About Us
Our Mission
Birthline is a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to serving any person
with an unexpected or challenging pregnancy by providing physical, emotional and spiritual assistance as well as programs and referrals reflecting the inherent dignity of all human life.
Birthline has been serving the needs of central Minnesota community since 1971, founded by St. Cloud nurses, Alice Brown, Flo Sullivan and their friends, based on Christian values of compassion, hospitality and non-judgmental understanding. These gifted women knew that a deliberate termination of pregnancy could lead to a lifetime of pain.
Originally called Birthright, this pregnancy center was operated initially out of a home. Soon others joined to help... and the growing organization found support from the St. Cloud Hospital, which gave them their very first home and support.
Today, Birthline has approximately 250+ volunteers serving in different capacities, contributing an average of 2,800 hours annually. They are trained, capable people of faith. Some are trained to mentor clients face-to-face. Birthline office mentors see very clearly, that their role is to care (unconditionally), to listen (non-judgmentally) and to show unending compassion no matter what path those in crisis may choose. Other volunteers choose to help out behind the scenes with fund-raisers, mailings, pricing & sorting for the STEPPING STONES store, or speaking for the H.E.A.R.T. Program. Others give of their time as volunteer physicians. And still others serve on Birthline’s Board of Directors, providing vision and direction for the organization’s future.
Birthline was founded by women serving women, with a simple philosophy. Although times have changed our mission and community needs are timeless.
Commonly Asked Questions About Birthline:
What services does Birthline provide the community?
- 24-hour helpline
- Confidential pregnancy counseling
- Free pregnancy testing
- Free Prenatal medical exams
- STEPPING STONES client Incentive Program
- Men of Birthline
- Pregnancy and Parenting Education
- Personal Labor Support through Doula program
- Central Minnesota Birthparent Support Network (Support for those who have placed a child for adoption)
- Referrals for adoption agencies, housing, financial services, post-abortion counseling, job search resources, child care & assistance, etc.
- H.E.A.R.T. Health, Education and Relationship Training (Abstinence education seminars for schools, churches and parents)
Who is Birthline, Inc. affiliated with in the Community?
Birthline, Inc. is an active member of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, a Minnesota Department of Health Positive Alternatives Grant recipient for STEPPING STONES; and an Initiative Foundation Healthy Organization Partnership designee.
Is Birthline a Catholic organization?
Birthline is non-denominational.
Is Birthline affiliated with New Beginnings or the Pregnancy Resource Center?
All are separate entities. However, referrals are made back and forth among organizations to help those in need. New Beginnings provides housing to pregnant women. Birthline and Pregnancy Resource Center do not. Pregnancy Resource Center is also a pregnancy center located in St. Cloud offering medical STD testing and similar core services as Birthline. Birthline is a crisis pregnancy center, which focuses on support and education for unexpected pregnancies. Although we are not a medical facility, we do have limited medical services that provide clients with a pregnancy verification, free prenatal vitamins, and referrals to local clinics for pre and postnatal care.
How is Birthline, Inc. funded?
Birthline relies on financial support from individuals and the community at large. Proceeds from the Treasure Chest Thrift stores benefit Birthline, as well as in-kind gifts from churches, parishes and civic groups. Evening for Life is Birthline’s largest fundraiser and donor appreciation event of the year and occurs the fourth Thursday in October.
Contact Us/Come For A Tour
Office Hours
Monday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday - 8:30 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday - 8:30 am to 9:00 pm
Friday - 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
Office Staff
Carrie Tripp, Executive Director - ctripp@birthline.org
Mollie Rushmeyer, Client Services/Volunteer Coordinator -mrushmeyer@birthline.org
Shelly Anderson, Administrative Assistant - info@birthline.org
Catherine Roe, Receptionist/Secretary – info@birthline.org
Jan Ochsner, Resource Development, Special Events - jano@birthline.org
Jolene Fischer, H.E.A.R.T. Coordinator – infoheart@birthline.org
Board of Directors
Virgina Marso, President
Dan Beumer, Vice President
Bradley Gustafson, Treasurer
Jan Hoelscher, Secretary
Memebers-at-Large
Diane Symanietz
Sarah Warzecha
Sue Ek
Pat Feneis
Fr. Greg Lieser, Catholic Spiritual Director
Debbie Krogstad, Protestant Spiritual Director
Advisors
Mike Bitzan, Birthline Advisor
Dr. Doug Brew, Medical Director
Barbara Hertling, Birthline Advisor
Steve Kutscheid, Legal Advisor
Bret Reuter, St. Cloud Hospital Liaison
Dr. Norman Virnig, Medical Advisor
