The MaRiH Center: Post Roe

Dear friends and supporters of The MaRiH Center,

As you know, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision recently overturned the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973, and this has prompted hope, anxiety, and many other feelings.  For many, the decision has brought hope for an end to abortion; and there appears to be increasing public awareness and support for expectant mothers in crisis, and the organizations working to help them, such as our center.

In contrast, some pregnancy-resource centers have been subjected to violence and vandalism.   Fortunately, to date, MaRiH has not experienced violence or vandalism, and new practices are in place to further lessen risk to clients and volunteers.  For 48 years, MaRiH has diligently provided compassionate non-judgmental care, material and very practical support, and assistance in helping mom’s and families find the resources they need.

As the post-Roe landscape develops and the cost-of-living increases, the center is receiving more clients and requests for assistance.  We are currently serving over 800 families. And, by your generosity, donations have increased too.  In short, while the Dobbs decision appears to announce significant social changes, the mission of the MaRiH Center remains the same, and we volunteers remain focused on caring for expectant mothers and their babies. “We believe it is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth in dignity and the right of every child to be born.”

Please keep MaRiH in your prayers and in your budget. Consider volunteering or sending someone our way. Please forward this newsletter to a friend or family member.  The center needs volunteers who speak Spanish.  If you or a friend can volunteer, please contact the center.

David B.
Board Member & Volunteer

Want to Donate Items?

We are so grateful for the continued support for our moms and families. We get many questions about what we do and don’t accept for donations, and the donation process. We have designed a link where you can go to find out what we accept, don’t accept and our most critical needs.  This list will get updated regularly.

Once you have visited the site and confirm what we accept, please call the center before you make your donation.  We will ask you for (and please be ready to provide) the following information:  name, address, email, items you are donating and your phone number if you are giving equipment. (We ask for your phone number in case we find that there are missing parts or hardware.)  We then will send an email with the donor receipt.  You may bring the items in at your convenience.

Reminder:  Please only give what we need as confirmed on the online list, and not other items.  We ask that the items be in good shape and clean. Please give us items that you would give your own child or grandchild. Wash and clean car seats, highchairs etc.   Our number is 703-370-4774, and the center is open Monday through Thursday 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.

Currently we are behind in sending out email receipts.  We apologize if you have been waiting for one.  We are merging two systems and have had challenges.  Please be patient with us as we are all volunteers.

Again, with much gratitude and knowledge of your sacrifice in giving, we thank you for your support to help others.  We cannot do this without you.

Beth W.
Director, The MaRiH Center

Our mailing address is: