Pregnancy Resource Center Welcomes Visitors to Fall Open House

[November 15, 2023] 

Lincoln’s Pregnancy Resource Center hosted an Open House with tours of the facility and information about services on November 10. Renovated in 2021, the Center’s facility is an inviting space with professional staff. The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free and confidential services such as pregnancy testing, ultrasound scanning, STI information with limited testing and treatment, mentoring services, referrals, and residential and transitional housing programs.

Lincoln’s Pregnancy Resource Center is a part of Living Alternatives, “a nonprofit organization that exists to support women and families on their pregnancy journey,” which has 13 locations in Illinois and Indiana. Their mission statement is “We are committed to providing excellent care, compassionate support, and honest information to those facing pregnancy decisions through authentic relationships that display grace, honor life, and foster community.”

Visitors to Lincoln’s facility enter a spacious reception room with seating and a coffee bar.

Just down the hall is the ultrasound room which is staffed by nurses who are trained and certified in sonography. Ultrasounds are also reviewed by an offsite doctor, and the Pregnancy Resource Center is HIPAA compliant. The ultrasound room also has a comfortable seating area for conversations about the results.

Across the hall is the education room with a sofa and television called the H.O.P.E. classroom. H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Others Parent through Education. It includes an educational curriculum with videos. Mothers in the program can earn “boutique dollars” through homework, going to obstetrician appointments, bringing a support person, and fulfilling other goals.

The boutique room is the next stop on the facility tour. Set up for easy shopping, the boutique room displays clothes, toys, and formula for infants as well as diapers and wipes. Infant car seats and cribs are also available. Currently, there is an effort to stock postpartum supplies and maternity clothes.

Becca Wantz, Administrative Assistant, highlighted a picture hanging on the wall in the hallway entitled “Our 5 Promises to Our Clients.” The promises to clients are “1) To treat you with respect, 2) To protect your privacy, 3) To not pressure you, 4) To support you, and 5) To give honest information.” She said the goal of the Center is “to provide a safe and warm space.”

Living Alternatives is a privately funded organization supported solely by donations, foundations, grants, and fundraisers. It does not receive government funding. To donate, go online or call ahead to make an in-person donation.

Lincoln’s Pregnancy Resource Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00-4:00 and by appointment. To make an appointment, please call [phone]. For more information, please see their website: https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org  or send email to [e-mail].

[Stephanie Hall]