Connect with the Emerging Generation
The young adults you serve are a part of the Millennial generation. So it’s pretty important to understand this generation and how it’s wired—or wireless! But don’t forget, this generation is also your next wave of donors. Take this opportunity to learn how to reach Millennials as clients and donors.
Joe Baker and Mark Vermilion
Joe Baker is co-founder and CEO of Save the Storks. His lifelong entrepreneurial spirit has led him to launch many new initiatives within the pro-life movement through Save the Storks. Mark Vermilion is Lead Consultant for StorkWorks Consulting, helping pregnancy centers with strategic planning, board development, fundraising, marketing, and social media.
Just Say "No" to Secondhand Scraps
Do you find yourself wondering how you are going to attract abortion-minded clients when all you have is everyone’s used leftovers? It’s time to transform into a high-quality mindset, regardless of your budget size, so you can create a safe and effective place to serve clients.
Tammy Kocher
Tammy Kocher is executive director of New Life Family Services, one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive pregnancy centers in the country. Tammy is an active leader in Minnesota, collaborating with other pregnancy center directors. She is passionate about cultivating excellence and empowering leaders.
Change Your Questions, Change Your Life
The understanding that anything at any moment—thoughts, feelings, circumstances—leads us to a choice, consider whether your default mindset is as a “learner” or a “judger”. Pick up some powerful tools for life and work from the book Change Your Questions Change Your Life by Marilee Adams.
Deborah Taylor LAS
Debbie Taylor has been executive director at Turning Point of Las Cruces, New Mexico for almost five years. Hired just one year after the medical clinic opened, Debbie saw a 353 percent increase in clients in her time at Las Cruces.
Leadership: The Great Multiplier
How much impact do you want to have on your team and in the community? The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be. By increasing leadership skills, we increase influence and effectiveness in every area. You have what it takes . . . and more.
Jan McDonald
Jan McDonald has been CEO of Life Options Grandview, Washington and nearby Sunnyside for 10 years. She is also a Certified Coach, Speaker and Leadership Trainer with the John Maxwell Team.
Exploring Servant Leadership
Leading a non-profit ministry organization can be challenging. We aim for professional competency and effectiveness, but desire to keep a heart of ministry. Is doing both possible? Discover how you can do both with a servant-leadership model.
Shawn Stevenson M.Div.
Shawn Stevenson is executive director of Life Services of Spokane, Washington. Life Services oversees both pregnancy help clinics and a maternity home. A doctoral student for leadership at Gonzaga University,
Board Business
Designed for board members and primary leaders who govern and guide, Board Business will challenge both veterans and novices alike.
Are You Ready? Defending Your Ministry
Explore the constitutional, statutory, and regulatory protections that provide you the best legal footing to withstand legal attacks. Now is the time to take inventory of your organization’s documents, policies, and statements on the issues most relevant to contemporary religious freedom litigation.
Jeremy Dys, Esq.
Jeremy Dys, Esq., is Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute, where he focuses on religious liberty matters and the First Amendment. For six years prior to joining Liberty Institute, Dys led a public policy organization that advocated for life, marriage, and religious freedom.
Why Policies Matter
How important are your policies? Discuss the importance of organizational policies—including which policies are important and how to develop and implement them—while exploring the value of good policies for your pregnancy help organization’s operations.
Tom Lothamer MA
Tom Lothamer began his ministry with Life Matters Worldwide when he was appointed to the board in 1985. In 1990, he became a staff member and finally, in 2003, president. Since 1997, he has been involved in the training and support of PHOs and ministry leaders around the world.
Wielding Data to Extend Your Reach
Have you looked at your numbers recently? Are they good? Bad? Stagnant? Do you know why? Find out how to combine your data with national and local data to find out what’s working—and what isn’t—in your outreach.
Trudy Bodenbach and Debbie Case
Trudy has been executive director of Options Now in Godfrey, Ill., for four years. She has degrees in organizational leadership and business administration. Debbie Case is Executive Director of Hope Life Center in Sterling, Ill., which has seen its abortion-vulnerable clients quadruple since 2013.
Protecting Your Pregnancy Help Organization
Explore how to structure your organization to receive protection as a religious organization in accordance with your mission. You’ll find out how to document and build pertinent policies and procedures, adopt proper employment practices, and evaluate a comprehensive statement of faith.
Elissa Graves J.D.
Elissa Graves serves as litigation counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where she is a key member of the Life Team. Since joining ADF in 2013, Graves has focused her efforts on challenging the HHS mandate that forces employers to provide employees with free contraceptive and abortifacient drugs.
Pregnancy Help FAQs
Your center faces challenges every day. Some challenges come from those opposed to your life-affirming work, but others come from within your organization. No matter the source of your legal questions, this is the place for answers.
Panel: Anne O'Conner J.D., Danielle White J.D., and Ellen Foell Esq.
Anne O’Connor is Vice President of National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA). Danielle White is Heartbeat International’s Legal Counsel, and Ellen Foell is Heartbeat’s former Legal Counsel.
Client Culture
Establishing a culture of life is a challenge, especially with clients. Help them develop that life-affirming culture.
Not Again...
Take this opportunity to hear Evie’s experience of being an unwed two-time teen mother and abortion-minded client, adamant about “resolving” her “problem”. As she shares her heart, you can ask questions and find out, from her point of view, how to empathize with your clients and rescue more lives.
Evie Lastra West
Evie Lastra West grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Her life’s resume includes: ex-gang member, two-time teen mom, and abortion-minded client adamant about terminating her second unborn son. Her full life story is available in her book Revolving Choices: Playing Roulette with Life.
Making Heroes with Incentive Programs
Start a successful—or breathe life into an existing—client incentive program, gaining the tools you need to make a lasting impact through relationships and community involvement. Don’t miss ways to engage the community or effectively follow up with clients.
