Pregnancy, parenting center opens in Carrollton

After two years of planning and preparation, the Appalachian Hills Pregnancy and Parenting Center officially opened its doors in Carrollton, welcoming the community during a May 12 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The center, located at 351 Park Ave. adjoining the Willow House, was constructed as an addition to the existing facility through support from the Christ Foundation and is designed to serve pregnant women and families with young children in Carroll County.

Director Rhonda Harris said the opening marked the culmination of about two years of planning and preparation.

“It’s been a long journey, but we crossed the finish line and opened,” Harris said. “We consider it a great ministry to offer to Carroll County.”

Harris credited the Christ Foundation for financial support, along with Hope Bridge and the Willow House for partnering in the project and providing space for the center.

Board members include Kate Offenberger, Rhonda Harris, Deb Hyde, Cheri Miller, JC Birong, Jennifer Kiko and Rob Atkinson.

The organization provides services to pregnant women and families with young children, regardless of income level or family size. Services include diapers, wipes, clothing and other essential items, along with educational programming focused on pregnancy, childbirth and early childhood development.

“Our goal would be to figure out what their needs are,” said Cheri Miller, a center representative. “But the biggest part is the support, because we know a lot of mothers don’t have the support they need.”

Harris said the center is focused on helping families build a strong foundation.

“We want to build the family,” she said. “A lot of times these young girls don’t have support, and we want to be their support.”

The center emphasizes education as a core component of its mission, offering classes and guidance for both mothers and fathers on topics ranging from prenatal care to parenting skills.

In addition to material assistance, clients can earn larger items through participation in classes and programs offered at the center.

Organizers said emotional support is equally important, noting many women who seek services may be facing difficult circumstances, including lack of family support or absent partners.

To address that need, the center offers mentorship opportunities through trained volunteers and connections to local community resources, as well as group settings such as mothers’ programs coordinated with the Willow House.

The center is faith-based and incorporates spiritual support into its services while also connecting clients with area churches, mentors and assistance programs.

Harris said community involvement played a key role in bringing the project to life.

“We’d like to thank all the area churches and people in the community who have donated financially, prayerfully and with items,” she said.

The center is currently open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with plans to expand as services grow. For more information call the center at 330-401-3947, email info@AHPPC.org or see www.AHPPC.org.