Pregnancy center opens its doors

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Maricopa’s own New Life Pregnancy Center will open its doors tomorrow, Tuesday, March 1, from 9 a. m. to 5 p.m. The center, which held an open house on February 22 attended by local residents and city officials, will be open every Tuesday. It is located in the First Baptist Church at 18705 North John Wayne Parkway.

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The third such facility in this area, the center will offer programs similar to those in Tucson and Casa Grande. Director Elisa Dale and two volunteer counselors are available at all times. Walk-in clients are always welcome.

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Elisa Dale, Director of the New Life Pregnancy Center.

Free pregnancy testing will be offered at the center as well as counseling to enable clients to make the healthiest choices for both themselves and their babies. All information is kept strictly confidential in order to provide the support and care needed. New Life Pregnancy Center does not discriminate as to race, religion or age.

Volunteer counselors go through three rigorous days of training in child development, abortion and communication. They work two to four hour shifts at the center. They will assist clients with finding community resources to provide food, shelter, physicians, churches and childbirth classes. Material assistance may be provided in the form of clothing, diapers or formula.

“In the near future we hope to have parenting classes including an earn while you learn incentive program,” explained Director Dale. “Moms and dads can purchase donated items like baby clothing, diapers, blankets, baby swings or strollers with their earned play dollars.”

Penny Phipps, Executive Director and Women’s Assistance Coordinator for the area, added, “We hope to encompass the growth in this community wherever the road leads us with our involvement. Our long-term goal is to provide birth moms and dads with truthful, accurate information in order for them to make healthy life choices.”

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Executive Director Penny Phipps displays one of the Baby Bottle Boomerang fundraiser bottles.

According to the Arizona Coalition on Teen Pregnancy and Parenting (ACAPP), 36 teens become pregnant every day in Arizona, which has the third highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation. Pinal County has the highest 15 to 19-year-old teen pregnancy rate of all Arizona counties.

Locally the New Life Pregnancy Center is a faith-based program of Arizona Baptist Children’s Services (ABCS) out of the Southern Regional Office. Other programs offered by the non-profit ABCS include adoption, professional counseling, foster care, parenting classes, divorce care, community resource referrals, and a women’s shelter and maternity home in Tucson, which has been in operation for seven years.

Area churches, including Maricopa Community, the Assembly of God, and First Baptist Church have all participated in the Baby Bottle Boomerang Fundraiser. Participants receive baby bottles to fill with spare change to be donated to the local pregnancy center. Other churches or individuals wishing to participate in this fundraiser should contact Elisa Dale at (520) 568-0612 or 1-800-678-0648.

Donations of used baby clothing, blankets, strollers, high chairs, baby swings or furniture will be greatly appreciated. Items may be dropped off on Tuesdays at the center.

Individuals can host a baby shower for donated items, hold a diaper drive or provide tax-deductible financial support.

All new mothers are given baby booties and caps. Any community members who would like to knit or crochet these items should contact the center or drop them off.