Heartbeat of Morrow County is a Christian organization dedicated to providing women alternatives to abortion by offering medical referrals and support services. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of pregnant women and parents of small children with a large variety of material items in our boutique, as well as many educational opportunities. Heartbeat has trained volunteers to offer encouragement, peer counseling and prayer, if the client so desires. We uphold the intrinsic value of every human life; and promote the special place of sexuality within marriage, and of children within strong families.
Heartbeat is staffed by trained volunteers and operates on financial donations from churches, individuals, and local businesses. Heartbeat is independent, non-political, non-sectraian, and is prepared to provide services to anyone regardless of age, race, or religion.
Heartbeat's help is free and confidential.
Our office hours are: Tuesdays: 1-3 pm & 6-8 pm, Thursdays: 1-3 pm
Mission Statement
HEARTBEAT OF MORROW COUNTY IS AN ORGANIZATION OF CHRISTIAN PERSONS DEDICATED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF WOMEN WITH PREGNANCY RELATED CONCERNS THROUGH THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST. THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF HEARTBEAT OF MORROW COUNTY IS TO:
1. Offer love and practical help to pregnant women
2. Protect the life of the unborn
3. Minister the Good News of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ
4. Provide and dispense facts and information concerning alternatives to abortion, fetal development, sanctity of human life, abstinence and responsible sexual values
5. Offer to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each client
Our History
Heartbeat was founded in November 1985 by Eric and Tammy Brown. Their objective was to provide alternatives to abortion for women in Morrow County. The organization began by offering free and confidential pregnancy services and counseling to women and teenagers. Heartbeat's foundation is built upon Jesus Christ and seeks to serve the clients with His love. Heartbeat is a non-sectarian, non-profit and non-political pregnancy center designed to help prospective mothers choose life for their unborn child, as well as help supply material needs.
Heartbeat of Morrow County affiliated with Heartbeat International early in its existence. This national organization was founded in 1971 to assist the development of "emergency pregnancy services" all over the world. Being linked with Heartbeat International gives Heartbeat of Morrow County a number of opportunities, such as free research and consultation on relevant legal issues. Consultation is also available for center related questions, as well as educational opportunities and other benefits. However, decisions are made for our center by a local board of directors.
Since our induction more than 30 years ago, Heartbeat has grown in volunteers and in services. The 24 hour hotline is staffed by an all-volunteer base of counselors. Office hours are available for pregnancy tests, peer counseling and education. Other services include the Heartbeat Boutique, with maternity and infant clothing, supplies, furniture and other necessities. Heartbeat also has a speaker's bureau, and makes referrals to social agencies in Morrow County. Our "Earn While You Learn" program allows clients to earn "Baby Bucks" to "buy" diapers, wipes, new clothing, and gently used furniture and equipment from the Boutique.
Funding for Heartbeat is made available through private donations. Churches, individuals, and businesses are our main source of income. The Walk for Life is our major fundraiser each year. Churches and others in the community are encouraged to get involved in that event each May by collecting pledges for the 2 mile walk. We also depend on the community for donations of baby clothes (up to size 5), baby furniture and equipment, maternity clothes, food, diapers and other necessities.
Commitment of Care
OUR COMMITMENT OF CARE PERTAINS TO ALL CLIENTS.
Clients are served without regard to age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation, disability or other arbitrary circumstances
Clients are treated with kindness, compassion and in a caring manner
Clients always receive honest and open answers
Client pregnancy tests are distributed and administered in accordance with all applicable laws
Client information is held in strict and absolute confidence. Client information is only disclosed as required by law and when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent harm
Clients receive accurate information about pregnancy, fetal development, lifestyle issues, and related concerns
We do not offer, recommend or refer for abortions or abortifacients, but we are committed to offering accurate information about abortion procedures and risks
All of our advertising and communications are truthful and honest and accurately describe the services we offer
All of our staff and volunteers receive proper training to uphold these standards