A program for pregnant teens that’s struggling with grant funding losses gets a big gift.
Saint Francis volunteers, led by Rebecca Darrow, have donated $100,000 to the Margaret Hudson Program, which needs more than $400,000 to finish this fiscal year.
"We still have a little ways to go, but it definitely has helped us in the process of raising the funds that we need," said Margaret Hudson Program Executive Director Betina Tillman.
The program is down more than $700,000 in funding between losses of state and United Way grants, prompting cutbacks in on-site child care
"Having that convenience of bringing their child to school and having a quality daycare is something that has been a drawing point for our program," Tillman said.
Health services like nurse consultations and counseling programs have also been affected.
"All of these programs would be in jeopardy if our funding was not obtained in order for us to keep our doors open," Tillman said. "So, we are really working hard to ensure that is not the case and that we're able to be a resource and an option for young ladies that find themselves in difficult situations."
The Margaret Hudson Program launched a $200,000 GoFundMe campaign in January. That has about $190,000 to go.
Between its Tulsa and Broken Arrow campuses, the Margaret Hudson Program helps around 140 girls a year.