Nicki McLeod
Nicki McLeod has been a volunteer with Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo (Ohio) since 2004. In 2013, she became the Client Services Director and now serves as the director of their college location. In the past year, Nicki has doubled her center’s Earn While You Learn program.
Multicultural Evangelism and Pregnancy Help
What do we believe about evangelism in the pregnancy help setting? How important is evangelism in the center, medical clinic, or more? Considering the different cultures we sometimes serve, we will also consider how to engage different cultures as we speak the truth of the Gospel message.
Tom Lothamer MA
Tom Lothamer began his ministry with Life Matters Worldwide when he was appointed to the board in 1985. In 1990, he became a staff member and finally, in 2003, president. Since 1997, he has been involved in the training and support of PHOs and ministry leaders around the world.
Seven Habits of Effective Decision-Making
In truth, most decisions we make come in every conceivable shade of gray. Our clients often lack valuable decision-making skills, leading them to make unwise choices. Examine some practical tools to add to your tool belt as you seek to help clients navigate the minefield of decision-making.
Ducia Hamm LAS
A long-time board member for Ashland (Ohio) Care Center, Ducia Hamm became Executive Director in 2007 and oversaw significant growth at the center while building a statewide coalition of pregnancy help leaders during. In 2015, she joined Heartbeat International as Associate Director of Affiliate Services.
Our Clients are Heroes
Most clients who come through your doors don’t look or feel like heroes. Help each one see the truth of her own heroism and courage in simply doing the next best thing and giving her baby life. Give her the framework to see herself as the protector, advocate and hero of her child, and the knowledge that she can do this.
Laurie Steinfeld
Professional artist, mother and grandmother, Laurie Steinfeld has been serving, designing (and painting!) at PCC Mission Hills, California, since 2003. She became a counselor in 2010 and a board member in 2014. Having experienced an unexpected pregnancy, Laurie knows what it takes to choose life.
Client Interventions
Dealing with clients is no simple task. Increase your awareness and deepen your understanding of your client's behavior, culture, and needs, with Client Intervention.
Hierarchy of Choices: Marketing Abortion, Parenting, and Adoption Data
Have you ever wondered how Planned Parenthood markets abortion? Find out, and learn some ways to combat it by establishing a rapport and setting goals with clients. Share with them the beautiful options of parenting and adoption, while deepening your knowledge-base of adoption.
Abby Johnson
Former Planned Parenthood abortion clinic director, Abby Johnson, resigned her job in 2009 and has been speaking out against the abortion industry ever since. She has also founded, “And Then There Were None,” which has helped 150 workers to date to leave the abortion industry.
Helping Mom and Baby Bond
Research shows that many women bond to their children during pregnancy. Understanding this process helps you to help clients with pregnancy decisions, and helps you help those who have abortion-related distress. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Martha Shuping MD
Martha Shuping, MD is a psychiatrist and former pregnancy center director. She has trained leaders for abortion recovery ministry on four continents. An author of published research on the effects of abortion on mental health, she is a graduate of Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinic Scholars program.
Helping Clients Construct Safe Relationships
It’s time to envision our clients to become heroes who champion strong families and provide a family legacy worth repeating for generations. Consider how to encourage your clients to understand and avoid abusive relationships and protect their children so they will not repeat the cycle of abuse.
Catherine Wood LAS, SRA
Catherine Wood has worked in the relationship education field for 28 years as founder and president of Relationships Under Construction, a top-ranked curriculum. In 2007, she founded and continues to serve on the board of Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County, Ohio.
Identifying Predatory Relationships, Sex Trafficking, and Forced Abortion
Have you ever noticed that there was just something off about a client’s relationship? Learn to identify those at risk for predatory relationships and sex trafficking, and report suspected victims at both local and national levels.
Cindy Collins BCBT
Cindy Collins is founder of World Generation Outreach Network, WGON radio, and SpeakHope International. Through her personal testimony and over 29 years of outreach nationally, globally, and as a pregnancy center director, Cindy has reached over 27,000 women with a life-affirming message.
The A Team: A Collaborative Pro-Life Approach
Have you struggled to know how to talk about adoption or parenting without feeling like you are pressuring your client? Hear a birth mother and counselor describe firsthand how to fearlessly—and graciously—engage women and men who are in crisis with options, including adoption, while collaborating to build a lasting team of support around expectant parents.
Kristin Meyer LMSW and Michelle Thorne
Kristin Meyer is Assistant Director of Adoption Services for Bethany Christian Services, where she works with Bethany branches in program development and staff training related to pregnancy counseling and adoption. Michelle Thorne is a pregnancy counselor for Bethany as well as a birthmother, author and speaker about her experiences as a birthparent.
Client Programs
Looking to start or enhance an initiative at your organization? Look no further than Client Programs.
Heroically Presenting Adoption
Adoption can be an intimidating topic to bring up with clients. What if you sound judgmental? What if she gets defensive? Find out about recent trends in adoption and the reasons many women never consider adoption, so you can help your clients grasp the heroism of adoption.
Traci Newell LBSW
Traci Newell is a social worker and Education Coordinator at Lifeline Children’s Services in Birmingham, Alabama, where she has worked over a decade with birth mothers and families through adoption. The adoptive mother of two daughters, Traci has learned her greatest life lessons in her adoption journey.
Empowering Dad as Part of the Solution
Whether team members or the client’s partner, discover why and how engaging men will improve pregnancy outcomes, as well as enhance your programs and services.
Daphne Nicely LAS, SRAS and Wayne Paul RES, CPST
Daphne Nicely left corporate America after 20 years to join the staff at Atlanta Pregnancy Resource Center (APRC)—eventually becoming Executive Director after six years with the center. Wayne Paul serves as Fatherhood Program Coordinator at APRC.
Helping Heroes Conquer the Culture Conversation
It’s easy to be disturbed by what we see in today’s culture, but do we truly understand the mindsets behind them? See how mindsets translate to actions and decision-making, and find a way to bridge the gap that keeps us from talking about abortion—in the counseling room and in the public square.
