History of Reachout

In May of 1973, Rev. Carey Womble, M.D. gathered a group of women to discuss ways to offer alternatives to abortion. After many meetings, Reachout was born.

Our beginnings were very humble – an ad in the “Personal” column of a local newspaper for telephone counseling. Then Jim Doran offered the use of a house at 221 E. Linden. An anonymous donor gave us $100. At that time, the sum was just enough to get the utilities turned on and the phone installed. With scrounged furniture and some donated clothing, our office opened in October. In Reachout’s first year, it served 47 women.

Each successive year we experienced an increase in the number of clients. Eventually we began to develop growing pains. The little Linden house, which had served so well during our first years. A search, headed by Jim Oppenheimer, was started. Reachout looked for a larger place with the tight location and an affordable price. It took a while, but what a joy to find our Campbell location and finally open there in March, 1992! In everything we have felt the guidance and hand of God.

Last year over 5,000 visits were made to Reachout Pregnancy Center. The increased number of pregnancy tests and sonograms has led more women to choose life for their babies. Last year our Post Abortion Ministry began to offer Rachel’s Vineyard weekends of healing.

Our many volunteers serve with love, concern and encouragement so that women may chose life for their babies, just as our founding group envisioned. Our Lord has truly blessed Reachout with dedicated volunteers and generous supporters.