Murphy – New and expectant parents were treated to valuable information, food, prizes, giveaways and a raffle on May 29 at Choices Murphy Pregnancy Center.
The Community Baby Shower was spearheaded by Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties, which partnered with Choices to bring different vendors to parents, with the goal of helping attendees navigate the world of parenting. About 40 moms and dads, some already with children in tow, attended a class on nursing a baby taught by Susan Bekken, a retired registered nurse and labor and delivery coach.
Several churches donated items for gift bags, including First United Methodist, Friendship Baptist, New Martins Creek Baptist, Red Oak and Shady Grove Baptist. The decorations were done by Shepherd of the Mountains.
Choices Murphy Pregnancy Center is a place where new and soon-to-be parents can go for a variety of services.
The center offers free pregnancy testing, maternity clothing, baby items and classes on parenting as well as a program to teach young men the skills that are important when caring for a family and household. Other services are also available. By the end of the year, Choices hopes to be able to offer medical services, including free ultrasounds, to pregnant women.
Choices Murphy Pregnancy Center opens its doors to the community with the goal of supporting the families of Cherokee County. Vendors include the Cherokee County Department of Social Services for help with food stamps and Medicaid, the Cherokee County Health Department for the WIC program; and VAYA Health for help with Medicaid monies.
There are no income requirements for anyone desiring Choices’ services. The center is 100 percent volunteer, and staff appreciates donors for their generosity in helping make it a success.
Elizabeth Flores of Hanging Dog came to the Community Baby Shower with her 1-year-old daughter, Jennabeth.
“I’ve been here since I was pregnant, and this helps me financially,” she said. “They give me things that I need. It’s a good community.”
Details: Visit choicesofwnc.com or call 828-835-3444.