Mother grateful for help from Moncton pregnancy centre

Pauline Gagnon had just graduated from college in Campbellton, New Brunswick and was newly engaged when she found out she was pregnant.
She had been ill and did not suspect anything, until her abdomen began to swell and she realized it was more than just a case of tummy upset.
A test confirmed her suspicions and she began a journey marked by emotional highs and lows. She was six months along when she found out. Soon after that, she and her fiancé broke up.
Her family told her she should have an abortion, but she realized very quickly, she wanted to keep her baby.
There would be a cost, she knew.
“I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do,” Gagnon said.
As well as battling with emotional pressures, practical decisions needed to be made.
She had no maternity clothes and did not have the money to buy them.
“Somebody happened to mention go check into the Crisis Pregnancy Centre.”
So she did.
The worker on duty told her it was free.
When she first went to the Moncton organization she assumed there would be a cost for the clothing.
“Really?” said Gagnon.
The organization helped her with many needs throughout her pregnancy and even after her son was born. They found housing for her when she was still pregnant and did not feel safe where she was living, she said.
It was called a shepherding home.
The Greater Moncton Crisis Pregnancy Centre offered her counselling services as well, Gagnon said. And they gave her financial help, finding a new apartment for her after the baby was born.
“They were kind of like a family for me.”
Gagnon knew it was a Christian organization and although volunteers did encourage conversation about God, she never felt pressured.
“They never pushed religion on me.”
The centre saw pregnant women from many walks of life and of varied ages.
“It doesn’t just happen to teenagers. There were some even in their forties,” she said.
“I don’t see my son as a mistake,” Gagnon added.
And neither did the staff at the centre, which was lead by Isabelle Slater from 1987-2000.
Slater had worked with teens alongside her husband for many years before getting involved with the organization.
“I just felt a tug when they first thought of opening one,” she said.
Slater thought she was preparing herself for talking to teens about the consequences of sexual activity, so she took a vacancy offered and a year later was asked to go on staff as co-director. Later she would become the executive director.
Slater had no training in counselling and wondered why she had been chosen, she said.
“I have no idea why they would hire me for this position.”
Those who hired her told her it was because of her passion.
“I think the period of time I spend there at the centre is the most rewarding time of my life.”
Slater’s years with the Moncton centre have given her a desire to see similar centres wherever possible. When her husband retired they moved to P.E.I. in 2002. The move ended her work in Moncton.
Recently the passion she shares with others on the Island has ignited a movement to open a centre in Charlottetown.
A steering committee was set up and a board of directors was elected in July and August of 2008, Slater said.
“I started on as chair.”
This time around Slater will not take on as big a role, she added.
“My husband’s retired.”
On Nov. 1, Island Pregnancy Care & Support Services (IPCSS) opened its doors at 500 Queen St. in Charlottetown.
It offers peer counselling, free pregnancy tests, information on options, support to family members, an abortion recovery support group, maternity and baby items free of charge, parenting classes and other educational presentations.
The program includes optional Bible studies and spiritual support groups.
Gagnon’s baby is 11. Gagnon lives in P.E.I. and is married with two other children.
She will volunteer with the new centre.
“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for them, “ she added.
“They should have this everywhere.”