In this issue... Front & Center Developing Standards for Excellence By Tom Lothamer Snow White By Susan Houle Entering the Global Mission Field Created by Abortion By Kurt Dillinger Setting Up an Abstinence-Until- Marriage Program in Your Local School By Sallie Dewberry Hurting Helpers By David J. O'Leary Reaching the Abortion- Minded Client Through Medical Services: Success Stories By Thomas A. Glessner Searching for Home, Sweet Maternity Home By Paula E. Smith A Tale of Two Lives By Lynne M. Thompson Marketing 101: Extending Your Network By Jerry Thacker FRONT AND CENTER On the radio today two facts were mentioned: there are more babies being born than in recent history in the U. S., and the teen pregnancy rate is declining. I'd like to think CPC/PCC people had a little something to do with this. Probably more to the point is that our young people are getting the message about HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Either way, there are many reasons to be encouraged when we think about what the centers are accomplishing. As I have traveled around the country speaking at CPC/PCC banquets and talking with folks (see www.scepter.org for more information), I've been impressed that the army that is doing the work in most centers is a wounded one. Many of the folks who counsel, help, teach, pray for, and talk with women in crisis situations have at one time been in the same position. It says much about their ability to learn from the "storms of life" and about their caring hearts when we see them ministering out of personal pain and pouring their experience of mercy and grace into others. I'm confident you'll find encouragement in this issue—from the lead article on "Hurting Helpers" to "Standards of Excellence" for your center to the wonderful articles on maternity housing. Our theme is lifting the fallen, helping the hurting, and applying the soothing balm of God's grace and mercy to the aching hearts of those whom He puts in our path. If you enjoy this issue, I'm sure the ATC staff would be encouraged if you will take the time to write a note or send an e-mail. Write to: At the Center Magazine 3 Park Plaza, Suite 301 Wyomissing, PA 19610 or send e-mail to: info@atcmag.com. Happy reading! Jerry Thacker, Publisher