YORK (SNR) – St. Joseph Parish in York teamed with the York Pregnancy and Family Resource Center (YPFRC) this summer to host a baby shower and two open houses so that area Catholics will be equipped to ‘Walk with Moms in Need.’

“Walking with Moms in Need” is an initiative launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) this spring. It seeks to prepare Catholic parishes to offer the support and assistance of a loving community to pregnant women and their families, to actively perform the works of mercy.

The York events collected donations of items and financial support for the center, encouraged volunteering and increased public awareness of the center’s services. The baby shower is ongoing, with an empty crib in the church vestibule awaiting parishioners’ donations of requested items including new or gently-used toddler clothing, sizes 3T-6T for both boys and girls, pajamas, socks and shoes. Also needed are gift cards to purchase baby formula and other items.

The idea for the shower and open houses came from parish pro-life chairs Elizabeth King and Becky Bartek, who volunteer at the center. Their plans were already underway and dates set for the events when the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced, striking down Roe v. Wade. 

“God's timing is always perfect," King said.

Father John Sullivan, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in McCool Junction agreed.

“Now is the time to step up and show what it means to be pro-life Catholics,” he said. “I encourage each and every one of my parishioners to prayerfully consider supporting this wonderful facility."

King said it was surprising to learn that “many locals were completely unaware of the center and the tremendous services that they offer to pregnant moms and families in need in York County."

The open houses tried to change that. On July 20 and 23 – one weeknight and one weekend day – the center opened its doors to guests. Volunteers supplied refreshments and gave tours of the facility and spoke about the available services. Nearly 50 guests attended and volunteer applications were completed and monetary donations given.

The YPFRC grew from the York Crisis Pregnancy Center which was founded in the early 1990s. It was started by women from several churches in York and was established as a nonprofit a few years later, moving from a local church to a new building. The current board of eight volunteers includes two members who have served since the beginning.

In 2018 the center was renamed. It was decided that using the term “crisis” in the name was more of a hindrance than a help to the community.

“Many of the clients do not feel like they are in crisis and do not want to be shamed,” explained Katie Kahler, volunteer director of the center. “Most of our clients did not grow up in two-parent homes or attending church,” she said. “They see how they live as normal.”

She said changing the name to York Pregnancy and Family Resource Center “made our center more inviting; friendly to fathers and families, removing the aspect of shame.”

“Changing their lives can't begin with shaming them,” she said. “It has to begin by loving them exactly where they are and helping them do the best for their child.”

Now located at 618 N. Lincoln Ave. in York, the center is open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The need for more open hours is there and we are working on getting that available,” Kahler said. Some volunteers are also available by appointments during the week.

When a potential client reaches out to the center, Kahler said, sometimes she does not know if she is pregnant or not so they provide a test for her.

“After the test we discuss her results,” she said. If the woman is not pregnant they talk about abstinence, and discuss her relationships, her thoughts and feelings, as well as her safety.

“If she is pregnant we talk with her about her thoughts and feelings regarding a pregnancy and her baby; about this miracle regardless of her situation,” Kahler said. They talk about parenting and adoption options.

“We will encourage communication with the father and maybe her support system like parents, siblings, grandparents and church.”

They also encourage their “Earn While You Learn” program through Brightcourse. It is an online learning site the YPFRC pays for, in both English and Spanish.

The courses consist of 15- to 20-minute videos with questionnaires, a spiritual fact sheet and the most current information from many different medical journals and HHS systems from all over the United States. The classes cover topics from conception, development in each trimester, preparing for baby, delivery, C-sections, newborn care and many different topics of parenting. There are also video collections on healthy relationships, life skills like budgeting and mental health topics such as healing from trauma, anger, depression and how to seek help. These videos also provide opportunities for “Walking with Moms.”

“These classes help us open conversations with our clients,” Kahler said.

The client also earns points for each video and can use them for larger or new items, or to earn more of a certain item like diapers.

The organization is run completely by volunteers and with donations, both material and monetary. Items they take include new or gently-used clothing, but also new or gently-used baby furniture, swings, baths, play mats, and donations of new items like diapers, wipes, baby soaps, lotions, baby medicines like, creams and any other bathing or feeding things.

“We also accept maternity clothing and bathing items for mom,” Kahler added. “We want her to feel special too.

“Of course monetary donations are crucial,” she stressed. “It’s how we pay for our building, utilities, and fundraising materials. It is also how we can help with emergency things for moms like a prescription or a specific formula.”

A handful of St. Joseph parishioners currently volunteer at YPFRC.

“I've enjoyed my time at the York Pregnancy and Family Resource Center and feel it's time well spent in service to those in need, without judgement, assisting with open hearts and open minds,” Bartek said.

Ron and Lori Haarmann volunteer their time at the center and called serving the families who utilize the center “doing the work that God calls us to do.” They challenged others to volunteer in providing the help so desperately needed.

King has enlisted her husband Terry's assistance as a volunteer at the center.

“What an honor to minister to families and expectant mothers in need,” he said. “We enjoy serving the center's clients as we see the face of Christ in others. Without a doubt, it's the best three hours of our week."

Elizabeth King reiterated "what an incredible gift it is" to be able to assist and support women with unexpected and under-supported pregnancies.

“That's what I feel ‘Walking with Mom's in Need’ is all about,” she said.

People can volunteer at YPFRC by filling out an application.

“That might be serving at the center with clients,” Kahler said. “It might be making phone calls to churches, it might be driving a mom to Walmart so she can use her food stamps or WIC. It could be just coming in and sorting donations or maybe it’s just making a monetary donation.”

The center is located at 618 N. Lincoln Ave. in York. Kahler can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 402-366-5156.

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