Branches 2025 Banquet: Life Be. Cause. – A Vision for the Future
On February 13th, Branches Pregnancy and Family Centers hosted the 2025 Banquet: Life Be. Cause., unveiling plans for the future under the theme “Reach More, Help More.” The evening was filled with inspiration, impactful statistics, and a renewed commitment to serving women and families in need.
A Startling Reality
Terry Mears, Executive Director of Branches, presented sobering statistics from a recently released report by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). According to the report, nearly 20,000 abortions took place in Kansas in 2023, representing a 58% increase from 2022. Even more alarming, 80% of the pregnancy termination was performed on out-of-state residents who searched for abortion centers near me when looking for a pregnancy center. Branches is working to offer a supportive choice for anyone in need.
Fortunately, Butler County’s numbers remain significantly lower, in part due to the comprehensive support system Branches provides to women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Unlike many organizations, Branches offers holistic, long-term assistance that goes beyond pregnancy support, addressing a variety of crisis situations that families may encounter.
Expanding Resources for Families
One of the most exciting announcements of the evening was the unveiling of a comprehensive resource list, featuring over 90 agencies across 35 different categories. This valuable tool will soon be available on Branches' website and in both the El Dorado and Augusta centers, providing crucial assistance to those in need.
New Ways to Connect
Branches is committed to expanding their reach and accessibility through innovative solutions. The banquet introduced several new initiatives:
24/7 Nurses Chat Line: Clients can now connect with trained nurses via live chat on the Branches website or through text messaging. Several new clients have already found Branches through this vital service.
Increased Visibility: To reach more women and families in crisis, Branches will be launching billboards along eastbound Highway 254 and near the El Dorado exit on the Turnpike.
Looking Ahead
The banquet made it clear: Branches is growing, and its impact is expanding. With a clear mission to “Reach More, Help More,” Branches continues to be a beacon of hope for women and families facing difficult situations.
As the organization moves forward, it remains steadfast in its commitment to offering compassionate, life-affirming support—ensuring that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
To stay updated on these and other new initiatives coming soon, or to support Branches’ mission, visit www.pregnancyandfamily.org, sign up for our monthly newsletter (https://www.pregnancyandfamily.org/join-mailing-list), or follow us on social media.
Together, we can Reach More, Help More.