marks 30 years in
Freehold community
Birthright provides support
for women who chose life
Caring organization
marks 30 years in
Freehold community
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
Eileen Cassidy
FREEHOLD – Life is all about the choices people make.
Choosing to have a baby is a responsibility that brings with it wonder, delight and elements of magic.
That responsibility also brings fear, confusion and uncertainty – and that’s if a person has actually planned
a pregnancy and has a safe home and some support waiting in the wings.
But what if you don’t have any of those things? Birthright in Freehold can help.
The Canadian-based organization has just celebrated its 30th year in Freehold. The organization offers
support to women who choose to take their pregnancies to term, whether or not they choose to take their
babies home or give the infants to others who will adopt them as their own.
Eileen Cassidy, director of the agency in Freehold, has been a part of Birthright for 21 years,
volunteering her physical, emotional and spiritual support to women in need.
The organization was created in 1968 through the efforts of Louise Summerhill, a mother in Ontario,
Canada. Birthright was formed in response to legislation that partially legalized abortion in Canada.
With a vision, a handful of volunteers and $300 in the bank, Summerhill began the organization, whose
philosophy is “believing in the right of every woman to give birth to her child with dignity, and the right of
every child to be born.”
Birthright opened its doors in Freehold in May 1972. Over the years, the agency has become an
important resource for expectant mothers in need of financial and emotional support.
“We service women from all types of economic and social backgrounds,” Cassidy explained. “Birthright
is an all-volunteer organization funded totally by donations from area churches, fraternal organizations,
individual donations and community and civic organizations.”
The organization is a nonpolitical, non-denominational haven that provides all of its services
confidentially and free of charge, according to Cassidy. Hundreds of women have entered the doors of the
small, cozy office on Main Street over the years, receiving baby and mommy supplies such as diapers,
formula, layette clothing and other items, even maternity clothing for mom.
But not only have Birthright volunteers opened their doors to women, they have willingly opened their
hearts as well, to assist women in providing care during and after pregnancy.
The two-room suite offers baby and mommy supplies and acts as a safe and comfortable haven for
moms, and Cassidy is a large part of that comfort. Her gentle, compassionate manner softens confusion and
uncertainty and helps alleviate some of the fears accompanying pregnancy.
Looking more like a cozy sitting room than an office, the soft chairs invite one to relax. From the small
pastel baby rug with panda bears and baby lambs to its collection of baby clothing, books, instructional
videos and supplies, these rooms are all about mommies and babies.
Near the entrance stands a round table, covered with a handmade pink crocheted tablecloth. Baskets of
tiny booties and baby shoes are there for moms to choose from.
Plastic dressers filled with tiny T-shirts, shorts, dresses and pants line the walls. Above them, a cabinet
holds rows of formula cans and disposable baby bottles. A large closet filled with diapers of every style and
size stands open, ready to be of service to moms.
All these items, according to Cassidy, arrive through the generosity of individuals and organizations that
care. “Baby showers,” are one way Birthright manages to stock up on needed supplies throughout the year.
The director explained that representatives of area churches and organizations will ask what Birthright is in
need of and have a “shower” to satisfy these needs. The holiday season also brings numerous gifts as well.
In addition to clothing and baby supplies, women are also introduced to medical and financial services
that are available to them. Although Birthright does not provide these services, the director is able to refer
women to the proper authorities and sources to help.
Cassidy is quick to point out that Birthright is not a clothing store.
“We’re here to assist women during their pregnancies and provide emotional support for those who
choose to have their babies,” she explained.
The bottom line is that Cassidy and her staff of volunteers believe in the work they do.
“Life is sacred,” Cassidy said softly. “All our volunteers do this because of our beliefs.”
It’s obvious that Cassidy’s “moms” believe in her work as well. She revealed that recently one mom
named her baby after her.
“I get so much more than I give,” Cassidy said, adding that she was “so very touched” by the mom’s
choice to name her baby Eileen.
Birthright is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. For further information, call
Birthright at (732) 462-2888.