PREGNANCY CARE CENTER: For the
By Jeweliana Curtis
For over 36 years, the Pregnancy Care Center has been serving the community, providing needed support and education for mothers, fathers and guardians as they navigate pregnancy. Not only is the center committed to supporting the mothers throughout their pregnancy, but also the family as a whole. The foundation for families goes far beyond the nine months that the mother carries her baby, as the organization continues to provide resources, classes and support until the baby reaches 24 months. While the center began as a place for mothers to come for support during an unexpected pregnancy, the services have expanded to better serve the needs of the community. The Pregnancy Care Center is known for offering free pregnancy tests and free ultrasound appointments, but that is truly just the tip of the iceberg! The organization offers over 300-plus parenting classes, countless diaper giveaways, a closet full of needed care items for babies, support for parents and guardians, and so much more. 18 |
FamilyMagazine
The Pregnancy Care Center provides an array of information to each client that comes into the center, giving an extensive overview of the options that these expectant parents have. Adoption is often a part of the conversation, and while the Pregnancy Care Center does not facilitate adoptions, the staff can connect parents with organizations and community resources that can help with this process. One of the greatest desires of the Pregnancy Care Center is to break the stigma around the topic of adoption and stop the potential shame that biological parents may face. “So many of these new moms and dads feel judged, and our society and our churches need to help change that. This is a safe space, and they can meet Jesus here, receiving hope, love and healing,” Lori North, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Care Center, expressed. “Adoption is not a selfish choice. We are for the family and are committed to supporting them, no matter what they choose.” Not only are there physical locations in Lake City and Live Oak, but there is also a mobile unit that serves surrounding areas in north and central Florida, as well as parts of south Georgia. The mobile unit offers many of the same services as the two physical locations, with a trained medical staff providing free pregnancy tests, free ultrasound appointments,
and free diapers and wipes to expectant mothers. With a focus on the family, the Pregnancy Care Lori North Center strives Executive Director of the to provide a Pregnancy Care Center comprehensive educational plan for parents and guardians. Mothers are encouraged to take classes on a plethora of parenting topics ranging from how to properly choose a daycare to car seat safety and “how to go it alone,” if that is their situation. When the parents take these courses, they earn Mommy Money and Daddy Dollars, all of which can be spent in the Pregnancy Care Center’s closet that is filled with everything they need to raise a child, from diapers and wipes to clothing, bassinets, bottles and car seats. Fathers are also encouraged to take parenting courses and enroll in the “Authentic Manhood” group. In this group, expectant fathers gather together to offer support and learn how to be a great father and husband for their family. The group is led by facilitators who have similar backgrounds to those in the group, whether that means they had absent fathers or fathers who were not role models for them growing up.
