The Prairie Pregnancy Support Centre (PPSC) in Portage la Prairie continues to grow as more families reach out for support during and after pregnancy.
Director Mary Loewen says their services are free and confidential, covering everything from pregnancy testing and parenting programs to counselling and donated supplies.
“We have five staff. We have rent to pay. We have a benevolence fund that we can help out with diapers and and formula and that kind of stuff and different clients as they have need,” notes Loewen. “Most of our stuff is donated that comes to us, but on occasion there's some of those other things that we need to purchase.”
Support at every step
The PPSC places a strong focus on helping women make informed decisions. Options counselling is a key part of the process.
“One of the things that we major in is to do options counselling,” says Loewen. “Talking about her options after she's pregnant or whether she carries to term. We'll talk about parenting, adoption. We also talk about abortion, what that does to her, what that does to the fetus.”
“We believe that to make the best decision she needs all the information to make the best decision for herself and her unborn child,” she adds.
The centre also offers practical support like maternity clothes and baby items up to age two, along with grief support for those experiencing infant loss.
“We have a lady who works with us that deals with infant loss,” continues Loewen. “Perinatal infant loss, so whether stillbirth, miscarriage, abortion, and just walking people through those griefs, they're very similar.”
Expanding programming and volunteer team
Loewen says the PPSC recently added a male mentor to connect with dads, part of a growing effort to support both parents.
“Dads are a big part of the equation,” remarks Loewen. “We have someone who's come online to meet with the dads and so looking forward to seeing how that will grow.”
Volunteers play a major role at the centre, with 14 currently active. A formal training program is set for November and is required through their affiliation with Pregnancy Care Canada.
“If anybody's interested, they can drop by the centre,” says Loewen. “We'd love to give them a tour and show them around.”
Meeting a growing need
The Prairie Pregnancy Support Centre is located at 60-B Tupper Street North, next to Youth for Christ at the busy four-way stop by the bridge. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Mondays from 1p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Last year we were at 100, a perfect number,” notes Loewen. “This year, we already have 75 clients that have come through. I think we're on target to pass last year.”
The PPSC opened in March 2018 and does not receive government funding. It relies entirely on donations from individuals, businesses, and churches.
“We're kind of outgrowing our space too with volunteers and clients,” adds Loewen. “We'll see what the Lord has for us in that regard as well.”
To learn more or get in touch, residents can visit in person, call the centre at 204-240-4357, or e-mail info@prairiepregnancy.ca
If you need to talk, you can contact the free helpline at 1-800-712-4357.
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