| REPRINT FROM THE JACKSON PROGRESS-ARGUS Published: Thursday, July 16, 2009 Pregnancy resource center receives $9,000 grant Diane Glidewell Reporter The Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, located at 176 Indian Springs Street in Jackson, officially received a $9,000 grant from the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia (CFNG) on Wednesday, July 8. Nancy Coveny, Executive Director of CFNG, visited Life Choices PRC to personally present the grant. Life Choices PRC opened its doors on January 20, 2007 and has continued to offer and expand its services to the community. It offers counselling and referrals to teenagers and to expectant and new parents of all ages. Pregnancy tests are free, and a popular program is the Mommy Store filled with items for babies and toddlers which can be purchased with credits earned by completing educational courses on topics from nutrition to "Discipline with Love." The caring, trained couselors come form diverse backgrounds and pool their knowledge to best serve those who seek their help. Life Choices does not accept government funds; it is wholly supported by donations from individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups. The grant from CFNG will help purchase materials for the abstinence program to be available at Jackson High School and will help update the Mommy Store with new parenting education supplies. The mission of CFNG is to enhance long-term financial stability of the Catholic Community in north Georgia by diligently pursuing, effectively managing, and carefully granting philanthropic assets, including helping ministries and nonprofits in the area. "We have a strong interest in pro-life activities and are pleased we could help in Jackson," said Coveny. With teen pregnancy being a particular concern in Butts County, the Butts County School System is expanding its use of "Choosing the Best" program materials from the middle school to the high school. "Choosing the Best" provides guidance to youth facing challenging decisions about drugs, sex, and violence. Cliff Baskerville of "Choosing the Best" spoke at a Youth Rally sponsored by Life Choices PRC at Macedonia Baptist Church this past spring. He will speak at a Parent-Student forum for the public sponsored by the Butts County School System and directed at students in grades 6-12 on Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. at the Rufus Adams Auditorium. Alisha Hill became director of Life Choices PRC on June 23. Judy Hodges, one of the three founders of Life Choices, had held the directorship since Joy Tarleton moved out of state last fall. Hodges is returning to the duties of counselor at Stark Elementary School. Hodges will continue to work with Life Choices as does Kelly Wood, the third founder. "I knew I needed to be in ministry, and God opened up this door for me with perfect timing," said Hill. "Our biggest goal right now is to get out the word that we're here and that we want to reach out and serve." A long range goal for Life Choices is to purchase an Ultrasound. Such a purchase would require community support. But Life Choices is prepared to continue helping with the physical and spiritual needs of expectant and new parents and expanding its efforts to help youth in Butts County make the best choices for their lives. Life Choices will hold its second annual fundraiser banquet on Monday, August 17 at the Abundant Life Assembly of God. Additional donations from businesses and individuals for the silent auction are welcomed; there are some fantastic items to bid. Banquet tickets are free but reservations are necessary. 770-775-5116. |
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