A Center of Hope When Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy

Getting a positive reading on a pregnancy test can the most exciting news anyone can receive. But it can also be the most frightening – particularly for someone who is unprepared for it - and it also can be a very lonely experience. In many of these cases, it is a teenager not yet prepared to deal with a pregnancy, much less a baby. Sometimes these teens are as young as 14 – some even younger.

In Walton County, that is where - comes in. The center, which began in Loganville in 1996, is a 501©(3) that is there to help those in the community struggling with such a diagnosis.

“We see many girls between the ages of 14 – 17 and we counsel them on what their options are,” said Yvonne Genest, executive director of the PRC. “The choice they make is up to them - we are not here to judge. We do not perform or refer any of them for abortions, but we do refer them to a reputable adoption agency if they decide to go ahead and have the baby, but don’t feel they can keep it.”

PRC is a ministry and the services offered are free. The counseling is done by volunteers - many of whom are able to offer advice based on their own personal experience.

“Almost all of our counselors are post-abortive themselves so they come from a position of understanding. Many of our volunteers are people who have been through the center themselves as well. They then choose to come back and volunteer their services to others,” Genest said. “Through the Glory of God we have been able to grow and help many, many people.”

Genest said the PRC is approved by the state Board of Education and is also linked to the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates.  She said the services are confidential and are offered in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. After almost having to close in 2005 due to financial difficulties, the center has now been able to not only survive, but also to prosper and grow. At the end of last year, a second location was opened across the road from in Monroe. This location also offers an ultrasound machine, donated by the Knights of Columbus. Genest said the renovations and redecorating of the second location were done by volunteers and the furnishings were purchased with the help of a donation from the Walton Health Care Foundation. The center is supported by several churches in the area.

“This center doesn’t cost taxpayers anything - we operate completely off donations,” Genest said.

Dr. David A. Fields is the medical director of the PRC, Karen Roberts is the director of client services and Miriam Nelson is the nurse manager at the Monroe location, which houses the ultrasound machine.

“The ultrasound is for three main functions,” Genest said. “It is to verify that there is a pregnancy, that it is a viable pregnancy and to confirm the gestational age of the fetus.”

The center also has classes to help with life skills and helps coach parents, particularly younger parents, who choose to keep the baby. The decor of both centers is specifically chosen to make those visting it feel comfortable, calm and secure.

“We have some of the young mothers who bring the fathers with them once they feel comfortable,” Genest said, adding there are also programs where the mothers can earn points toward purchasing things for the baby and Bible study classes are offered. There is also counseling available for those who decide not to carry the baby to term and choose to have an abortion instead.

“Our mission is to offer hope through compassion, information and support without judgment or criticism,” Genest said.

According to the website, the free and confidential services offered are:

• Pregnancy Testing/Verification
• Non-judgemental options counseling
• Support after an Abortion
• Baby and Maternal Supplies
• Birthing, Parenting, Relationship Courses (EWYL)
• Sexual Health Program
• Accurate Information and Referrals
• Ongoing mentoring
• Referral for Community Support Services
• Educational Ultrasound for qualified clients (Monroe location only)

Hours of operation, contact information and the addresses of both centers are available on the website.