It’s easy to miss the center while driving down Washington Street on the East End of Charleston.
There is no large, ornate sign advertising the services contained within and the building itself is of the same look and eminence as those on either side and across the street.
For Yawana Wolfe, however, Cross Roads Pregnancy Care Center was a “God-send” in 2012 — and continues to be.
She was referred to the center in 2012 while across the street at Soul Food Cafe, after garnering attention for her visibly advanced pregnancy. When told the center gave away free pregnancy items, Wolfe said she “went over to see what it was about.”
Learn and earn
Once at the pregnancy center, Wolfe participated in the Earn While You Learn program: An education-based system of earning the things needed for a baby. Executive Director Jenny Entsminger said there are several curricula from which to choose. Wolfe chose the “1, 2, 3 Magic Discipline” program, a nutrition class and a breastfeeding refresher course.
“The (1, 2, 3 Magic Discipline program) shows you how to discipline your child effectively,” she said.
[Click here to subscribe to Pregnancy Help News!]
Other curricula include: first trimester baby; second trimester baby; third trimester baby; labor and delivery; development changes; nutrition; disciplining routines; and Bible curriculum. Life skill curriculum is also available: money management/budgeting; time management; job interviewing/job hunting; apartment renting help; cooking/cleaning tips; and CPR. There is also a curriculum specifically designed for fathers.
Tweet This: West Virginia #prolife pregnancy center coupling material aid, education.
By completing the curricula and the assigned homework, points are awarded that can be used to “buy” items at the adjacent “baby store.”
Maternity and baby clothes, diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food, baby blankets, baby towels, baby books and even bigger items such as strollers and cribs are available to “purchase” with points earned from class.
All the items are donated and Entsminger said the donation stockpile remains consistently healthy.
Sense of community
Wolfe said her biggest takeaway from both her initial and continued experiences with the center is the sense of community the staff provides.
“They’re really good people and ... they make you feel at home and welcome,” she said. “They’re involved.”
Wolfe said she didn’t have a lot of family support, even though she’s always wanted a big family.
“It’s nice to have people who love babies just as much as I do,” she said.
Initially, Wolfe said she thought it would be “a bunch of boring classes in a room.” However, she said it’s a personal experience.
“There’s one-on-one here with your spouse,” she said. “You watch movies and talk. (The center) does the ultrasounds and everything, which helps you feel closer to your baby.”
[Click here to subscribe to Pregnancy Help News!]
Spreading the word
Both moms and dads are encouraged to participate in the program, with each session scheduled for an hour on a weekly basis. The length of the individual curricula depends on the curricula. Wolfe said “1, 2, 3 Magic” lasted a couple of weeks.
When it comes to spreading the word about the center and its services, Wolfe is not shy.
“I learned a lot and would do it again,” she said. “I tell everyone I see, ‘Have you heard about it? It’s awesome.’ I think it’s really great.”
Tweet This: #Fatherhood initiative part of West Virginia #prolife pregnancy help center.
Entsminger said not only do those who participate in the program learn while they earn, but they also gain a sense of dignity and pride that comes from actively working toward something.
Because of the variety of curriculum available, Entsminger said parents can learn at whatever stage they’re at.
Article originally appeared July 16 at StateJournal.com. Reprinted with permission.
