The Diocese of Grand Rapids took some time recently to recognize Catholic Charities West Michigan for the work they do to support mothers and families.

“Moms and families in need should know their physical, emotional and spiritual needs will be met during pregnancy and after the arrival of a new baby,” the diocese posted online. “Catholic Charities West Michigan is dedicated to serving and supporting children and families. For women and men suffering emotional and spiritual pain from an abortion experience, CCWM offers post-abortion healing through the ministry of Project Rachel.”

The Diocese of Grand Rapids shared a graphic highlighting some of the work that Catholic Charities of West Michigan has done over the past year to support mothers and families in need. It showed that in the past year, CCWM has provided more than 10,000 diapers to children, helped 63 children find loving homes through adoption, helped to care for 267 children in foster care, provided counseling to 40 pregnant women, provided post-abortion healing to 27 people, and served more than 550 children through baby and toddler pantries. CCWM also held classes for parents on car seat safety and safe sleep.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has a Standing With Moms in Need initiative that calls on Catholics to support and accompany women and couples facing difficult pregnancies or struggling with parenthood, to ensure that any pregnant women or mothers who need assistance can find the support and resources they need through any Catholic parish, to expand care networks for pregnant women, to listen to pregnant women and mothers in order to better understand their needs, and to advocate for laws that protect every person's right to life.

Walking With Moms in Need recognizes that while Roe v. Wade stood, more than 65 million babies were aborted. In that light, the initiative calls on Catholics to share God's message of forgiveness with and be compassionate toward women and men who have been wounded by abortion, and to expand abortion healing ministries such as Project Rachel.

Catholic Charities of West Michigan was established in 1946 in order to serve and support vulnerable people in the area. CCWM strives to follow in Christ's footsteps and emphasizes the values of compassion, collaboration, compliance, service to all people, and the sanctity of all life.