Founded in 1972, Sacramento Life Center (SLC) is celebrating 50 years of embracing lives, one pregnancy at a time. Launched as a volunteer helpline, SLC is now a fully accredited, licensed community health clinic offering an array of services and resources. One of few Sacramento-area community clinics for pregnant women in need, SLC is ready to do more.

“We provide judgement-free support, resources and free medical services to those facing an unsupported pregnancy and equip them to uphold the value of life,” says Marie Leatherby, executive director. “We have much to be proud of — thousands of lives saved and families strengthened — and we’re ready to do more.”

SLC provides free services including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, connecting clients with insurance and doctors, and supplying materials such as infant clothing, diapers and furniture. Currently, SLC serves about 2,000 women annually, but has seen numbers rise during the pandemic.

Now SLC looks to expand medical services and wellness care, reach more people and partner with more organizations. “We operate our community health center in the Arden-Arcade area, but plan to open a satellite clinic in another neighborhood,” Leatherby says. “We’re also buying a more state-of-the-art mobile clinic for even better service and are grateful for community support.”

SLC’s 50th anniversary celebration will bring opportunities for community participation in open houses, fund drives, possibly an art auction and their annual gala in November. SLC is grateful for any doctor, registered nurse or sonographer to volunteer and for any business or community member to make a financial contribution.

“It’s so gratifying to see women who are despairing or afraid receive help and hope, then to see them have their children and the joy that brings,” Leatherby says. “We want to support them in their time of need and help them have healthy children through prenatal care that provides such better outcomes for mothers and babies.”