Local

An open house for Birthright

Dave Borowski | Catholic Herald

Kathleen Madsen, director of Birthright Manassas, checks the clothing stock.

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Birthright International was founded in 1968 in Toronto,
Canada, to help women deal with unplanned pregnancies. It is
an organization that proudly announces that it’s focused on
“loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and
ensuring she is not alone.”

The group believes that it is the right of every woman to
give birth, and the right of every baby to be born.

There are 300 chapters around the world and four in the
Arlington Diocese: Woodbridge, Leesburg, Fredericksburg and
Manassas.

Birthright of Manassas will celebrate 40 years of service to
the Prince William County area at an open house in September.

Kathleen Madsen, director, said that the center offers women
free pregnancy testing, medical and legal referrals,
referrals to social service agencies, professional counseling
and clothing. Their mission is simple.

“We provide friendship and support to women experiencing a
troubled pregnancy,” said Madsen.

She said that they are non-judgmental because some women feel
abandoned and trapped.

“They feel they have no options,” she said.

She also said that they have a good reputation in the
community and that although most of their customers come
through word-of-mouth, they are trying to build a Web and
social media presence.

Madsen said that they receive financial help from the Knights
of Columbus council at All Saints Church in Manassas, as well
as support from the Church of the Nativity in Burke.

The Manassas group has 10 volunteer counselors who help
several hundred women each year.

The group of volunteers is close.

“It’s a community,” said Madsen. “We support each other.”

The open house is Sept. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 10752B
Ambassador Drive, Manassas.

To donate

To make a tax-deductible donation to Birthright of Manassas,
mail a check to 10752B Ambassador Drive Manassas, Va. 20109.

Material goods such as infant clothing to size 9 months,
maternity clothing and diapers can be dropped off during
business hours (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., Monday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

To volunteer

Call 703/361-9769 or email [email protected].

If you need help

Those who need help can go to the office during business
hours or call 703/361-9769. There is a 24-hour helpline at
800/550-4900

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