“When my mom was pregnant with me, Birthright helped her. Now I need your help.”
“I think I may be pregnant and don’t know what to do.”
“My husband was deported; I have a new baby who’s hungry; we live with my brother-in-law and we haven’t enough food.”
“My mother abandoned me. My only refuge was a drug house, but I fled from there with my toddler. I need help getting to the home of relatives who live out-of-state where we will be safe.”
“I am homeless.”
“Where can I find an obstetrician?”
“I came to you once for help but chose abortion. I am pregnant again. You welcomed me and did not judge me. I need your help now to have a successful pregnancy and delivery.”
“My daughter cannot care for her baby and I need help raising my grandchild.”
“It’s so hot outside, may my baby and I stay awhile in your air-conditioned home?”
“I have a student who is barely a teenager and pregnant; can you help?”
These statements are mere introductory snapshots into the challenges facing so many young women and girls who have graced Birthright’s house in New Philadelphia in the past 35 years.
Our volunteers welcome each person with open hearts and a willingness to be of help. We view our presence as a calling that follows in the footsteps of Sister Claudine Smith of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
Sister Claudine helped many facing unplanned pregnancies see their way to motherhood or adoption. Before her relocation in the 1990s from Tuscarawas County, she found that Birthright International would help carry out her mission and Birthright of New Philadelphia became charter members.
In addition to the hospitality of each volunteer, services are offered from a small house situated in a neighborhood of modest family dwellings that provide a home-like atmosphere rather than an institutional setting.
There are rooms that provide privacy for confidential conversations, pregnancy testing, and to try on gently used maternity clothing. Our living room area has a display of infant and toddler clothing in addition to essentials such as diapers, wipes, bedding, blankets, towels, etc.
Mothers may come in once each month to receive needed items until their children turn three years old. Each newborn receives a gift layette of new clothing and essentials. If an item is not available, Birthright will seek to obtain the item or make referrals to others in our community who can help.
The community has a sizable population of immigrants of whom most are from Guatemala and comprise at least half of the women served.
Birthright enjoys establishing these relationships, but still has quite a way to go in enhancing communications. Volunteers and moms utilize modern technology to help, but that does not always work with those who speak primarily indigenous languages and it slows down relationship building. Yet Birthright has gained much trust and respect. Assistance of translators available through Dover St. Joseph Catholic Church is appreciated.
One asset to help mothers in need is Bridges to Wellness (BtW), which was born out of a community collaborative of wellness-minded professionals.
With permission, mothers are referred to BtW for help to ensure they have the health care needed for successful pregnancies and deliveries of healthy babies.
Community Health Workers coordinate services, including translation, to meet the needs of pregnant women and their families. They in turn refer pregnant mothers to Birthright.
Welcoming women like family members is the first step in accompanying each one. So many have returned or have been referred by former moms in need, strengthening Birthright’s resolve to be a non-judgmental place of support in times of need.
On any given day and at any hour, a volunteer is ready to assist girls and women who face an unplanned pregnancy and/or have young children to meet basic needs.
In 2025, Birthright of New Philadelphia served more than 180 women and their children.
Birthright.org maintains an online chat feature to connect women with a volunteer. Our email is newphiladelphia@birthright.org
Michelle Tope is a volunteer and board member of Birthright of New Philadelphia and a parishioner at Dover St. Joseph Church.
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