[inpost_fancy thumb_width="200" thumb_height="200" post_id="520" thumb_margin_left="0" thumb_margin_bottom="0" thumb_border_radius="2" thumb_shadow="0 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2)" id="" random="0" group="0" border="" show_in_popup="0" album_cover="" album_cover_width="200" album_cover_height="200" popup_width="800" popup_max_height="600" popup_title="Gallery" type="fancy" sc_id="sc1423586016494"]
At 345 NW Marion Street, sits a small house with a large purpose. The house serves as a beacon of hope for young men and women with questions and worries in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy. Planned pregnancies are a catalyst for happiness and excitement-- it's the unplanned pregnancies that bring about crisis. Crisis is defined as any event that is, or is expected to lead to, an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, community or whole society. Crises are deemed to be negative changes in security: economic, political, societal or environmental affairs, especially when they occur abruptly, with little or no warning. An unplanned pregnancy threatens a couple or individual's security and could thus be considered a crisis-- expecting parents begin to worry about their financial stability or the lack thereof, the inevitable negative reactions of family members, the idea of being shunned or rejected and whether or not they can bring a child into an unstable environment. A Women's Pregnancy Center of Madison acknowledges these concerns and seeks to assist expecting mothers and fathers by equipping them with information to make informed and confident decisions. The center offers a vast array of information, as well as counseling which can be received at any time during the pregnancy. The center offers education on the realities of The Morning After Pill; RU-486, the abortion pill; surgical abortion and STI's. They offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, referrals for adoption, housing and medical care. At 20 weeks, parenting classes are offered that help prepare the future parent or parents how to take care of a new baby. Expecting parents are equipped with free baby clothes, maternity clothes, diapers, supplies, furniture and, when available, pre-natal vitamins and care. If one opts to attend at least five parenting classes, they are given a baby shower in a bag. The kit includes necessities such as shampoo, lotion, diapers, wipes, cotton balls and a thermometer. Perhaps one would think the center is being much too generous. The truth is, A Women's Pregnancy Center is operated by individuals who have a huge heart for the people of Madison County. After graciously welcoming this writer into the facility, Executive Director Sharon Morris, explained that Madison's pregnancy center is largely run by a group of volunteers who have a heart of service. In fact, the center wouldn't be able to function without volunteers and churches/organizations throughout the community who donate their time, goods and services. The Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) ladies of the Middle Florida Baptist Association distribute empty baby bottles throughout the community in order for them to be filled with money donations. In fact, Tuesday, Feb. 10, all of the bottles were collected at the WMU rally to be given to the center. On April 11, the pregnancy center's annual walk will take place at 9 a.m. Aside from the baby bottle ministry, the walk is one of its biggest fundraisers. However, some locals haven't even heard of these. Many are unaware that A Women's Pregnancy Center provides an opportunity for citizens to give back right here in Madison. Donations are welcome all year long and the center is always in need of volunteers. For instance, due to heavy rain, the center was recently flooded. Thanks to volunteers who came out and spent their time working, the facility is back in shape and ready to go. Youth groups from churches have come together to donate their time and help with repairs. Help is always welcome. Perhaps, though, the importance of A Women's Pregnancy Center rests in the simple fact that they act as a safe haven for young men and women who are desperate, afraid and alone. Many of which are just kids-- kids who need to talk with someone, to learn about their options and simply feel loved. An unplanned pregnancy isn't the end of the road and, with God's unconditional love and strength, it could become the beginning of something infinitely wonderful. If you are interested in donating, volunteering or would like more information, please call A Women's Pregnancy Center at (850) 973-6970.