Pregnancy Center of Coshocton making changes
Volunteers Rebecca Armstrong, Kelly Erb, Patty Thompson and Mary Tracy work together preparing for their open house. (Tara Gracyk)
In 1990, a group of people began to see a need in the community of Coshocton to create and establish a Pregnancy Distress Center in an effort to support expectant and new mothers. Thirty-one years later this non-profit organization has become a 501c3, has been able to provide personal, competent and caring support to numerous women, and has been able to continue to provide services in spite of a global pandemic known as COVID-19.
The Pregnancy Center of Coshocton, formerly known as the Pregnancy Distress Center, had to make some adjustments last year due to COVID. For instance, instead of taking walk-ins they had to do everything by appointment. Volunteer, Patty Thompson said, “We have learned during the pandemic that we really like meeting clients by appointment. We can spend more time with them without feeling rushed.” Therefore, the center will continue to meet clients by appointment. However, they are also going to start taking walk-ins again beginning Friday, Aug. 13. The walk-in time will be Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.
In addition, thanks to a generous donation, the Pregnancy Center of Coshocton has also changed their diaper policy. Now, mothers can obtain one package of diapers per child per week. The center will also continue to provide pregnancy tests, maternity tests, baby clothes and baby equipment at no cost to the mothers. Likewise, this group of caring and dedicated volunteers also provides valuable information on community resources and emotional support to the families.
The Pregnancy Center of Coshocton, an affiliate of Heartbeat International, is completely run by volunteers and is funded by grants and donations. It is the generosity of local businesses and community members that have allowed this organization to continue to provide services throughout the years. The center accepts monetary donations as well as diapers, gently used maternity and baby clothes, baby equipment, and other baby essentials. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. The center is located at 819 Main St. in Coshocton. They are hopeful their website, www.prenancycenterofcoshocton.com, will be up and running in the very near future. In the meantime, they can be contacted through their Facebook page or by their 24-hour hotline at 740-622-3808.
Additionally, they will have a booth set up at the Coshocton County Fair where they will hold in-person voting for their fourth annual baby photo contest. Community members are encouraged to stop by and vote or gather information. Also, the Pregnancy Center of Coshocton will be hosting an open house on Friday, Aug. 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. During the open house the community will be able to tour their facility, sign up for a chance to win a $50 gift card and mor
Category: Faith
