From its humble beginnings more than 50 years ago, its headquarters then a modest, older bungalow nestled in downtown Sacramento, to its handsome, fully-licensed-and-accredited medical clinic today, the Sacramento Life Center has had a journey of love and life worthy of commendation.
Founded in 1972, the Sacramento Life Center was one of the first pregnancy clinics in California to offer free ultrasounds and the first in the Sacramento area to offer mobile medical clinics.
Now in her 13th year as Executive Director, Marie Leatherby (of the popular large ice cream parlor family), has led the enthusiastic charge of her board of directors to dramatically increase the footprint of the Sacramento Life Center in California’s Capital Region.
“Our passion for life and our Christian-based work has been our foundation,” says Marie. “We grow more and more each year, and our nonprofit is trusted. We have several invaluable partners and while we do not attempt to convert our clients to Christianity, our love of Jesus Christ is the base of every program and service we offer.”
Among the Center’s most popular services are: limited diagnostic ultrasounds confirming the viability and dating of pregnancy; a variety of classes on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting; patient advocacy; pregnancy and STD testing; and a Baby Needs Center that provides material assistance for up to two years, including baby formula, diapers and baby and maternity clothes.
Other services include natural family planning, women’s health exams, OB/GYN referrals, Medi-Cal presumptive eligibility (enrollment in prenatal care) and language translation, with a bilingual English/Spanish staff.
Sacramento Life Center’s classes are offered both online and in person at the Center and include instruction on using baby equipment and good parenting practices. “For many years, we’ve had a program for expectant fathers,” adds Marie. “Our Men’s Voice Project offers education and resources for the expectant Daddy. And the retired doctors and lawyers who offer lessons in ‘how to be a good Dad’ and ‘how to support your partner through her pregnancy’ are empowering expectant fathers with invaluable support, offering them the tools and knowledge to acquire a strong skills set in preparation for the birth of their children.”
Treasured partners of the Sacramento Life Center include the Mother Teresa Maternity Home in Placerville, the Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home in South Sacramento, the Mexican Consulate, St. Anthony Parish Deacon Rich Koppes and wife Connie and prominent Sacramento personal injury lawyer Moseley Collins, who has hosted the Sacramento Life Center’s annual gala for years. The 2024 Gala was its largest ever, with more than 900 guests and raising more than $600,000.
Marie’s goals for the next 12 to 24 months include growing the scholarship program to help women complete their education, more digital marketing, bus signs and an increase in the circulation of the Center’s state-of-the-art mobile clinic, which was purchased last year. “This year, we will provide 3,000 medical appointments with our licensed physicians and on-site nurse practitioners,” explains Marie. “We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of women of color, including immigrants. We continue to grow more and more each year. We are grateful to God to have the opportunity to be a partner in the precious gift that is life.”
