Birthright of Binghamton relocates to Endicott

Above: Volunteers Helen Paradis and Frank Drialo along with co-director Diane Yajko prepare flowers for the Mother’s Day carnation sale. 

By Tami S. Scott, associate editor

After 48 years in Johnson City, Birthright of Binghamton has relocated to Endicott – just a short distance from its original space. The non-profit’s new headquarters can be found at 609 E. Main St. in Endicott. 

“Square-foot wise, we figured it’s ever slightly smaller, but it seems bigger,” due to the layout, said co-director Diane Yajko. 

The move was inevitable – the building of Birthright’s former office was being sold and a local developer purchased it with plans to convert the space into an apartment complex.

But, as the saying goes, when God closes one door, he opens another … 

“It’s working out,” Yajko said. Compared to Johnson City, the new office now has more rooms including a gathering room, maternity room, sitting room, a layette room, a kitchen and an office. 

Established in 1968, Birthright is an international not-for-profit pregnancy support service initially rooted in Canada. Since its inception, it has grown to include hundreds of centers throughout Canada, the United States and Africa. The organization’s focus is on loving the mother and reminding her that there is hope and that she’s not alone. 

The local Binghamton chapter opened its doors in 1975 and though its physical address is now different, its leaders want to assure women that their quest to comfort and care for them during personally challenging times remains the same — whether they’re related to unplanned pregnancies, finances, discerning options or parenting in general. 

“Our mission is to be there with positive support to the women who come to us during their pregnancy and after, and to listen to their concerns without judgment,” said Yajko and co-director emeritus Patricia McCoy. “The essence of Birthright is love.”

Services are free and include providing maternity clothes, newborn layettes, diapers and other baby needs, baby clothes up to 18 months as well as information on community resources. Additionally, Birthright of Binghamton assists all moms who reach out and ask for guidance — it’s not income-based, Yajko said.

Fundraisers and donations

Birthright of Binghamton each year holds different fundraisers, one of which is the Mother’s Day carnation sales. In May, the chapter sold about 8,500 carnations to more than 40 churches and Seton Catholic Central School in Binghamton. “It’s fun and that’s been our major fundraiser for many years,” Yajko said. “Holy Family’s been wonderful at letting us use their hall to prepare them. It’s all on one level and that makes life a lot easier.”

The next event is the 40th annual Pizza Sale, which happens each November and involves local pizza vendors who give back a portion of the proceeds to the local chapter.

“We’ve been very blessed with donations,” too, said Yajko, adding that both area churches and the community help them to meet their continual needs. Last year, the non-profit helped more than 100 women with maternity and baby clothes, diapers and layettes. The number will likely increase as the community becomes more aware of its new location, Yajko said.   

“The guiding principle of Birthright is ‘It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth and the right of every child to be born,’” Yajko confirmed. For more information, visit birthright.org/Binghamton.

Services

• Friendship, love and hope
• Information about:
  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth
  • Adoption
  • Prenatal Care
  • Community Programs
  • Parenting skills
  • Child Care
• Referrals for:
  • Medical Support
  • Financial Resources
  • Housing, Legal
  • Social Assistance
  • Professional Counseling
• Free Resources
  • Pregnancy Tests
  • Maternity and Baby Items
  • 24/7 Free Helpline: 1-800-550-4900

Source: Birthright.org/Binghamton