What will the new year bring? Only God knows for certain, but there are several things we can count on for which we must be prepared.

1. There will be hurting people who need help. Just because the economy does a downturn doesn't mean that people won't make less-than-wise decisions. Pregnancy Resource Centers need to communicate what they are and what they do even more strongly during this time. Make sure you renew your relationships with all the pro-life churches in your area. Let them know what your current menu of services contains. Let them know your needs for volunteer workers and competent counselors. Take some time right now to communicate to the leadership of communities of faith that share your vision and also will see many come through their doors with unmet needs.
   


2. Word-of-Mouth Referrals. Let your clients know about all your services and ask them to get at least five referrals for you during the coming year. People who are pregnant know others who are pregnant. Make sure everyone who comes in for help leaves your office with at least 5 business cards—not just one.
   


3. Take a reporter to lunch. In troubled times, those who provide social and help services are more likely to be highlighted due to the perceived need for such services. Create a fact sheet that contains the basic information about your ministry including the types of resources you offer to those who are bearing the brunt of the economic downturn and who may be pregnant. Your outstretched hands to those who may have just lost a job or who are struggling to make it may be just the type of thing that brings them through the door. Let the world nearby know what you offer.
   


4. Make sure your web site is updated with the most current information. More and more, those who are pregnant are looking on the Internet for the things they need to support themselves. And don't forget that there are other web sites, like localdataplace.com and Freecycle.org, where you can put ads that tell of your services and resources.

In short, we may not know what the new year will bring, but we know that God has called us to help people in every way we can. Communicating even more effectively is extremely important when things all around us look bad.

Jerry Thacker is President of Right Ideas, Inc., and publisher of At the Center magazine. He can be reached at contact@rightideas.us.