DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Employees are outraged after vandals targeted a pregnancy center in Dearborn Heights. The incident now forces the center to hold classes virtually on Tuesday.
The vandalization happened Sunday night at the Lennon Center on Ann Arbor Trail near Telegraph Road.
Employees believe the vandalism wasn’t random.
There was a message spray-painted at the scene seen in the video player above that’s been erased, and there have been other pregnancy centers across the country that were also vandalized and tagged.
They believe the person who did the vandalism was coming after them for their pro-life stance, with little to no thought to the families that are relying on them.
“Broke all the windows, basically,” said Gary Hillebrand, President, Board of Directors Lennon Pregnancy Center.
Hillebrand is upset as the pregnancy resource center he oversees became a target for vandals overnight Sunday into Monday morning.
“I feel bad for all the people who donate money, food, and time here that some of that has to go to cleaning things up,” Hillebrand said.
In total, 11 windows were smashed, and three glass doors were shattered, but it’s the message that was sprayed onto the building that had Hillebrand thinking they were targeted.
“I think it’s all related to Roe V. Wade coming down from the Supreme Court, Hillebrand said. “A lot of people are upset about that and taking it out oddly enough on people like us who are trying to help the ladies who are pregnant and need help.
Last month, 97 mothers turned to the Lennon Pregnancy Center for help as they offer basics like formula, diapers, clothing, and support with parenting, budgeting classes, and even ultrasounds.
The security system worked Monday afternoon but didn’t alert them to any issues overnight. The cameras installed in the back of the building did not capture who vandalized their property.
Hillebrand would like to know who, but more than that, he wants the women and families they serve to know their doors are still open.
I don’t know what to say to them,” Hillbrand said. “For our clients, I want them to know we’re still here Tuesday. We’re open.”
The center has two opposite sides of the building, including a printing company whose windows were damaged also.
There aren’t any cameras along the front of the building because the site sits along a busy road. The owner figured that would not be an issue. They say they’re considering getting cameras now.
Dearborn Heights police say they’re investigating.