STEUBENVILLE — Rebekah Cohen Morris received an unexpected surprise late last week.

That’s when the executive director of the Steubenville-based Aim Women’s Center learned that her nonprofit organization had been selected as one of the recipients of a grant through the Ohio Parenting and Pregnancy Program.

Totaling nearly $1 million during the next two years, the money will help Aim make a difference in the lives of area women, she explained.

“This is incredible — it is a huge blessing,” Cohen Morris said.

Money for Aim was included in the $20 million in grants that were announced Friday. That funding will be spread among 21 organizations that connect expectant parents and caregivers to education, support and local services, according to a press release. Recipients were chosen through a competitive application process conducted through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect we would receive everything I asked for,” Cohen Morris said.

The money, she added, is important to the organization.

“It will really amplify our work,” Cohen Morris explained. “It will cover the cost of personnel for the pregnancy center and the maternity home we just opened. It will allow us to make renovations and repairs to our buildings and continue to offer case management, housing for pregnant women who are experiencing homelessness, free ultrasounds, counseling, doula services — all of the services we offer for free.”

Health outcomes for infants are improving, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

“Ohio’s infant mortality rate is the lowest it’s been in two decades — 6.6 per 1,000 live births,” DeWine said. “That’s a sign our investments in supporting families — before, during and after pregnancy — are working. But we must keep going, because every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.”

Cohen Morris said Aim had up until now been working on a yearly budget of approximately $600,000, money which came from local donors and foundations. She said the organization would be working to create a sustainability plan that will make its money go further and maximize everything it does.

“You still have to spend the money to be reimbursed,” she added. “We still need donations from foundations and individuals to make sure we have that money on hand. We encourage local residents and funders to donate.”

Kara Wente, director of the department of children and youth, said programs offered around the state are important.

“This investment reflects our commitment to strong families and healthy communities,” she said. “By supporting parents early –often before their child is even born –we’re helping them build the skills, confidence and stability they need to raise thriving children. And by working with community-based organizations across Ohio, we’re meeting families where they are with practical, meaningful support.”

Her thoughts were shared by Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel.

“We are continuing our investment in the health and future of Ohio’s families,” Tressel said. “These grants will support organizations that provide critical services to women and families during and after pregnancy, helping ensure every child has a strong start and every parent has access to the support they need.”

Cohen Morris said that support from Columbus is important to the work her organization does.

“We deeply appreciate the governor’s committee for supporting centers like ours that create alternatives to abortion for women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies,” she said. “We’re offering love and nonjudgmental support and a whole support network to walk with.”