GRAPEVINE, Texas, Sept. 8 /Standard Newswire/ -- With an unexpected overflow attendance, the 2010 Care Net National Pregnancy Center Conference kicks off Wednesday in Grapevine, Texas from September 8-11th at the Gaylord Texan Resort. Pregnancy center leaders from across North America will be challenged by the conference theme that "this is the time" to expand their ministries of compassion, reach the underserved, and lead the pro-life movement.

"Everyone facing an unplanned pregnancy needs to know that there is hope, help, and alternatives to abortion," said Care Net President Melinda Delahoyde. "Until that day, pregnancy centers -- this amazing, nationwide movement of compassion -- must expect, plan, and pray for ministry expansion. Our conference theme, 'this is the time,' was truly inspired by the fact that doors of opportunity are opening all over the country for pregnancy centers to do just that."

Who better to speak into this message than Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez? Dr. Wilkinson will be one of the many powerful conference keynote speakers, including: Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team; Kay Coles James, founder and president of The Gloucester Institute; Elisa Morgan, former CEO of MOPs International; Fr. Frank Pavone, president of Priests for Life; Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Batteries; Chet McDoniel, an amazing man with an inspiring testimony of faith; and Melinda Delahoyde, Care Net president.

The more than 1,300 conference attendees will be trained by some of the nation's top pro-life and non-profit leaders in over 63 workshops session on best practices, legal issues, board governance, client marketing, spiritual leadership, underserved outreach, fundraising, and other topics.

Additional Care Net conference highlights include:

• A "National Care for Life Forum" hosted by Care Net and EvanTell for select national leaders to discuss strategies to advance the Gospel and the life-saving work of pregnancy centers.
   
• A forum for African American pastors on opening pregnancy centers in underserved areas and a tour of a local Dallas pregnancy center opened by Pastor Tony Evans and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.
   
• A screening of "Maafa 21," a chilling documentary on the eugenics movement and abortion.
   
• An event to launch a new program to mentor and dialogue with Generation Y pregnancy center leaders.

All media must acquire a Care Net conference media badge for on-site coverage. Contact Care Net with name, media outlet, and day/time requested.