Donation will allow local crisis pregnancy support center to expand services

Safe Harbor Selma, the local crisis pregnancy support center, announced a major donation this week that center leaders say will expand client services and help stabilize operations. 

Director Jennifer Dobbs said the unrestricted gift, the largest the center has ever received, came through a donor connected to Catherine Green Robertson, an Alabama attorney general candidate who identified the center while visiting Selma. The donation arrived after Robertson suggested four charities to a supporter. Safe Harbor, which is home to Sav-A-Life, was the largest recipient, Dobbs said. 

The timing is crucial. The organization receives no state or government funding and provides all services free of charge, according to Dobbs. The center has weathered costly building repairs and relies solely on individual donations and fundraisers, she said. 

The funds will allow the center to continue free pregnancy testing and parenting classes. The donation will also help jump-start new efforts focused on men and fathers, including mentoring and outreach aimed at engaging fathers who come to the center frightened and unsure how to respond, Dobbs said.  

Assistant Kayla Smith said the program’s parenting classes connect expectant mothers with resources, peer support, diaper bags and car seats. 

Funds will support existing programs and promote growth in areas the center has long sought to develop, according to Smith. There are plans to expand testing for sexually transmitted infections and perhaps purchase an ultrasound outreach bus.  

The center’s biggest annual fundraiser, an online auction, will run Dec. 1–2 this year and will include items ranging from deep-sea fishing trips to a customized golf club and an American Girl dollhouse. Dobbs said Safe Harbor brought back its banquet last year. This year’s banquet is in April. The guest speaker will be Dr. William Lyle. 

Dobbs stressed the donation is a welcome boost but not a permanent funding solution. 

“The board intends to pray and carefully plan how to use the money responsibly,” Smith said. She thanked Kathryn and Mr. Culverhouse by name for the gift and expressed gratitude to all regular donors and volunteers who keep the ministry operating. 

Safe Harbor and Sav-A-Life Selma are asking the community for ongoing support through prayer, monetary donations, volunteer time (office help, counselors, clinic support), donations of food for parenting classes, and men willing to mentor and personally connect clients with local churches. 

Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking services can call 875-8900 or email preghelp@safeharborwmc.org.