Hope Pregnancy Center thanks you

With Thanksgiving Day on the horizon, Hope Pregnancy Center would like to thank the community and surrounding counties for their generous sponsorship. Hope was conceived by Wellspring Pregnancy Center (formerly the Hastings Pregnancy Resource Center) in November of 1998, 25 years ago.

In the beginning Wellspring financed the satellite office. Eventually, Hope Pregnancy Center grew into their own 501c3 organization and landed at 1109 Washington Street in 2011. The center has had board members who have guided and many volunteers who have done everything from mentoring to office work to organization of incentives to maintenance. The organization wouldn't have continued mentoring individuals and couples through their parenting years without the dedication of donors which have included churches, groups, businesses and individuals.

Some donors drop off new and gently used items: diapers and wipes, toilet paper and detergent, clothing of every size, housewares, infant furniture and toys and everything in between. These donations are used as incentives for clients when they attend their appointments and complete lessons on topics pertaining to their situation: Pregnancy, Infant and Toddler Development and Care, Parenting and Co-parenting, Life Skills including Financial Management, Relational Issues and Special Circumstances. Moms and dads share interest in these lessons (more than 300 titles including some in Spanish to choose from) and are pleased to choose incentives for all the family members.

Among the donors have been Ideal Market. The store has donated diapers, formula and most recently boxes of new summer toys. Knights of Columbus representative, John Price, Jr. recently dropped off a monetary donation. The center has monthly bills to pay and thanks to the generous donations, it offers quality lessons, free of charge to clients through Bright Course.com.

BrightCourse went digital prior to COVID, so lessons are sent via text or email to those that are unable to attend because of illness or other inconveniences. This allows them to continue learning until they can return in person. Parents of any age, gender, marital status, residence or age of children are welcome. The greatest need is helping hands. If you have time to volunteer at Hope Pregnancy Center, stop by. Published hours are 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays or by appointment.