Why am I at PAC?

Written by Stefanie Silva

Why do you work at a pregnancy center? What do you gain from working at a pregnancy center? How did you get started with Pregnancy Aid Clinic?

These are some of the questions I’m often asked when I explain to others where I work. I became interested in working at a pregnancy center for various reasons. During my adolescence I knew I wanted to help people in any way possible. I thought of many areas of study for my college degree but I knew I was drawn into counseling. As I began to study counseling, I explored different areas of work and began to intern/volunteer at different facilities. After college, I began to search for a place to volunteer to help women and came across a volunteer coordinator position for Pregnancy Aid Clinic.  I was interested to know the different type of services offered for women who were pregnant and considering different options such as parenting, termination and adoption. I knew the more I researched this area of work, the more drawn I felt towards working at a pregnancy center.

As I began to explore the idea of volunteering here, I thought about my family history and how abortion was something that was discussed in my family as I was growing up. My grandmother was a rape victim in El Salvador at the age of 15. And she was told by many family members to consider termination and always knew this would not be a good decision for her. She still talks about how her family would not speak to her for long periods of time because she was pregnant so young. During this hard time, she decided to keep her baby and I’m extremely happy she did. My father was the baby she kept. This decision allowed my father to have the gift of life and blessed my family with the opportunity of having a great man in our lives. I knew this was a tough decision for her, but her courage inspired me to help those who find themselves in a similar place.
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 I know that a conversation can make such a difference in the life of a young lady. Spending time with a client and showing them they have options is one of the most rewarding experiences I get to have every day. I’m able to use my skills, my faith and personal experiences to let them know they are not alone. Every day is a new day, a day to make a difference and I’m excited to know that I can do that here at PAC. I wake up every morning and ask God to help me, and allow me to be part of the His kingdom by helping young women and show them the “love” they deserve. I get to witness the beauty of God in the work we provide to the ladies who come to PAC.  So when I’m asked “why do you work at a pregnancy center?” My response is simple: “Why wouldn’t I? I get to work at a facility that allows me to put my passion, skills and dedication to use every day and help others in the most rewarding way possible.” ​

Stefany Silva is a Client Advocate in both the Roswell and Forest Park clinics. She has also spent time working on the mobile RV clinic and has previously worked for PAC as a Volunteer Coordinator.  Stefany is a wonderful asset to our PAC mission. She can be reached at ssilva@pregnancyaidclinic.org.