Pregnancy Resource Center opens in West Plains

"Love. Support. Education." These three words are the stated mission of the Pregnancy Resource Center of West Plains. 

The complex of newly renovated rooms in the lower level of the Silver Springs Business Complex on Davis Dr. is the fruition of a three-year process, said Michelle Watson, co-director of the Center. Watson and co-director Tressa Pressley hosted an open house on Oct. 6, and opened the facility's doors officially on Monday morning.

Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) of West Plains offers free and confidential pregnancy testing and access to mentoring and resources. Pregnancy testing is presently the only medical service available, Watson said. They hope to offer limited ultrasounds in the near future. 

For confirmed pregnancies, the PRC will provide a letter and mentoring services to help expectant mothers to sign up for WIC, Medicaid, housing, and any other services they may require. The program is designed to stick with a mother as she navigates the first two years of the baby's life. 

As mothers make and attend appointments, they can earn points to redeem in the PRC's boutique. The boutique offers new baby clothes, maternity clothes donated by Mother May I, quilts, furniture, and all the basic necessities of infant care.

In a fully functional kitchen/classroom, the PRC will offer over 200 life skill courses for families including child discipline, one-on-one cooking demonstrations, and even fatherhood skills. 

"We want to build relationships and make sure [mothers] know what is available," Watson told Howell County News in an interview Friday. 

"No judgment. No pressure...We are ready to hear your story and watch as you write a new chapter full of hope," reads PRC literature.

PRC of West Plains is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, and a ministry, Pressley said, but it is not affiliated with any particular church or religious organization. Access to religious materials and instruction is a 100% optional part of their services.

"The ability to open the center has come from the community," Watson said, "from the individuals and church groups who have donated."

Prior to the opening of the facility in West Plains this week, the closest Pregnancy Resource Center was in Mountain Grove. Expectant mothers in Howell County who needed help navigating the complexities of an unexpected pregnancy would often travel to Wright County, Watson said.

"Mountain Grove has been such a help to this community," she elaborated. "They have been praying for this for our community for a while."

To access services, visit the lower level of 306 Davis Dr. in West Plains or call 417-204-4407. 

To help, PRC of West Plains needs volunteers and monthly financial donors. They are seeking to hire an RN to expand their medical services. Call 417-204-4407 to volunteer, donate, or apply.