Pat Upchurch
Pat Upchurch is executive director of Metro Pregnancy Resource Services (Missouri) and president of H.E.L.P. (Helping, Educating & Loving People). With over 18 years’ pregnancy help experience in various roles, Pat has overseen significant growth of her pregnancy center’s operation and client reach.
Grab Your Toolkit: Let's Build a Men's Program!
The most significant voice in a woman’s life when it comes to her pregnancy can be the father of the baby. Are you ready to help the voices of men become the voices for life? This workshop will give you all the practical tools to get your program off the ground.
Clarke Cayton
Clarke Cayton is the director of Extension Services for LifeChoices Health Network in Joplin, Missouri and the architect of Project Blueprint, an initiative that has engaged over 1,000 men facing unintended pregnancies since its inception in 2013. Clarke and his wife have three adopted daughters.
Moving Forward with Trauma-Informed Care
Just in the past two decades, new technologies, new ways of thinking, and new alliances among experts from many disciplines have combined to reveal key answers to an age-old debate: nature or nurture? Find out how you can use the findings of a new, pioneering survey to help your clients build resilience.
Judi Weldy LAS, DEM
Judi Weldy became client services director with Care Net of Puget Sound (Washington) in 2007 and now serves as center director. Judi previously homeschooled her three daughters, worked internationally as a midwife, and served as a cultural travel consultant with “Women for Women of Sierra Leone”.
Fundraising Dynamics
Fundraising and friend-raising are critical for ministry and mission. Fundraising Dynamics offers essential tips for engaging new donors and increasing long-term support.
Crafting a Planned Giving Program
A legacy gifts provides your supporters with a gift that continues to encourage the choice for life for generations, giving donors the opportunity to demonstrate generosity to their children. Learn tangible ways to create and implement a planned giving program as part of your center’s development program.
Debbie Nieport LAS
Debbie Nieport is the former Director of Development of Elizabeth’s New Life Center in Dayton, Ohio. During her 15 years, she supervised a team of six, and oversaw a diverse development program. Though she retired in 2014, Debbie still volunteers for Elizabeth’s New Life Center’s planned giving program.
Banquet Success in Changing Economic Times
Are you averaging $450 from everyone who comes to your banquet? If not, check out what is changing in the fundraising world, and how you can harness these changes to maximize your income.
Mike Williams
Mike Williams is the most booked (and re-booked!) pregnancy help fundraising speaker in America because he knows how to motivate donors with moving stories of success. He also speaks to boards and teaches Simple Board Success training at pregnancy help organizations across the U.S.
The Art of Envisioning—Not Fundraising
Whether it’s a new initiative, a financial downturn or simply a growing budget, we often need ways to raise new funds. But how? Another fundraising event? Let’s fly past fundraising to envisioning—exploring God-sized ideas, and creating effective avenues to inspire those who desperately desire to accomplish missions greater than they can imagine.
Kirk Walden
Kirk Walden is Advancement Specialist for Heartbeat International and writes a weekly column at PregnancyHelpNews.com. An author, speaker, former pregnancy center director, and expert fundraiser, Kirk’s monthly newsletter, Advancement Trends in the Life Community, is free to Heartbeat affiliates.
The Leaky Banquet: How to Avoid 5 Common, but Costly Mistakes
After all your hard work and high hopes, it’s discouraging to see mistakes made in the execution of the event itself that suppress giving rather than unleash it. After 14 years of doing keynotes, there are 5 costly mistakes I have seen again and again. With a little planning, you can avoid them all and capture your real funding potential.
Reverend John Ensor
John Ensor is a glad co-laborer in the rapidly expanding pregnancy help community. He is the President of PassionLife, an ordained evangelical pastor and the author of several books, including Innocent Blood: Challenging the Powers of Death with the Gospel of Life.
Engaging Donors with #SocialMedia
Facebook and Twitter and Periscope, Oh my! Learn how to use social media to engage donors and share your organization’s story with your community.
Savannah Marten
Savannah Marten has been Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo’s outreach manager since 2012, overseeing donor and church engagement, grant writing and fundraising efforts. She is passionate about using tools, resources, and creative ideas to engage donors and share her center’s life-saving work.
Gaining Perspective
Go deeper by discovering how abortion is affecting - and is affected by - the bigger picture of our world in Gaining Perspective.
Secrets to a Persuasive Presentation
Are you looking to take your presentations to the next level? Identify and consider essential components of a presentation in this workshop, where you can pick up valuable tips that will take your presentation from good to great!
Bruce Smith and Christina Terrenal
Bruce Smith is a media and public relations professional with more than 30 years’ experience. Since joining Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in 2003, she has played a major role in developing strategic media relations campaigns to complement legal strategies that advance effective messaging.
Creating Hero Films with a Message
Have you ever done a video to promote your organization? Whether you’ve tried it or not, this workshop is a great guide to writing, editing, producing, and directing videos. Learn how the 2014 feature film Gimme Shelter was created, and see what it takes to create promotional videos for your ministry.
Kathy DiFiore Ph.D.
Kathy DiFiore turned her own home into a shelter for mothers and their babies in 1981, and has since expanded to four residential shelters in New York and New Jersey. Kathy’s book, entitled Gimme Love, Gimme Hope, Gimme Shelter, tells the spiritual and real-life story behind the film Gimme Shelter.
Activating Pregnancy Centers for Election 2016
This workshop will address how and why your pregnancy help organizations can play a part in building a culture of life by appropriately preparing your staff and supporters for the 2016 elections.
Fr. Frank Pavone and Janet Morana
Fr. Frank Pavone is National Director of Priests for Life and Pastoral Director of Rachel’s Vineyard and the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. He speaks extensively on pro-life strategy and is the author of three books. Janet Morana is Executive Director for Priest for Life and Co-Founder of Silent No More.
Engaging Donors, Churches, Media, and the Community for Life
Looking for some tools on how to make the case for life? How about simplifying the issue, overcoming objections with truth from science and philosophy, and answering objections persuasively? This hands-on workshop will have you presenting a winning, memorable message that is bulletproof on hostile turf.
