Mothers who are expecting might expect to find free pregnancy tests, ultra sounds, diapers, formula, life skills training, support groups and referrals at ABC Pregnancy Resource Center. The depth of compassion, connections with kindred spirits and range of resources offered in a beautiful setting designed to make women feel “loved, valued, respected and cared for” might come as a surprise.

“The minute you walk in, you will find someone who is able to empathize, ready to find out how we can help,” said Becky Girola, executive director.

More than a place to help the woman who had not planned to become pregnant, ABC also assists with pregnancies where there may be a need for any number of resources or referrals, encouragement, empathy or just someone to listen. Even the best mothers have been known to worry about how they will provide for another child. Many new moms fear the task of caring for a new life when they’re still learning how to take care of themselves.      

“Our client advocates are able to listen, help them pause, take a breath and let them know their feelings are valid but they are not alone. We are going to walk through this with you,” Girola said.

ABC is not a medical clinic. It does offer a free point of proof pregnancy test, which some doctors require, and a free ultrasound. It is more of a social services organization that promotes prenatal care, and patient advocates are able to share their experience of abortion. ABC partners with some doctors. It can help women access Medicaid who have not done so.

“We offer encouragement through these and other services. We want every mother to know they matter and they’re doing a great job. I feel like our culture has made women feel ashamed about unplanned pregnancy. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s going to be a challenge. But there are resources here and resources that we can link these women to that can help with those challenges.”

ABC Pregnancy Resource Center will even offer bus tickets and Lyft vouchers to help women who do not have transportation.

Adoption has been the choice of some of the mothers who have come through the doors of ABC Pregnancy Resource Center in the 33 years it’s been operating here. One of those women, Alimae Howard, told her story on social media recently.

“It will be 21 years since my birth mother made the most important decision of her life,” Howard posted, “and that was to give me life. If you know me, you know my story, you know I should have chosen any way out, but she didn’t.”

Howard went on to say that the parents who raised her were not able to have children.

“God had my parents all picked out,” she said.

New address

The center has recently moved to a newly remodeled 6,000-square-foot building. That means more services and learning opportunities for those being served, as well as for those willing to serve.

Finding the property might be described as serendipitous. The center on 18th Street has needed more room for some time, according to Girola. No one around the center wanted to sell. She looked at seven properties. Not putting too much emphasis on it at the time, the hurricane-damaged building on Beldon was covered with ABC Building Supply-branded materials, and she noticed the mature live oaks, untouched by the latest weather disasters. The next day she had lunch with her in-laws who told her the property was originally the Ford Street Baptist Mission, a First Baptist Church property where they had been members for many, many years. The church had been looking for a buyer.

“So the doors just kept opening – so much so that I am able to stand here and tell you that we are $1.4 million debt free in this property, and we only had $400,000 the afternoon I told my in-laws about it.”

Some come to be served, some to serve

More space has allowed the center to add a kitchen and dining area where mothers can learn to prepare healthy meals on a budget. There is a “boutique shop” that allows mothers to “shop” for their baby by accumulating points when attending parenting classes. When moms come in for counsel, referral or a learning opportunity with their little ones, a nursery is available for the short time they is there. There is more storage for formula, diapers, baby food and baby clothing and Girola is especially pleased that the new center has a donation drop-off area that allows donors to drive through and drop off supplies.

“More space and more services means we need more volunteers, more supplies and more donations to operate a center that’s three times bigger,” Girola said.

ABC Pregnancy Center is completely funded by donations. Supplies are donated. Only four staff positions are paid. Client advocates are carefully-vetted volunteers. Volunteers are also needed to help greet, clean, teach, sit with children for a couple of hours while their mother has an ultrasound.

“We need people who will say, ‘You’re doing a great job mom, you’re not alone,’ ” Girola said. To be an ideal volunteer for ABC Pregnancy Resource Center, the main thing you’ll need is compassion.”    

To find out more about ABC Pregnancy Resource Center and how to help, go to abcprc.com.