The History of ComfortCare

The Pregnancy Help Center was founded in 1983 by a local group of pastors and concerned citizens. This Staunton, Virginia outreach began with a core of faithful Board members, volunteers, and founding Director, Patty Lam. The mission was clear- to save women and babies from the pain of uneducated reproductive choice.

The statement of faith for ComfortCare can be found here. Statement of Faith

Susan Bang became the second Director in 1985 and served until 1992. Deborah Fann began her position as Executive Director in 1992.

In 1996, a Waynesboro facility was donated and quickly put to use as a second clinic location, on the corner of 13th and Magnolia.

In 2002, after spending years renting Staunton facilities, a building was purchased in the city on North Augusta Street.  This clinic is open to the public four days a week and houses the administrative offices of ComfortCare. The mortgage for this building was paid off by a generous $80,000 donation from local supporters.

In 2005, this outreach became a medical clinic, hiring a full-time Nurse Manager and recruiting a Medical Director. This same year, the name was changed to ComfortCare Women’s Health and services grew to incorporate STD testing and pregnancy confirmation. Today, over 18,000 teens and adults have been served by this outreach.

President and CEO, Deborah Fann, retired in 2010 and her replacement, Sommer Hansen, was hired in 2011. Sommer served as ComfortCare’s President and CEO for 5 years. In 2017, Stephanie Crawford was hired as President and CEO and served in that role until completing her service to the ministry in July 2024. Jenn Wade stepped into the role as President and CEO on July 1, 2024 and continues to serve in that role today.

On September 24, 2012, the Rockbridge County clinic was opened in Lexington, VA and served patients in the Lexington/Rockbridge area until the Summer of 2024. It was determined at that time that the building was no longer serving the ministry well and was listed for sale in February 2025. The building sold soon after in April 2025, however the ministry to the area remains active as CCWH navigates continuing to serve in new and innovative ways.

ComfortCare Women’s Health is a non-profit 501(c)-3 (EIN# 54-1222456) and is supported by local individuals, businesses, and churches.