Located at 3303 66th St., the Nurture Center offers a variety of services to help moms-to-be. (Photo from Nurturing Center Facebook page)
By. Megan Zapalac
Ellie Contreras, operations manager for the Nurturing Center, said the local non-profit organization began operations about 27 years ago with volunteers handing out supplies to expecting mothers from the back of a car.
From humble beginnings, the center currently operates from their location at 3303 66th St., offering a variety of prenatal resources such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, peer consultations, parenting classes, and referrals to resources and organizations. Contreras said they even provide some financial assistance, food, baby clothes, formula, and even dental care.
In addition to these services, Contreras said they will also help these women gain access to a maternity home in Houston if needed. If they are in a dangerous situation, the women are also able to bring their children to Women Protective Services.
Contreras said they have helped about 140 mothers this year.
Throughout their pregnancy, she said women typically visit the center about two to three times, but they would like expecting mothers to visit the center at least five times to better serve them.
Words of inspiration for expecting mothers. (Photo By: Megan Zapalac)
Part of their mission, Contreras said, is to show these women that people care, and they are not alone in their journey.
“We still see some of these moms today with their beautiful babies and still need support,” she said. “So, we’ll help them in any way that we can. If it’s not, through finances, it’s going to be through baby formula or baby clothes or really whatever’s needed.”
She said they are always in need of volunteers such as doctors, nurses, counselors and anybody willing to lend a hand.
JeanMarie Kmetz, president of Raiders Defending Life, said students who are part of the pro-life organization regularly volunteer at center.
From thank-you notes to fundraising, Kmetz said volunteers with her organization help out in any way possible.
Campbell Williams, former president of the student-led organization, has also volunteered at the center by assisting with mail-outs and building maintenance.
Williams said Baby Bucks are one of the best things the Nurturing Center offers because it helps expecting mothers learn how to parent while earning money that can be used at the center to buy the things they need for the unborn baby.
The Nurturing Center, located at 3303 66th St., has the capability of providing sonograms for women in need. (Photo By: Megan Zapalac)
According to Kmetz, the organization offers additional incentives, such as Baby Bucks, to help keep moms-to-be interested. After each parenting class, parents earn Baby Bucks which they can later exchange for items such as baby clothes, diapers, baby strollers, baby toys, and more.
Through their efforts, Kmetz said the center is trying to minimize the problems that may come with an unexpected pregnancy.
“Everyone’s very uplifting in that environment,” she said, “and it’s just a very woman-empowering environment.”
For more information on assistance, or to volunteer and/or give a donation, contact the Nurturing Center at (806)780-6852 or visit NurturingLife.org.
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