Kim Ketola
Kim Ketola is host and executive producer of the live national weekly program, “Cradle My Heart Radio”. She has created, organized, and presented at professionally accredited conferences, presented internationally, and written an award-winning book, Cradle My Heart: Finding God’s Love After Abortion.
Mobilizing First Responders in the Church
Does your local church refer women to your organization? If not, they may need you to help them share the good news about what you do. Often, the first responders to an unexpected pregnancy just need to be equipped with the appropriate way to respond, and you can help them direct clients your way.
Donna Perry
Donna Perry has been involved in pregnancy help for 15 years, and is founding Executive Director of Life Resources of Georgia, Inc., a statewide ministry whose purpose is to advance the scope, effectiveness, and impact of pregnancy centers in Georgia.
Healing Care
How does your organization minister to women and men dealing with long-term effects and guilt often associated with abortion? Sharpen your approach with Healing Care.
Grieving the Children We Could Not Save
Gauge the health of your staff and volunteers by examining the impact of abortion on frontline life-savers, as we learn to grieve the children we could not save.
Janet Morana and Fr. Frank Pavone
Fr. Frank Pavone is National Director of Priests for Life and Pastoral Director of Rachel’s Vineyard and the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. He speaks extensively on pro-life strategy and is the author of three books. Janet Morana is Executive Director for Priest for Life and Co-Founder of Silent No More.
Abortion's Impact on Siblings
Discover how a mother’s abortion can impact her other children. The siblings on an aborted child are never untouched, and they often need healing too. Take a look at the dynamics of an abortion on a family and learn how you can reach out with hope and healing.
Theresa Bonopartis
Theresa Bonapartis is co-developer of “Entering Canaan: A Sacramental Journey to an Inheritance of Mercy,” post-abortion curriculum published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She has also helped to develop specialized days of healing for men, siblings of aborted babies and others.
Helping Men be the Heroes God Intended
What does a post-abortive man look like? Why are men affected by abortion at all? Take a look at the post-abortion pain of men, as well as how you can minister to these hurting men.
Brad Mattes MA
Brad Mattes is president of Life Issues Institute. He hosts a daily radio commentary on over 1,100 radio outlets. Brad has done anecdotal research on the effects of abortion on men, lectured and written extensively, including a post-graduate course on men and abortion, and he counsels men.
Weekend Warrior on the Retreat
What happens when a woman can’t—or won’t—commit to a 10-week or more abortion recovery program? For a different opportunity for healing, consider a weekend retreat. Find out what it takes to make an effective weekend retreat program for those women who are hurting from a past abortion.
Fern Buzinski
Fern Buzinksi is Recovery and Reconciliation Leader at Pregnancy Support Center in Stark County (Ohio). She has led abortion recovery groups since 1999, shortly after she found her own healing from two abortions she experienced in the early 1970's, and began hosting weekend retreats in 2006.
Understanding the Impact of Medical Abortion
With medication abortions accounting for at least one out of five procedures, it’s likely your organization is encountering men and women impacted by this method. Completing the abortion process at home may lead to unique guilt or grief experiences. Explore how the needs of these clients may differ and discuss how to come alongside them with a gentle invitation to the healing process.
Michaelene Fredenburg
Michaelene Fredenburg is the author of Changed, the editor of Grief & Abortion, and the founder of the Abortion Changes You® outreach. She has written numerous articles about reproductive grief and loss and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at universities and events.
Housing Helps
Presented by pregnancy help housing experts, Housing Helps highlights the process of extending care beyond the first visit, solidifying a life decision for a lasting impact.
How to Start a Housing Program
Join us for a unique opportunity to hear three top maternity housing leaders—each with over 30 years’ experience—talk through how to open and sustain a maternity home. Think through everything you need to get started, and don’t forget to bring your questions, concerns, and dreams!
Panel: Chris Bell MA, Kathy DiFiore Ph.D. and Anne Pierson
Christopher Bell, co-founder and president of Good Counsel Homes, Kathy DiFiore, founder of Kathy’s Maternity Shelters, and Anne Pierson, co-founder of House of His Creation and Loving & Caring, all have different backgrounds and philosophies on maternity housing. Find out what they experienced as you look to start a housing program.
Encouraging Success with Consequences and Rewards
What do the rules in your maternity home look like? Join Marianne for a discussion of setting rules in a maternity home, including how to hold clients accountable. With so many successful approaches, you’ll have the chance to discover which one strategy works for your home.
Marianne Donadio
Marianne Donadio has been active in pro-life work since being faced with her own choices as a pregnant teenager. She currently serves at Room At The Inn, a shelter for single pregnant homeless women and their children in Greensboro, NC, where she works to provide support to women who have none.
Loving Her: Individual Roles and Group Dynamics
Group dynamics pose a unique challenge in a maternity home. Conflict can arise at any stage in the life and development of your team, and meeting these skirmishes constructively starts with recognizing that each and every person’s role is important.
Callie Neff
Callie Neff and her husband, Matthew, have been working with House of His Creation for 10 years in various roles and are currently founding Family of Restoration Ministries to incorporate five additional ministries. Callie has also served as a council member for the National Maternity Housing Coalition.
Taking on the Toughest Scenarios
Identify and find out what you need to tackle the toughest questions that arise in housing ministry. We have a few ideas to get you started, but that will just be to get the ball rolling. We want to hear from you. It’s your chance to ask any question you have about hard situations in the maternity home.
Panel: National Maternity Housing Coalition
Chris Bell of Good Counsel Homes (New York/New Jersey), Mark McDougal of Ruth Harbor (Iowa), Shawn Stevenson of Life Services (Washington), and Mary Peterson, Heartbeat International’s Housing Specialist and Facilitator of the NMHC, share their years of experience in a panel discussion.
