Whether one is in need of STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Testing, a young couple assessing whether they are expecting a little bundle of joy, or a single female needing a support system as she walks through an unplanned pregnancy, Care Center Huntsville, located at 1215 15^th Street, considers it a privilege to serve students of the university as well as the populace of Walker and surrounding counties.  “We are a lighthouse to this community. We want people to feel safe, to feel comfortable, and to know they are coming to a nonjudgmental zone. They are going to hear the Truth of the Gospel,” Executive Director Jackie Barham shared.

                If someone enters the doors of this tall-standing, white structure seeking a pregnancy test, she will be greeted at the front desk to begin the intake process. Administrative Assistant Lorna Davis, Care Center Assistant Lydia Muir, Staff Intern Ashley Rosendo, or a volunteer will be one of the first smiling faces seen. A member of the medical staff will usher the female to the area where free pregnancy and STI testing will take place. Once there is a confirmed pregnancy that is far enough along, either Nurse Manager Beverly Lofton or Lead Sonographer Traci McKinley will open up the “window to the womb.”  They calm those who are feeling overwhelmed and share with everyone under their care that all humans are “image bearers of the Most High God, and that they are carrying the same within the womb.”  The family and/or friends can also view the video as they sit close by in a hallway off the sonogram room. In this same area, there are beautiful, volunteer-created quilts that can be chosen as the baby’s first blanket. Beverly stated that she loves talking to the girls, finding out more about them not only clinically or medically, but also to learn more about their journeys. She follows up with phone calls every trimester. She checks in to make sure the young mothers have found a doctor and to see if there is any other news. Beverly joyfully commented that the Care Center is the “best place in the world to be.” Jackie mentioned that 85% of the women considered at risk to complete an abortion change their minds when they see the sonogram. “Seeing the reality of what is taking place inside of them makes the difference.”

                Many Christ-followers assist the organization in a variety of other ways. One individual crochets baby booties. A note that reinforces Psalm 139:13-16 accompanies these sweet, little shoes that give a mom something tangible to hold while she awaits the arrival of her blessing from the Lord. Others help to stock the Hope Project, which is a room filled with a number of different baby items, ranging from clothing to toys to the essentials of diapers and wipes. Churches and other organizations hold baby showers, which keep this space filled. As clients attend parenting and other classes, they are rewarded with points. They use these points to “shop” from the Hope Project. Center Services Director Melanie Springer trains the volunteers that will speak with the women in the Peer Counseling Rooms. These advocates help moms and dads feel comfortable in their situations. “The volunteers share their hearts. They want to help meet people where they are.  We feel God has entrusted each person into our care,” Jackie offered.

                The Director does not come to this ministry without her own personal experience. Jackie understands the uncertainty and need for supportive people as part of this process. “I was 23 and pregnant out of wedlock with a young man that I hadn’t known for long. We didn’t truly know each other. We were faced with a decision. Our decision was for life, to keep our son. I cannot imagine making this choice without having a base of people in my life to help me during this time. Here at the Care Center, we want to provide that type of nonjudgmental support for the men and women who may be struggling with this choice. I don’t think anyone wakes up wanting to choose abortion as their option. Sometimes, people just feel like it is the only viable alternative. We want this community to know the truth, that abortion is not the only option.”

                Once an individual or couple has elected to keep the infant, the assistance continues. This institution helps to connect their clients with varying types of resources: help with obtaining Medicaid, connections to professional counselors, introductions to maternity homes, etc. “We are to be the hands and feet of Christ, to be readily available to meet the needs of people where they are,” Jackie stated.

                 Care Center Huntsville garners the funds that allow them to serve this area in a number of ways. During Baby Bottle Boomerang, local churches send home with their congregants  coin banks shaped like baby bottles. The containers purposely are distributed on Mother’s Day and are gathered up on the equally important Father’s Day. The banks return filled with coins, cash, and checks. The center also raises funds as it feeds the bodies, minds, and souls of attendees at their annual banquet. As Table Hosts, regular donors invite community members to join them in an evening that is about community and family.  The staff also has the opportunity to share with faithful donors how their giving has assisted the organization to stay on target with the mission of the Care Center. Attendees might be introduced to a client who has, as a result of coming to the center, experienced victory over trauma. “We want to see people who have walked away whole,” Mrs. Barham added. “We are stewards of the donors’ money. We see God, first and foremost, as in control of everything that is happening here. We want to honor Him which, in turn, honors our donors. We are about saving lives both in the womb and for eternity. That is who Care Center Huntsville is, and we praise God for that!”

                To learn more about all the confidential services offered, visit carecenterhuntsville.com; stop by their office at 1215 15^th Street, 77340; or call them at 936-294-0404.