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Tables were set up for check-in, registration,
information, T-shirts and sweatshirts and door prize sign up. Staff
and volunteers were helping at these stations.
Another table was set up with a variety of food and drinks.
At the information table there were brochures about
the programs offered along with a list of the many services offered
by the Pregnancy Resource Center at no cost.
Some of these programs include Mercies Refuge nine-month residential
program and the h.o.p.e. parenting education program. One of their
newer programs is willow story, which is a perinatal grief support
program. They also host Deeper Still post abortion retreats.
Parents in the h.o.p.e program have opportunities to
earn “Baby Bucks” to purchase needed supplies and equipment for
taking care of their child. In the back room of Lincoln’s Pregnancy
Resource Center, parents can purchase baby clothes with the “Baby
Bucks.”
Other services offered include pregnancy testing, ultrasound
screening, STI/STD testing, abstinence education, abortion pill
reversal program, adoption support and information, disciple
retreats and Bible studies.
A poster on the table listed and thanked all the sponsors who helped
make the Walk possible.
In one corner was a basket of accessories to wear and pose at a
photo booth.
Outside, there was an area set up for playing bags.
Around 9:30 a.m., the two mile group walk began.
Those walking began just outside the Laughlin Center, then made
their way around part of the chapel heading towards the sidewalk
that led back around to the Laughlin Center. To make it two miles,
they had to do five laps.
Signs around the circuit asked people to consider
situations where they might need services at the Pregnancy Resource
Center.
The door prizes available included gift cards or gift certificates
from area businesses, a basket of goodies and water bottles.
Towards the end of the event Pregnancy Resource
Center Director Ellen Orns shared a few announcements. Orns began by
thanking everyone involved in the walk for their hard work and
support. She said next year will be the Pregnancy Resource Center’s
40th year of offering services. [to top of second
column]
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Over the year, the PRC walk has
had a variety of themes. Orn said this year’s theme is “Today is
the Day.” It is based on a Bible verse from Joshua 4. In this
passage the Lord parted the waters of the Jordan River so the
Israelites could come across on dry land. He instructed one of
the individuals from each tribe to pick up a stone from middle
of the riverbed. They carried the stones and stacked them up as
a memorial to what God had done for them. It was a declaration
that today is the day the Lord provided a way for them.
Orns said today is the day we are celebrating all
that goes on at the Pregnancy Resource Center. She said there are
many ways this theme can be carried over into what the center does.
For example, someone could say, “today is the day I attended my
mentor class and God equipped me.” Someone else might say “today is
the day where I attended my Deeper Still retreat where I felt
healing from my past abortion.” Another might say, “today is the day
where someone supported me through my miscarriage.”
As Orns said we just want to be there for the women
every single day right where they are. This day of celebration and
walking helps make that happen.
This year, the total raised was $10,435, which Orn said was the
biggest amount in about five years.
The top five walk fundraisers for 2024 were the Klokkenga [family]
Team, Deborah Harvey, Linda Sheehan, Marsha Fernandez and Becca
Yantz. Team Klokkenga raised $2470, Harvey raised $1120, Sheehan
raised $1000, Fernandez raised $949 and Yantz raised $850.
Each of the top fundraisers received special prizes.
Four of the top fundraisers posed for a group photo followed by all
the walkers posing together.
Door prize winners included Deborah Harvey, Alice Doehring, Linda
Sheehan, Becca Yantz, Brook Tompkins, Colleen DeVries, Cindy Taylor
and Team Klokkenga. Gage Dannison won a jar of Hershey’s Kisses for
guessing the exact amount in the jar, which held 150 kisses.
The event ended with a prayer by Orns thanking God
for who He is and all His provisions. She said on this beautiful
morning you have given us; today is the day we are celebrating all
you do for us individually and at the center. In closing, Orns
thanked God for who he is and his love for us, praying he would give
everyone a great weekend.
Upcoming events include an open house on Thursday, May 16 from 4
p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Living Alternative Pregnancy Resource Center’s
location at 308 N. Union in Lincoln. The community is welcome to
come to see the recent remodel and find out what they are
supporting.
Right now, the center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Orn said more volunteers are needed
so they can be opened more hours.
On Thursday, September 19, the Pregnancy Resource Center Annual
Banquet will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington.
Guest speaker will be Matt Hammitt, formerly of the Christian group
Sanctus Real. He stepped away from the band to be with his family
after his wife went through a difficult pregnancy where she was
encouraged to have an abortion. Hammitt will share their journey.
[Angela Reiners]
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