In the Hood: Addressing Crisis in an Urban Setting
The urban environment can be a difficult place to inspire with a pro-life message. The reality of pro-life (and “pro-woman”) in the city can look very different from suburban or rural areas. From team diversity to cultural sensitivity for your clients, think through how a city crisis comes with trials all its own.
Carina Scecchitano
Carina Scecchitano is House Manager for Good Counsel Homes’ Bronx location. With her education in psychology and experience in youth and young adult ministry, Carina is blessed to serve women struggling to be mothers in America’s abortion capital, the South Bronx.
Marketing Ministry
Marketing is key in connecting to a community, particularly as you seek to extend your reach to the women and families in your sphere.
Strengthening Church Relationships
When your pregnancy help organizations partners with local churches, lives are saved, and entire generations are changed. Beyond baby bottle drives and fundraisers, discover practical ways to connect and build lasting relationships with churches near you.
Amy Ford
Amy Ford is author of A Bump in Life: True Stories of Hope & Courage during an Unplanned Pregnancy and co-founder of Embrace Grace, a non-profit that inspires and equips the church to love single and pregnant young women. Her passion is to build relationships between pregnancy centers and churches.
Online Marketing Tactics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The internet is a Wild West, where it’s possible to break rules you didn’t even know existed. Caught between long-term white hat techniques, yet willing to risk it all for immediate success black hat tactics, most of us walk, blindly, in a perilous middle ground—all with our client reach on the line.
Jacob Barr
Jacob Barr has designed over 400 pregnancy help websites through iRapture.com. His love for questions has led him to his present role as iRapture.com’s marketing chief, and he is constantly dreaming up new marketing strategies.
Being a Hero to an Internet Generation
Do you use the internet and social media to reach your client base? It has become key to reach clients online—that’s often the only place they are! See how the relationship between StandUpGirl.com and Option Line can increase the number of clients you reach with life-affirming services.
Dawn Marie Perez LAS
Dawn Marie spent 23 years of her professional career as a Course Developer for the computer industry and as teacher and administrator in Christian Schools. She began as a volunteer for StandUpGirl.com in 2009 and was hired as the first full-time director in July of 2011.
The Optimized Website: Good, Fast, Secure
There are few things as frustrating as a website that doesn’t do what you need it to. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or if it takes too long to load, you won’t stay long. Learn what it takes to have a truly optimized website with good, easy-to-find content, high-speed loading, and a secure system.
Christy Poloni
Christy Poloni has been on staff with Heartbeat International since 2009, and currently serves as Coordinator for Extend Web Services, where she builds and maintains pregnancy help websites. Having experienced an unexpected pregnancy, Christy is committed to helping others find local help.
The Big 5 of Google Ads
How do you start using Google Ads? How do you use them more effectively? Are you making the most of your advertising budget? Learn what you need to know about key terminology, how to read your Google account report, and basic information on keyword advertising and ad monitoring.
Bri Laycock LAS
Bri Laycock currently serves as Director of Option Line, but since she started in 2003, she has held nearly every position in the organization. One of her favorite parts of the job is researching new technologies, and developing ways for them to be used to reach more women in need of pregnancy help.
Medical Advancement
Gain insight from medical professionals covering a wide range of topics related to your pregnancy help organization while earning nursing contact hours in Medical Advancement.
Abortion Pill Reversal 101
Find out how abortion pill reversal works, and learn how your pregnancy help organization can partner with the APR program to support women seeking a second chance at life for their children. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Matthew Harrison, MD
Dr. Matt Harrison is associate medical director of Abortion Pill Reversal (APR). He has served as Hospitalist Director of Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center (NC). He is Medical Advisor to Priests for Life and is Medical Director of the student health clinic at Belmont Abbey College (NC).
Mandated Reporting
Are you a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse? Who is mandated in your state to report? Make sure you know the process of reporting and develop proper policies and procedures for reporting suspected instances of statutory rape, domestic abuse, or neglect. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Susan Dammann RN, LAS
Susan Dammann has been working with pregnancy centers since 2004 when she helped to found and became the director of Open Gate Pregnancy Care Center (Ohio). In 2012, Susan became Medical Specialist at Heartbeat International, where she serves affiliates through training and resources.
The Healing Touch: It's Always Good News
If nursing is to be truly holistic, then nurses must embrace the spiritual dimension of care. Spiritual care is an essential component of the nursing practice and often a key indicator of how an individual responds to their sexual health concern/crisis. A systematic approach to holistic medical services will enhance spiritual care in nursing and promote positive healing outcomes. If medicine involves the recovery of the body, spiritual care involves a recovery of the patient as a person. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Karolyn Schrage RN, BSN
Karolyn Schrage serves as Executive Director of LifeChoices Health Network, Joplin, Mo. After serving as a medical missionary in Kenya for 20 years, she came to a mindset of holistic health with not only high-tech medical equipment, but high-touch compassion for patients.
God's Miracle of Life in the Womb
Hone your knowledge of fetal development from conception to delivery, and find out which diagnostic tools are being used to diagnose medical problems affecting the baby in utero, as well as what treatments are available to save the lives of babies in the womb. You’ll also see a live demonstration of different abortion techniques with retired abortion instruments to allow you to better educate your clients. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
William Lile DO, OB-GYN, ACOG, FACOG
Dr. William Lile proved his pro-life commitment from the start of his career, buying the practice of the largest abortion provider in his area and ending abortions immediately in 1999. He speaks nationwide on patient care of unborn children, including prenatal surgeries and blood transfusions.
GO-Mission: Taking it to the Streets
Human traffic victims can present a unique set of health issues. Learn how to identify potential victims, implement universal screenings, and consider how your organization can respond and refer clients for necessary on-going rescue and restoration near you. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Karolyn Schrage RN, BSN
Karolyn Schrage serves as Executive Director of LifeChoices Health Network, Joplin, Mo. After serving as a medical missionary in Kenya for 20 years, she came to a mindset of holistic health with not only high-tech medical equipment, but high-touch compassion for patients.
