‘A positive direction’ at Greenfield pregnancy center

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A pregnancy resource center has opened its doors in Greenfield, and it is temporarily housed at the Greenfield Area Christian Center.

Lisa Cutler, Elizabeth’s Hope Pregnancy Resources (EHPR) executive director, lives in Greenfield and previously said she sees the need in her hometown for what the faith-based, nonprofit organization offers.

The services offered by Elizabeth’s Hope, which are free and confidential, include parenting classes, abstinence education, mentoring, emergency assistance for maternity and baby supplies, community referrals, information on pregnancy, STDs, and birth contro, fertility and sexual health education, adoption information and more.

Walk-ins are welcome at the Greenfield Area Christian Center, 910 N. Fifth St., on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m.

According to information provided by Cutler, “EHPR is a non-profit organization offering services to pregnant mothers or mothers with children up to the age of 2. The mothers work through an earn while you learn educational program and are able to obtain items that they need for their babies such as cribs, car seats, strollers, diapers and wipes.”

The organization also provides programs for fathers as well as court-ordered parenting programs in connection with the local jobs and family services and court systems.

She said the organization’s abstinence team spoke at Greenfield schools this past school year, and has been invited back to speak at the middle school and high school next school year.

“We are hoping the educational resources provided by EHPR will help with teen pregnancy rates,” Cutler said, adding that the staff is also hopeful the educational resources will help parents, too. She said those who come to the organization are also able to be connected with other resources in the community.

Cutler previously told The Times-Gazette that in Highland County there is an average of 55 teen pregnancies per year. She said if that’s divided among the five high schools, that is 11 pregnant 15-19 year olds per year, and statistics show that 70 percent of those girls will never finish their high school educations. That is where Elizabeth’s Hope comes in, Cutler said, to help guide the teens in a more positive direction.

Right now, Elizabeth’s Hope is looking for support in Greenfield, and a permanent space to work. Cutler previously said there are some church organizations already on board to offer support for the nonprofit, and more support is needed whether from other organizations or from individuals. Volunteers to help at the center are also needed, Cutler said.

Elizabeth’s Hope Pregnancy Resources currently also has locations in Chillicothe, Circleville, Jackson and Waverly.

Anyone in need of services or interested in programs offered by Elizabeth’s Hope can stop by the Greenfield location during open hours or call the administration office in Chillicothe at 740-772-4372. More information can also be found at thereishopetoday.org.

Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.

A pregnancy resource center has opened its doors in Greenfield, and it is temporarily housed at the Greenfield Area Christian Center.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2016/05/web1_pregnancy-center.jpgA pregnancy resource center has opened its doors in Greenfield, and it is temporarily housed at the Greenfield Area Christian Center. Provided photo
Elizabeth’s Hope in temporary space

By Angela Shepherd

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