Vitality Women's Clinic to Host Fundraising Banquet

Our Daily Show Interview! Vitality Women's Center: Getting to Know Carol Gooding!

GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic will host their annual fundraising dinner next month, and a long-time volunteer shared more about the mission that keeps her coming back.

Carol Gooding, RN, began volunteering at the clinic in 2014. She explained that the 2014 fundraising dinner was “a turning point” that inspired her to get involved. She added that her adopted son “came out of a very close call with abortion,” which further encouraged her to get involved in Vitality’s work.

“My heart had been softened towards that whole situation and understanding the difficulties that women face,” she said. “That mission, the mission of Vitality, the compassion, the understanding of medical things, I just thought that was a perfect time. Well, it wasn’t me who was thinking that. It was probably God. He put it on my heart.”

As a volunteer, Gooding previously helped with the intake and STI and pregnancy testing. Now, she assists with parenting classes and other support services. Pregnant people can also receive ultrasounds and spiritual counseling at the clinic.

She noted that Vitality’s “culture” sets it apart. She believes Vitality offers options to pregnant individuals.

“Clearly, some women come in and they’re very abortion-determined or they’re very clear on what they want,” she explained. “We’re very respectful. That’s the culture. It’s very respectful. We’re here for you no matter what your choices are, but we have support ideas and options that we want to share with you before you make a final decision. That does change in some women. They see that baby, they see the heartbeat, and it’s just this amazing transformation even on their face.”

Executive Director Jackie Duty echoed Gooding. As Vitality rebrands and Duty settles into her new role, she has learned that many of her friends and loved ones actually utilized Vitality’s services in the past.

She noted that these are stories they will share at their upcoming banquet on April 10, 2026. It’s important to Duty to share more about Vitality’s mission and goals.

“I grew up in Alton, and I didn’t know they were here. I think about my own experience. Had I known, I absolutely would have come in. But I just didn’t know,” Duty said. “That’s what’s so exciting. I feel like we’re in a new day. We’re starting with a new name. We’ve got new opportunities, and we want to get the story out, because I feel like that’s where we can really impact change.”

Those who wish to attend the fundraising dinner must RSVP by March 20, 2026. For more information or to purchase your tickets, click here.

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