In 2015,Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center teamed up with RENEW Life Center to open Paterson’s first pregnancy center, a location at 75 Ellison Street offering free resources for those facing unexpected pregnancies. The partnership of two non-profit organizations offers additional support to help under-resourced parents thrive – not just survive – as they care for their children. Lighthouse offers medical confirmation of pregnancy and parenting support through a child’s first year, and RENEW offers an interactive workshop experience called “Getting Ahead” for parents from poverty backgrounds. A more recent collaboration with Young Life birthed YoungLives Paterson at the Ellison Street location to bring encouragement and mentoring to pregnant and parenting teens.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of these unique and effective partnerships, Lighthouse is hosting the Paterson Partners for Life Virtual 5K Run-Walk from October 30 to November 1. All proceeds from the race will benefit the free services and transformational programs offered at 75 Ellison Street by Lighthouse and its partners. Interested runners and walkers may register or learn more at RunSignUp.com/PatersonPartners5K. The $35 registration fee includes a long-sleeve shirt and a personalized printable runners bib. Each reduced-rate youth registration also includes one free admission to the petting zoo at Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff, NJ. Special prizes and contests will be available to race registrants. Questions about the Virtual 5K can be directed to Events@LighthousePRC.org or (973) 238-9047.
“With the generous support of individuals, churches and businesses, Lighthouse has been able to equip hundreds of mothers and fathers in Paterson with the skills, resources and support they need to make life-enhancing choices for their children and themselves,” said Debbie Provencher, Lighthouse Executive Director. “This race celebrates the faithfulness of our supporters and the courage and persistence of the parents we serve. Best of all, this event was initiated by a Lighthouse supporter who wanted to help us push past the challenges of the pandemic to keep serving parents in need.”