SENATE RESOLUTION 35
(By Senator Rucker)
[Introduced March 18, 2025]
Recognizing the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program for their outstanding achievements.
Whereas, The West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program (WVMBSP) has had an extraordinary impact during the 2023-2024 program year, successfully expanding services to women and babies in all 55 counties across the state; and
Whereas, The program has enabled 49 Pregnancy Help Organization (PHO) locations, including 23 pregnancy care centers, three maternity homes, and 23 social service agencies to provide critical assistance, resulting in 11,858 women and babies receiving life-affirming support; and
Whereas, The WVMBSP facilitated major expansions, such as Choices Women’s Center in Clarksburg moving to a larger facility to offer more services, and Compass Women’s Center in Morgantown acquiring an ultrasound machine to transition into a medical clinic providing free ultrasounds to women in need; and
Whereas, The program funded essential resources, including car seats, cribs, prenatal vitamins, hygiene supplies, parenting education, and over 150,000 diapers to support families in need; and
Whereas, The monthly Mountaineer Legal Seminars, led by esteemed legal expert Jeanneane Maxon, provided PHOs with crucial education on legal compliance, child abuse reporting, client confidentiality, and policy best practices, equipping centers to better serve mothers and babies; and
Whereas, The Fatherhood Programs encouraged increased paternal involvement, offering mentorship, parenting education, and community support to fathers, thereby strengthening families; and
Whereas, WVMBSP’s commitment to excellence included 23 in-person and 3 virtual site visits to ensure compliance, program effectiveness, and the highest standard of care for families; and
Whereas, The program received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with PHOs reporting that funding allowed them to significantly expand services, and clients expressing deep gratitude for the life-changing support they received, as reflected in testimonials such as: “This program has been an absolute blessing. I would not have been able to provide for my baby without the help we received.” and “The financial support for our center allowed us to dream big and serve more women than we ever imagined.”; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program for their outstanding achievements; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate acknowledge the dedication of the WVPCC team, PHOs, and community partners who have worked tirelessly to make this program a success, ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where mothers and babies receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Support Program team.