Two local pregnancy centers were recognized by the Texas-based Gladney Foundation for their work in promoting adoption.
Kelly Sarotte, executive director of the Aid to Women Center, and Christine Accurso, executive director of 1st Way Pregnancy Center, were each presented with the Hope Award at a luncheon April 19.
Janice Poddell, community education coordinator for the Gladney Foundation, said the work done by the pregnancy centers to promote adoption is “extremely important.”
Poddell said that the foundation has provided training about adoption to staff and volunteers at both centers.
“We know that they are talking about adoption to all of their clients and we see that through referrals,” Poddell said.
Both Accurso and Sarotte said pregnant women who visit the local clinics are counseled about placing their child for adoption.
“It’s always a loving option,” Sarotte said. Receiving the award, she said, was a “huge honor.”
Ryan Hanning, board member for the Aid to Women Center, said all the Catholic pregnancy centers in the diocese, including Life Choices Clinic, seek to work together closely to protect life.
“It was an honor to receive an award that so clearly illustrates the truth and beauty behind the pro-life movement, and the work of our local Catholic pregnancy centers,” Hanning said. “Adoption is a heroic, life-affirming choice that gifts a child with life, and makes a family complete.”
