For more than a decade, the Pregnancy Center of MHC has quietly provided essential resources and support to expectant mothers, fathers, and families in need, but on Tuesday, December 3, it is hosting an open house, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The event is needed, in part, because despite its long-standing presence, the center is often referred to as the area’s “Best Kept Secret,” a sentiment echoed by Interim Executive Director Paula Woods.
“We want to get our name out there more,” Woods said, emphasizing the center’s commitment to increasing awareness about its free services and resources for the community.
The Pregnancy Center offers a range of free services starting with pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm viable pregnancies. From there, the center continues to provide care throughout the pregnancy and beyond.
“We support women at every stage,” Woods explained. “After the baby is born, we provide items like formula, car seats, and clothing for both the child and mother.”
Additionally, the center offers parenting classes for both mothers and fathers to help them prepare for parenthood.
The center’s mission is rooted in encouraging women to choose life for their babies. “We try to help them make a decision that’s in the best interest of their baby,” Woods said, noting that the center also connects women with adoption agencies when needed.
One of the center’s goals is to provide support to women who may feel pressured into abortion due to a lack of support from family or partners. “Sometimes, when they don’t feel supported, they think abortion is their only option,” Woods said.
The center also offers confidential post-abortion support for women who need help processing their experience.
For Woods, the work is deeply personal. “I was a mom at 16,” she shared, explaining that her own journey inspired her to join the center’s board and later step into the interim executive director role.
The Martinsville-Henry County area has faced challenges in accessing pregnancy care since Sovah Health Martinsville discontinued on-site births. The Pregnancy Center helps bridge this gap by connecting local women with out-of-town resources and offering services to ease the burden.
The Pregnancy Center operates entirely on donations and is always seeking support from the community. It accepts maternity and baby items and welcomes volunteers to assist with its programs.
“We rely on donations to keep our services completely free,” Woods said.
The Pregnancy Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with appointments available at other times. It is located at 314 Fairy Street Extension, Suite E, in Martinsville. For more information about the center and its programs, visit www.pregcc.com or call (276) 634-5433.
