2021 and part of 2022 were quieter years for the Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre. The organization recently held its 2022 annual meeting, and it was a productive time to reflect on the past year and plan for the future.
Executive Director Linda Marek says fewer people came in during the pandemic, however, they are now seeing numbers back to where they were prior to 2020.
"2019 and earlier would be sort of a normal time frame to gauge numbers. 2021 and part of '22 was definitely quieter, just with the pandemic. We know that people were still getting pregnant or still considering their options."
Marek believes the slowdown was due to all the uncertainty happening with the pandemic.
"So our pandemic years were quieter for client care, but those who needed us and reached out for help really were reaching out in desperate, difficult circumstances. But now post-pandemic, our numbers are back to sort of normal pre-pandemic levels."
During the pandemic, Marek says they were unable to hold a number of their annual fundraisers, which greatly contributed to the lower number of individual donors.
Despite donations being down last year, thanks to prudent spending by PVPCC staff, Marek says they were still able to maintain all of their services at all three centres. "So everything's accessible in every space. We like that continuity and access of care across the region," said Marek.
Last year people came in for a variety of reasons, but one of the most used programs was for people seeking items for 'mom and baby'.
Inflation, combined with a growing region, and people coming here under traumatic circumstances fleeing war-torn areas, Marek says there was just a much greater need for things like diapers, formula, car seats, and maternity clothing. "Anything for mom and baby, really. So we really appreciate it when people donate their gently used items or people knit or crochet blankets, or sew together bibs. That's just a lovely piece where we can collect those items and get them right back out the door to someone who needs them."
Linda Marek says planning for a yearly budget can be very difficult, as there are so many unknowns.
As always, Marek says they also saw people for parenting support.
"They have a little one and they just need some help to figure out some day-to-day pieces," she added. "Maybe they need some encouragement in that or they're parenting on their own, that's really difficult, so we want to be there to support those moms as well. And of course, options. People find out they're pregnant and they're overwhelmed. They're not sure what to do, so they want to chat through what the options are and help them make an informed decision."
The past few years, overall, have held a number of surprises, but they're grateful for the community support. She says with the pandemic, a fluctuating economy, and inflation, they didn't know if people would be able to support them financially in the same way, so they are very thankful for the generosity.
"Our hope is that whoever needs us would be aware of us" added Marek. "So if people are pregnant and feeling supported and cared for in their relationship, in their families and friend circumstances, then, that's great, they might not need us in the same way. So whether we have high numbers or low numbers, we just want to be available for who needs us and meet the needs in the community."