Sexual Integrity
Reflecting the core of Heartbeat International's Sexual IntegrityTM Program, Sexual Integrity features presentations that reinforce the proper expression of the gift of sexuality.
Discover the Key to Authentic Intimacy
Far too often, we try to satisfy our longings for intimacy using merely sexual means. Let’s learn to challenge the cultural lies even we may believe, while wrestling with why, even though we are made for intimacy, we can so often struggle to form healthy relationships with each other and with God.
Stefanie Libertore
Stefanie Libertore is Client Services Director at Pregnancy Support of Stark County (Ohio) and author of Unbound: Heal from your Past. She fights courageously for women who find themselves broken and spiritually stuck because of their sexual pasts. Stefanie’s story offers hope that others can be free.
The Top 10 for This Gen
To better impact culture, we must understand how culture shapes choices. Knowing the latest trends, challenges, and dilemmas of Millennials helps us understand what, exactly, is going on. The more knowledgeable we are on these cultural issues, the more prepared we are to help clients succeed in life.
Jeffery Dean
Jeffrey Dean is an ordained pastor, evangelist, author, and founder of Jeffrey Dean Ministries, whose mission is to help people know and grow in Christ. Jeffrey has partnered nationally with over 100 pregnancy help organizations, training on fundraising, parenting, counseling and discipleship.
Saving Lives on Campus
Have you tried to establish a program with a school in your area? Approaching school administrators and getting them on board might be intimidating, but transformed lives are worth it. Learn to empower students with integrity and self-discipline as you build a trusting relationship with teens and tweens.
Ketra Hancock RN, LAS and Melissa Killen, LAS
Ketra Hancock and Melissa Killen are a dynamic duo with a gift of reaching and touching the hearts of our modern-day teens. A nurse and schoolteacher, respectively, Hancock and Killen were part of a team that founded Still Waters, a pregnancy center that has served in Texas for nine years.
Showing the Value of Marriage to a Cohabitating Generation
Why is this generation more content to live together rather than marry? We can reverse this dynamic in those we serve by demonstrating the value of marriage through creative messaging that shows the value of marriage in economic, health, social and emotional facets of life.
Joneen Mackenzie RN, BSN
Joneen Mackenzie is president and founder of the Center for Relationship Education, which also houses the Colorado Healthy Marriage Project. She is author of the nationally utilized REAL (Relationship and Leadership) Essentials school curriculum and a popular national speaker and trainer.
Fertility Awareness and the New Feminism
What’s better about fertility awareness versus artificial contraception? We will explore the basic anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive systems, the natural signs and symptoms of a woman's reproductive cycle, and how to use these signals to either avoid or achieve pregnancy. Learn to educate patients on the health benefits, cost advantages, and relationship enhancement of fertility awareness, as well as the meaning of true "feminism" through the empowerment of self-knowledge. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Marybeth Adams FNP, MSN, APRN
Marybeth Adams founded St. Catherine Family Health Care Clinic (Montana) in 2008 as a non-profit family clinic with pregnancy resources. Certified as a fertility awareness instructor in the Diocese of Helena, Montana, Marybeth regularly speaks at local churches and colleges about sexual integrity.
Spiritual Refreshment
The heart of our work is spiritual. That's why Spiritual Refreshment addresses the spiritual dynamics pregnancy help leaders like you face every day.
Living Water: Essential for LIFE
As an advocate in pregnancy help, you’re both a container and a conduit of Living Water. Consider how to help your client receive that same gift without forgoing the joy of Living Water yourself. How can you experience the gift of Living Water Jesus promises the woman at the well—as container and conduit?
Julie Parton Ph.D.
Julie Parton is the founding Director at Prestonwood Pregnancy Center in Dallas, founded in 1991. She had previously served with Focus on the Family and on the Board of Heartbeat International and is currently a Board member with Evantell, which sponsors the “Save the Mother, Save Her Child” program.
Walking the Paths of Spiritual Health
Explore the three levels of the Spiritual Life and how psychological health (yours or others) may help or hinder our growth in the Lord. Follow the psychological and spiritual path taken by many saints and sinners on their way to union with God.
Chris Bell MA
A cradle Catholic, Chris Bell met a Franciscan priest who speaking in Times Square, and it changed his life. Chris and the priest, Fr. Groeschel, CFR, went on to establish Good Counsel Homes for mothers and babies, which celebrated its 30th anniversary under Chris’ leadership in 2015.
LOVE: The Real Superpower
Many times we don’t feel like a hero. In fact, sometimes we feel quite the opposite. God has given us the gift of love through which we can be a hero to all. Find the way to unlock the real superpower of God’s love for your life and others.
Derrick & Julie Tennant
Derrick and Julie are a brother and sister duo who have faced significant obstacles in their lives, yet learned to use them as opportunities to make a difference. Julie has Down syndrome and Derrick is paralyzed on his left side. Both genuinely love their lives!
Be Grateful for Local Heroes
Explore creative ways to acknowledge and thank the numerous people who support your ministry, from volunteers to pastors, to financial partners. With the scriptural basis for showing gratitude to frame our thoughts, we’ll compile a list of ways to show our appreciation for God’s work through our community.
Kim Padan LAS
Kim Padan is a former board member and executive director of Women’s Care Clinic in Danville, Ill., having served for over 18 years. While God has called her out of that specific role, she now keynotes at banquets, and speaks at women’s retreats and workshops faith, family, and the Culture of Life.
Life-Changing One-on-Ones
Every conversation is a divine appointment. Consider how keeping this truth central can change not only our clients’ lives, but ours as well. As we serving as God’s chosen ones for these situations, He does His great work of changing and saving lives through us.
Anne Pierson
Anne Pierson is director of Ministry Services for Loving and Caring, Inc. She is the author of “My Baby and Me,” curriculum and “Love’s Open Door,” an autobiographical account released in 2015. Her love and care for every client and participant in the pregnancy help community has inspired many.
