The women at Marih are very kind. They gave a lot of things for my baby at not cost. I am thankful Marih is in Alexandria.

There is almost no information up front about what services they do or do not offer, which is irresponsible if you're putting yourself out there to help people with "pregnancy emergencies". Furthermore the woman on the phone wouldn't give me information about what exact services they do offer, urging me to make an appointment. to me it is suspicious when a place is trying to get you in the door, just to get even the most basic of information. If you believe in what you are doing and want the public to know, why not just put it out there up front?

The center really helped me when I had no idea what I really needed for my newborn and helped me obtain the items that I was missing. They even check on you and you can ask for their help until your child is about a year Old.

I checked the center's website, which had no real information about the center or the services they provide, so I called to ask about their services. They do not provide abortions, which they were pretty up front about. They told me they are not a doctor's office and have no doctors in the office. They said they could refer me to a medical center, but the center also does not provide abortion care when I asked. The person I talked with made me feel bad about bringing up the option of abortion, asking why I was considering it. When talking about the pregnancy, she kept using language like "the baby" and that felt shameful. When I tried to ask more questions about the services, she told me she couldn't provide information on the phone and that I needed to come in for an appointment. Before I hung up, saying that I wanted to consider all my options before making an appointment, they urged me to think about it, making me feel pressured.

The center helped me in 2001 when I was 18 and pregnant. With no family around, the center truly gave me the support, love, and compassion I desperately needed at the time. I want to thank everyone at the center past and present for your efforts. My son is now 15 and thriving! He is an all around incredible well rounded young man. He excels in school, sports, and music. I went on to earn my high school diploma, associates, bachelors, and a master's degree. To other moms out there, reach out to those who support you and want the best for your future. Keep fighting and cling to hope!