National Organization Promoting Conversations Around Pregnancy Sets Firm Foundation, Grows in Strength
May 4, 2007 | Contact Grayson Dempsey, 503.317.6866
Portland, OR – Backline, a nonprofit organization promoting conversation around all aspects of pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption, announced today that after two years of operating out of the homes of volunteers it will move into its first office space in the Alberta Arts District of Portland in May 2007.
Backline, funded entirely through private donations, is run by an all-volunteer staff and Board of Directors. The organization oversees a national toll-free Talk Line that serves women and their loved ones facing decisions about pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption. Founded in 2004, Backline’s twenty Talk Line Advocates have served callers from over forty states and have seen its call volume triple in the past year.
"The need for our services is tremendous and ever-expanding, and our new space will allow us to train more volunteers and better serve our callers," said Grayson Dempsey, Founder and President of Backline. "Everyone is affected by the stigma surrounding pregnancy, parenting, abortion and adoption. These issues are inherently interconnected, and people need a nonjudgmental and nonpolitical place to talk about their feelings. Backline lets callers talk, ask questions, and know they are not alone."
The Talk Line receives calls from women who are pregnant and exploring their options, as well as women postpartum, post abortion, and post placement. Backline’s calls illustrate the need for a talk line that offers peer counseling services to women who cannot travel to clinics or who need more time to explore their decision. Boyfriends, husbands, and other family members use Backline’s services, too. One in five calls comes from male partners, and approximately 13% of calls come from parents and other loved ones.
To find out more about Backline, visit http://www.yourbackline.org. To receive information about upcoming news and events, including the grand opening celebration in May, please join Backline’s mailing list at http://www.yourbackline.org/join.php.
Contact: Grayson Dempsey
Phone: 503.317.6866
Email: grayson@yourbackline.org