PLC hires new staff, ready for fundraiser

Pregnancy Life Center information

The Pregnancy Life Center recently hired its first male staff member, Brad Petrie, youth pastor at Calvary Evangelical Church.

Petrie will head up two programs at the PLC, the first of those being the Dad-to-Dad program. This initiative was established a couple of years ago by volunteers from Jennings Road Church of Christ doing a monthly class for dads and dads-to-be. The program, under Petrie’s direction, will now offer weekly classes and the opportunity for fathers to earn a baby store pass and baby bucks to use in the PLC’s baby store.

The goal is to educate dads in a non-threatening, men-only environment so they can be actively involved in raising their child/children. Classes will begin in January 2015.

The other program is brand new to the PLC and is called BLUE (Boys Learning, Understanding, Excelling).  This program, just like the PLC’s PINK (Purity, Integrity, New ideas, and Knowledge) program, is abstinence-based, but different in that it is geared towards middle school-age boys.  Both programs are offered for free to all Van Wert County schools.

As part of the BLUE program, participants will meet over an 18-week period to discuss issues that every junior high boy faces, as well as future issues once they enter high school and the world of dating.

The PLC has been in contact with Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert, and all of them are excited about, and open to, this new program.

BLUE will start in October at all of these schools. Those interested in their child being a part of this program should contact their schools and make sure their son is signed up for it.

The goal is to also start PINK in October; however, former program coordinator Beth Dye has taken on a position elsewhere and her position has not yet been filled. Anyone interested in working with junior high girls, as well as pregnant teens, should contact the PLC at 419.238.9177 or email plc1@embarqmail.com, to find out more about the position.

With the addition of Petrie and these new programs, comes a greater need for community support and financial help. PLC Director Tina Langdon encourages area residents to join her and the PLC staff this Sunday, September 14, at 2 p.m. at Fountain Park for the organization’s annual Walk for Life fundraiser.  “The walk is our largest source of fundraising, and since we are 100 percent locally funded, we count on each and every walker and their sponsors,” Langdon said.

The budget goal this year is to raise $50,000 through the walk. So far, $16,000 has been raised through corporate and church sponsorship.  As a reminder, supporters can still raise funds even if they cannot be at the walk, while funds can also be raised after the walk is over.