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Friday, 22 August 2008 |
By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — A non-profit agency that helps local women deal with unplanned pregnancies has moved to a location.
The Family Life Center of Auglaize County is now located at 112 S. Front St., in the “Go Bucks” building. The organization offers free pregnancy tests and counseling for young women and teenagers facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Executive Director Candy Dicke said they decided to move from the former location of 201 W. South St., to within a block of Memorial High School in hopes of becoming more visible to the community.
“We needed some more exposure, and this was open,” Dicke said, noting that while the number of women utilizing the services the center has to offer is still small, they do seem to be attracting more curiosity from teenagers walking by. “Some are definitely looking. I’ve been pleased with the response of people walking by. We’re focusing on teens. There are a lot of girls out there, we really want to (focus) on them.”
Dicke said that most young women who walk through the door are between the ages of 20 and 22 and are seeking a free pregnancy test. Once a nurse is able to verify the positive pregnancy test, the women will be eligible to sign up for Medicaid through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
“We are a designated site for Ohio Job and Family Services,” Dicke said. “They can come here to get all set up for the application process.”
The center, which opened at its former location in October 2007, will continue to offer the same programs to its clients, as well as the addition of an Internet Cafe which is expected to open in October.
Visitors will be able to access data bases from the St. Marys Community Public Library to research various topics.
“Basically just to develop relationships for people who hope to come in,” she said.
Dicke noted teenagers would be limited to 30 minutes for surfing the Internet. For special projects, such as book reports, they would be able to reserve an hour on the computer.
“(Those) under 18 will require parental permission,” Dicke said. “Parents will have to come in and sign a release form.”
The Roots and Wings program is offered to women who want to get their life back on track following an unplanned pregnancy. The program includes information on a woman’s sexuality and relationships. The life coaching and goal setting is focused on teaching the women to be accountable for the choices they make and attempting to make better choices in the future.
“We want to get them grounded but yet lift them up to where they want to be,” Dicke said, noting the program works best when driven by what the women’s goals. “It works best when they’re motivated.”
Dicke said she is currently taking a course online to be a certified life coach for the program.
In November, the center will once again launch their Bridges program which offers information and support to women about pregnancy and childbirth. Guest speakers will cover such topics as car seat safety and the importance of a father in a child’s life. Mothers will also receive a CD of nursery songs and receive information on free Web sites.
Women who have already given birth may take the Baby Basics. This will begin in early 2009 and is offered for new fathers and mothers. Classes will teach parents the basics in childcare and nutrition.
“What you need to know about being a good mom and dad,” Dicke said.
Clients may select needed baby items from the Baby Boutique, located in the upper level of the center.
“Our Baby Boutique, we’re going to be offering more items such as diapers, wipes or outfits,” Dicke said. “We have a lot of free clothes.”
A Men’s Mentoring Ministry, which matches up Christian married men with young men who are either involved in unplanned pregnancies or who are making poor decisions for relationships, is also planned for later this fall. A leadership training program for volunteers is scheduled for Sept. 27 through the One 2 One program based in Lebanon. Mentor training will be offered in October.
“That’s something we’re really excited about,” Dicke said. “Fatherlessness is one of the major reasons for teen pregnancy.”
Dicke noted that if a man grew up without a father he was less likely to know how to be a good father himself.
“They’ve had no role model,” she said.
The Family Life Center of Auglaize County is affiliated with Heartbeat International, a pro-life pregnancy center support organization.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 August 2008 )
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