About

Our Mission

Birthright Lake, Inc. offers free, non-judgmental, confidential help and guidance to pregnant women and families, with babies and small children, who are struggling due to personal and/or financial difficulties. We are dedicated to helping through tangible, positive and loving support.

Birthright Lake, Inc.

Incorporated in 1972, Birthright Lake, Inc. is a chapter of Birthright International. Birthright’s philosophy of offering free, non-judgmental, confidential help to pregnant girls and women by an understanding staff and volunteers is the essence of our service. Committed to the spirit of nurturing life, Birthright is dedicated to helping the pregnant woman through tangible, positive and loving support.

Our History

Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service, founded in February 1968, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada by Mrs. Louise Summerhill. Mrs. Summerhill’s response to the suffering and despair of the pregnant women led to the establishment of Birthright. In Louise Summerhill’s own words: “…We give help, no matter what stage of pregnancy the girl finds herself. We are an emergency pregnancy service and we help every pregnant girl who calls us. The fact is no matter who is on the other end of the telephone line, if that person is in need, we give help.” “…Our immediate aim, therefore, is to understand and make known in our community our basic philosophy, that every girl or woman who becomes pregnant, whether she is married or single, has the right to give birth and to be given the help to carry the child to term. In order to do this, we must take a personal interest in her well being and have an appreciation of her specific needs and make an appropriate use of our community resources to help resolve her difficulties.”

Our Team

Janice Silvaroli

Executive Director

Kristen Friend

Assistant Director

Speaking Engagements

The essence of Birthright is love. Birthright has been providing support to the women and families in our community for over 50 years. We welcome the opportunity to make known our mission to your organizations, churches, social service agencies and schools. Speaking engagements can be scheduled by calling Janice Silvaroli, Executive Director at (440) 975-9055.

"Birthright helps families, babies and children out with food, clothes, formula, diapers, and lots of other things too. They are so wonderful and caring. I definitely recommend them to everyone.”

– Jane

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have an emergency when your office is closed?
Please call the the Birthright International Hotline at 1-800-550-4900

What is Birthright Lake, Inc.?
Birthright Lake, Inc. is a non-profit, pro-life, non-sectarian support center that offers free, non-judgmental, confidential help and support to pregnant women and families who are struggling due to personal and/or financial difficulties. We are dedicated to helping through tangible, positive and loving support.

Do I have to be a Lake County resident to receive services?
Birthright Lake, Inc. primarily services Lake County residents. We welcome all individuals in an emergency situation. There are Birthright offices in surrounding counties. We would be happy to refer you to the office in your county
or closer to your location.

What are your hours?
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. -12:00 and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Please call the national hotline if you have an emergency when we are not open.

Do you help men, guardians, or custodians?
Yes, although our clientele are primarily women, Birthright Lake, Inc. also offers services to men, grandparents, and others who have guardianship or custody of infants and young children.

How often can I get help?
Pregnancy tests and community referrals provided as needed. Clothing is available seasonally and as needed as the child grows and changes sizes. Formula supplement is available once a month.
Our diapers are supplemented by a grant and are provided quarterly - every three months.

Do you provide free pregnancy testing?
Yes. Birthright will provide free pregnancy testing.

What are the requirements for becoming a client?
We are here for women in need of support while pregnant or with infant and toddlers.
We will also help families in need with infant or toddlers. We will meet with you to see how we can provide for your individual needs. We ask you to call and make an appointment.

When was Birthright Lake, Inc. founded?
Birthright Lake, Inc. was founded in 1972. We have been supporting women and children for over 50 years.

Do you accept donations?
Yes. Birthright relies on the generosity of individuals, churches, companies, and other agencies in order to provide for our clients. Birthright accepts financial donations as well as donations of baby/children's clothing and material aids. Donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours. Please call the office if you have further questions about your donation. All donations are tax deductible.

Is an appointment necessary?
We strongly encourage an appointment to be sure we can care for all our client's needs. Appointments allow us to be sure we can attend to each client's personal needs. Though we are always available for women in emergency situations as well.

How are you funded?
Birthright Lake, Inc. is a non-profit organization funded by the generosity of individuals, churches and
community organizations as well as grants and various fundraisers.