The Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre (PVPCC) has witnessed a significant increase in demand for its services over the past year. With new challenges and a growing client base, the Centre is adapting and innovating to meet the needs of its community.
Linda Marek, Executive Director of PVPCC, recently shared insights into the Centre’s current state and future plans.
Rising Demand and Community Growth
In 2023, the PVPCC saw a notable rise in client numbers across its three locations in Winkler, Altona, and Morden. The Centre reported an increase from over 100 clients in 2022 to 125 in 2023, with new clients also rising significantly from 50 to 85.
Marek noted that the rise in numbers may not reflect a growing need, but could rather be a result of areas having easier access to the Centre’s services.
“Our region is growing... and with us now having three locations, not just two, there’s more access [and] more support in Winkler, Morden and Altona... We’re hopeful that could be one of the reasons.”
Expanding Services
As the need for the PVPCC has grown, the organization has adapted and has been incorporating new programs and support groups to help people that need to connect with someone in a situation similar to their own.
Marek spoke on one of these groups: Steps in Hope, which offers valuable support to women affected by miscarriage or stillbirth.
She also teased some of the Centre’s upcoming plans, including a new program focused on making informed life choices, saying, “We’re currently reviewing a program that we hope to offer soon, and it would focus on healthy relationships and making good choices in your life.”
Get Moving Challenge
With new programming, and a growing need, comes the inevitable growing cost to keep programs like Steps in Hope operational.
But out of that need, the PVPCC Board of Directors are trying their hand at an innovative bit of fundraising with something the Centre is calling The Get Moving Challenge. For every dollar donated between the dates of September 15th, and October 15th, board members will engage in physical activities such as jogging, cycling, or doing push-ups.
Marek gave a little more insight on the initiative, “The board thought maybe we could do something that was still healthy and family-friendly and easy for people to participate in the community.” She added, “One hundred dollars would be one hundred push-ups, [every] twenty-five dollars is a kilometer of walking or jogging.”
Board Chair Davis Wieler expressed his own enthusiasm for the challenge, saying “We may be slightly nervous, but our Board is looking forward to working hard to match the dollars that come in, knowing that ever gift helps individuals who come into the Centre. The more we sweat, the more support is possible, so we are grateful for everyone who gets us moving!”
Looking Ahead
The Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre remains focused on its core mission of providing support and care to individuals facing challenges related to their pregnancies.
Marek spent some time reflecting on her role as Executive Director, sharing the most rewarding aspect of her work: personal connections. “What’s most meaningful is when we hear women say, ‘Thank you for listening to me’, or ‘I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.’ Knowing we’re meeting really deep needs, and that people feel safe to talk with us just means so much.”
Click below to listen to the full interview with Linda Marek.