A safe place
for confident
decisions.
Who we are.
Avail exists to empower people facing a past or present unexpected pregnancy, because we believe no one should feel alone.
Providing nonpolitical, compassionate support and resources, Avail supports people in making their own decisions, building healthy relationships and pursuing resilience to face their futures with hope.
People-centered support.
Since opening its doors in 1996, Avail has empowered over 12,000 people facing current or past unexpected pregnancies by offering nonpolitical, compassionate, and confidential support.
A safe place.
At Avail, people find space to make their own decisions, build healthy relationships, and pursue resilience to face their futures with hope.
A message from CEO Chris Whitford
In 1992, when my friend found herself unexpectedly pregnant with no safe place to turn for non-political, non-judgmental care in New York City, six friends and I decided to create the space ourselves. We founded Avail, a non-profit dedicated to empowering and supporting women and men during their journey of processing a current or past unexpected pregnancy.
In 27 years, we have reached over 12,000 people through six comprehensive personal advocacy programs. Whether clients need support in decision-making, pregnancy and parenting, building healthy relationships, or processing a past abortion, we walk with them every step of the way, however long it takes for them to feel equipped to face their futures with confidence and hope. Clients have come to us from 16 countries and 21 states, and 99% of them would refer us to family and friends.
About Chris
Chris Whitford is the CEO and a Founding Member of Avail NYC. She frequently speaks at events and on podcasts geared towards non-profit leaders throughout NYC and at events across the country like the Praxis Summit in Napa, CA, and Lead.NYC’s Movement Day. She currently serves on the President’s Council for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Recent writings include contributing an article about loving our neighbor in the midst of the abortion debate ("Deep Wells of Mercy" in Comment magazine), and an essay titled "Both/And" in The City for God, a collection honoring Tim Keller's work. Chris graduated from Brown University, and over the years, has held leadership roles within Columbia University's Christian Union and Cru. Chris and her husband are long-time residents of the Upper West Side of Manhattan where they live with their beloved dog, Francie.
99% would recommend us
to friends or family.
“As a person who doesn’t have the support network others do, having a person who understands what’s happened and has no judgment and a supporting attitude made all the difference.”
Marcela A.
Georgia M.
"When I became pregnant, I contacted Avail. They turned out to be an incredibly organized, thoughtful and effective organization."
Kayla Y.
“There was no judgment, no pressure. It never felt like there was any sort of agenda. Just come as you are and let's have an open dialogue.”
Evan R.
"My client advocate was kind, supportive, non judgmental, and gave me the information that I needed."
Let’s talk.
If you’d like to process difficult feelings about a current or past unexpected pregnancy, we would love to talk with you.
Stay informed about all things Avail.
Please direct all media inquiries to:
Brigit Hennaman | Vice President
1330 Avenue of the Americas, 14th Floor,
New York, NY 10019