Staff Stuff
Leading a staff of any size can be every bit as challenging as reaching and serving a client. Take the next step forward as a leader, or sharpen your existing abilities, with Staff Stuff.
Building the Best YOU
It is time to equip yourself to be the absolute best you can be. What does it take to take care of myself while caring for the needs of others? Find the tools you need the build the best YOU.
Lori DeVillez
Equipped with a background in social work, public administration, and missions, Lori DeVillez began serving pregnancy centers in 1992. She is currently president of The Heidi Group, an organization that assists Texas pregnancy resource centers, and executive director at Austin Pregnancy Resource Center.
Change is Good... Right?
Face it. Your ministry is changing. Successfully managing change will impact your team, your partners, and your ministry outcomes. An organization making important changes in program, strategy, or scope, needs a plan for change management.
Amy Scheuring MS, LAS
Amy Scheuring is founding director of the Women’s Choice Network, a network of four Christ-centered medical clinics reaching out to women facing unintended pregnancies near Pittsburg, Pa. A highly sought-after speaker, Amy’s 2003 book, Sex: More Than a Plumbing Lesson, is available on Amazon.com.
Navigating HR Landmines
From recruiting and hiring talent, to developing your staff and fostering sound people practices, we'll address the likely landmines in managing your staff, as well as the legal cautions associated with each. We will also provide any timely legislative updates and address the HR challenges you’re facing.
Betsy Wetherby and Danielle White J.D.
Before joining Heartbeat International in 2015, Betsy Wetherby served as Chief Human Resources Officer for highly rated law firm, Bricker & Eckler LLP, and has over 25 years of HR experience. Danielle White, a former Blackstone Legal Fellow, joined the Heartbeat team as Legal Counsel in July 2015.
Empower Your Team of Heroes
With the short span of the average volunteer, and burnout an ever-present problem for staff members, discover ways you can build up your team of life-saving super heroes. Learn how to boost morale, provide greater longevity, and even increase donations to maximize your life-saving footprint.
Dan Kulp
Dan Kulp is a comedian, actor, author, pastor, and singer. Three of his four children are adopted and have special needs. His perspective on the value of life is unique since he grew up in a family of nine kids (three adopted with Down syndrome).
The "Redemptive Gifts" for Life-Giving Management
Find out how Redemptive Gifts profiling can help you better understand your staff—paid and volunteer—and lead to positioning them where they can be most effective and reflect the glory of the Lord. Build unity within your team and appreciate the gifts God has given each one with this vital tool.
Kaye Gauder MS
Kaye Gauder is executive director for Akron Pregnancy Services (Ohio) and has served in an urban pregnancy help setting for 30 years. She always knew she was called to the mission field, but it wasn’t until she had been at the pregnancy center for five years she realized… this was it!
Ultrasound Advancement
Make the most of your ultrasound services and gain nursing contact hours thanks to Ultrasound Advancement.
Images: Unexpected, Unusual and the Suggestive of Abnormal
Every person is unique. And so is every sonogram. To safely serve patients, a medical professional performing scans must have knowledge and skills to recognize and respond appropriately to the expected, unexpected/unusual, and suspicious of abnormalities. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Audrey Stout RN, RDMS
Audrey Stout is NIFLA’s Vice President for Medical Services and founding partner with SoundView Imaging, an RDMS training group. She has been actively involved in pregnancy help since 1987, serving as nurse manager in two different centers and gaining experience as a board member.
Instrumentation, Image Optimization, and Documentation
The machine is turned on, the name is in, but there is so much more than just picking up the probe and scanning. To scan responsibly, there are things you must pay attention to before, during, and after the scan. Learn about the variations of ultrasound machines, how to correct problems with machine settings, key factors to producing consistent and quality images, storage of patient images, and correct documentation. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Jim Scheffler RDMS
James Scheffler has over 30 years’ ultrasonography experience. He has provided didactic and hands-on training for nurses in limited obstetrical scanning with Innovative Imaging Technology, Mission PreBorn, In His Image Ultrasound, Life Matters Worldwide, among many organizations.
Ultrasound and Doppler Safety
Learn how to operate sonographic and Doppler instruments in an industry-accepted safe manner while using b-mode, m-mode, and pulsed wave Doppler modalities in both the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Discover how to recognize the proper safety metrics on your ultrasound system, and how to modify the system controls if those metrics are outside of a safe operating range. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Kevin Rooker RT(R), RDMS, RVT
Kevin Rooker has been a practicing Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) since 1984. He has been involved in sonography education since 1992, and has trained physicians, nurses, and sonographers—including pregnancy medical clinic nurses in the use of limited obstetrical ultrasound.
Ultrasound Systems, Supplies, Support, and Maintenance
Do you know what ultrasound options are available to you? How about routine care and maintenance of an ultrasound imaging system? Learn all about preventative maintenance and technical service warranties, as well as infection control and which supplies, disposables and accessories you need for proper ultrasound imaging and archiving. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Dennis Grizzle, Audrey Stout RN, Rich Waxham, and Kymberly Eames
Dinnis Grizzle, owner and founder of Diagnostic Health Group with over 30 years’ experience in the field, Rich Waxham of Diagnostic Health Group, Audrey Stout, Vice President for Medical Services at NIFLA, and Kymberly Eames of NIFLA will talk all things ultrasound in this panel discussion.
Updating Ultrasound Standards for the PMC
Is your PMC medical team aware of the latest updates from National organizations like AWHONN, SDMS, and AIUM? Update your knowledge of revised guidelines related to pregnancy medical clinic patient care. From imaging and nursing updates in birth control, to new versions of the code of ethics, don’t miss this opportunity to get caught up on changes in relevant standards. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 1.25 contact hours.
Connie Ambrecht RDMS, CMB
Connie Ambrecht, co-founder and president of Sonography Now, has served in the pregnancy medical clinic setting for over 12 years. Since 2002, Sonography Now has trained physicians, nurses, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, midwives, radiologic technologists, other sonography specialists.
