Pregnancy Center moves in

Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center is getting ready to welcome its first clients in its new location. Volunteers and staff are completing the move this week from Farmington to Park Hills.

“We’ll have all the same services, just more room,” said Kim Nash, Executive Director, as she worked to ready the new center at 815 E. Main in Park Hills.

The Center plans to begin welcoming clients at the new location at 9 a.m. Monday.

“It’s a good location,” said Mike Ward, Director of Public Relations. “We are close to the college and offices where people refer clients. I think this is good for the people we serve and for the volunteers. Everybody can find us.”

The Center first opened its doors in 2005, the dream of Nash and others who wanted to provide free services to pregnant women and their families. Those services now include free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, mentoring classes for dads and access to a boutique where baby items may be obtained by those who attend the classes. While no referrals are made for abortions at the faith-based clinic, post-abortive counseling is offered. To make an appointment for services or find out more, call the Center’s new phone number at 573-431-6001 or go to www.parklandprc.com.

The center receives support from churches, including Fellowship Baptist Church of Lesterville whose pastor was among volunteers at the center helping to make the move.

“We wanted to be part of a mission project and this is what we chose,” said Steve Colquitt, pastor. “The need is ongoing. Since we have been here today, they have received calls from two new clients.”

His church’s liaison to the center is Sandi Bryant. She and her husband Mitch are from Black, Mo. and volunteered to help with the move.

“I think the need is only going to expand as the economy changes,” said Bryant. “The need will be great.”

Nash said because of the additional room, there will be more parenting classes and volunteers are needed to provide child care for children under 4 years of age. Volunteers may be adults or teenagers and must submit to a background check.

“We have two rooms set up here where the children can play,” said Nash. “We need volunteers for a couple of hours both during the day and in the evening.”

The PRC also needs donations of baby clothing and diapers, but donors are encouraged to call the center before bringing the items to make sure there is space to store them.

The center is serving about 45 clients and has 25 volunteers in addition to its staff.

Ward is eager to give presentations to churches and civic groups about the Center’s mission. To schedule one, call him at 573-760-1392.

An open house for the new Pregnancy Center will be scheduled later.

Donna Hickman is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact her at 431-2010, ext. 138 or at dhickman@dailyjournalonline.com.