In-Depth Day (March 29)
The 2016 Annual Conference experience started with 15 different In-Depth Day opportunities. This exclusive all-day training went from 9 am to 5 pm with an inspirational keynote at lunch.
Invisibility is Not a Superpower Heartbeat International Panel
No offense to the invisible man, but there’s not much upside to remaining unseen. Internet invisibility can be particularly painful for your pregnancy help effort for the simple reason that if a client can’t find you, she’s not likely to be helped by you. Likewise, if potential donors can’t find you, their dollar is going to end up somewhere else. Join Heartbeat International’s five-expert panel as they help you down the road to visibility through social media, local search, websites, newsletters and more.
Volunteer Training: The L.O.V.E. Approach Carrie Beliles, Heartbeat International
This interactive training is for new volunteers, trainers of new volunteers, and will be a refresher for experienced client services staff. This training in effective and compassionate outreach is used by pregnancy help organizations all over the world. Those in attendance will receive The LOVE ApproachTM Training Manual.
Surrendering the Secret Pat Layton, Surrendering the Secret
This is an excellent training resource for independent post abortion recovery leaders, pregnancy resource center volunteers and staff; church ministry leaders and Christian Counselors and Coaches. This training will equip attendees to fully understand the STS healing process and includes tools for engaging the church; reaching women and men who need help and step by step tips on how to get your ministry started.
Trauma Informed Care in the Maternity Home Belinda James MOFDC, MSW facilitated by Mary Peterson LAS
Join maternity homes and other life-affirming organizations for a day of learning and discussion on how to be aware of and sensitive to the role that traumatic events play on the women we serve. This training, geared toward those without counseling training, will focus on creating a culture and environment of safety and healing. Topics will include trauma-informed care, overview of mental health, and practical examples of how to address trauma within a life-affirming context.
Messaging for the Court of Public Opinion Bruce Smith, Alliance Defending Freedom
Is your community on your side? How do you get them there? Take this chance to focus on the strategy and mindset needed to successfully manage interviews and the verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to persuade and motivate the court of public opinion.
Executive Round Table: Strategic Foresighting Tim Welsh, PDHC and Jor-El Godsey, Heartbeat International
Rapid changes are driving a dynamic future PHOs will have to adapt to. This Roundtable will explore “futuring” by discerning global trends beyond our normal strategic planning window. Understand the future more clearly with this fast paced, cutting edge forum that will help you lead your organization in, and into, the future. Executive Roundtable is reserved for executives of organizations ≥$350K, or are multi-site.
Five Guarantees When Doing Pregnancy Center Work Andy Merritt, Edgewood Baptist Church
Join us for a day of spiritual refreshment. Drawing lessons from Nehemiah 4, we will discover five guarantees when doing God’s work and how God’s grace is adequate for any and every circumstance we face in pregnancy help ministry.
Ultrasound Scanning and Optimizing Your Staff Connie Ambrecht RDMS, CMB, Sparrow Solutions Group
It’s time for some scanning practice for the RDMS or the RN in a pregnancy medical clinic. Whether you serve together or independently, the PMC of today benefits from both of you, especially when you work well together. Get ready to do both at this in-depth day. This training is provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 6 contact hours.
Integrating STI Services for Today's Client Karolyn Schrage RN BSN, LifeChoices Health Network
STI testing creates access-points for your center - giving you a pro-active response to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and intervene in the lives of men and women who are most abortion-vulnerable. Learn the steps to integrate STI testing and treatment and develop a clinic strategy to be an answer to the sexual health crisis of your community. This training is provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 6 contact hours.
Legal Essentials Danielle White J.D. and Ellen Foell Esq., Heartbeat International
Many of the topics discussed at this in-depth day are applicable for any non-profit organization, including pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, post-abortion programs, adoption services, and other pro-life ministries. Legal Essentials will highlight parameters for successful legal compliance, real-life examples to help you protect your ministry, and criteria to evaluate when to seek legal help.
Ministering Meaningfully with Major Donors Wesley Rediger, Rediger Taylor Group LLC
Effective compassionate ministry focuses on donors as much as on clients. Uncover the Biblical basis for ministry with donors, principles of cultivating donor passion and how to draw major donors into your circle.
Making the Case for Life Mike Spencer, Life Training Institute
Do you ever find yourself struggling for the words to defend your pro-life stance? Mike will equip you to respond to popular "pro-choice" arguments and to expose the logical fallacies of abortion-choice rhetoric without the need for vitriol and angry dialogue.
Abortion-Minded Caller Start to Finish Brad Imler Ph.D., ACP
Talking to abortion-minded clients is intimidating. Gather the tools needed to gain confidence as you engage in these conversations about life and death situations.
Violence Against Women and Abortion Martha Shuping MD
In this course, nurses/attendees will learn to identify clients who are victims of intimate partner violence (domestic violence) and/or reproductive coercion, how to conduct screening, and best practices for responding and referring patients for further services to increase patient safety, and improve bio-psychosocial outcomes. This training is provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16061 for 6 contact hours.
Teaching Virtue in a Complicated Culture Leslee Unruh, National Abstinence Clearinghouse
Almost half of pregnancy tests at a pregnancy center are negative. With so much information on how to talk to youth about sex, what information is best? This in depth day will help you maximize the opportunity to talk with youth about sexual integrity both inside and outside the pregnancy center.
Prayer Team and Worship
Thank you to our worship team and on-site prayer team for the 2016 Heartbeat International Annual Conference.
Aaron Keyes and Taylor Breen from 10,000 Fathers Worship School opened our Wednesday and Thursday morning general sessions with worship in song, setting the stage for a power-packed week of growth, enrichment and encouragement with fellow front-line lifesavers.
Pray 1-on-1 (or with your staff) alongside prayer warriors who have volunteered their time to encourage you and lift you up at our Conference. You can sign up for this great opportunity on site at our registration table.
