Resource center out of resources
Karen Henslee
Of The Sentinel
Another symptom of a lagging economy, after more than 22 years, Goldendale’s pregnancy resource center may be forced to close its doors, by as early as the end of the month.
What began as a Crisis Pregnancy Center, in 1987, relying on phone and counseling volunteers, has evolved into the current Pregnancy Resource Center. It is a place that has always offered free self-pregnancy tests - but that’s just the beginning.
The faith-based center, located upstairs from Ogden’s Optometry office at 103 W. Main Street, also offers peer counseling, personal support, maternity and infant items, as well as education regarding pregnancy, fetal development, abortion and parenting skills.
Throughout the life of the center, local churches have always been involved, though it is not affiliated with any single congregation or denomination. The connection to the local churches is vital, because it is a Christian organization. (Clients are offered the opportunity to learn more about the faith-based part of the center, however, the services are available whether or not they desire any further information.)
Last year, the pregnancy center had 57 individuals crossing the threshold, for 318 total visits. The center is a resource for other agencies as well, receiving referrals from DSHS and WIC programs, and occasionally from mental health organizations, if needed.
The center serves women, men, and families of the community, ranging in age from 12 to 38.
While it might seem disturbing to think of a 12-year old visiting a pregnancy center, for many it is even more disturbing to think about that 12 year old trying to make decisions alone that should be made by adults.
The center does not withhold treatment for any reason.
According to Candi Twohy, director of the pregnancy center, what it boils down to is “providing caring service to those who need it most.”
Clients are encouraged to become educated about pregnancy and development through books and videos. In the process of educating themselves, the client earns “buddy bucks,” which they can use to purchase necessary items from the center.
Baby clothes and maternity clothes, diapers, and baby formula, are only a few of the things that clients can purchase with their buddy bucks.
The service is free and confidential.
Twohy shared one of many success stories about an individual who came in for a pregnancy test, who, after finding out she was pregnant, returned several times to the center, where she learned about development and parenting, and through the process was able to earn buddy bucks, which she redeemed for baby items.
The center relies on the generosity of area residents, through fundraising events and monthly support.
Fund raisers for the Pregnancy Center are held throughout the year and include a banquet and silent auction; the annual Walk for Life; a baby-bottle campaign; a Mother’s Tea, and Mother’s Day corsage sale; as well as a Pastor’s Golf for Life event. This past year, however, the funds raised during these events fell below the level of years past. And though the monthly donations are still coming in, it is just not enough. Twohy praised the community for the generosity shown for so many years, noting that the community is “spread so thin, and giving to so many very worthy causes. Many people are unable to give as a result of the recession.”
Costs for the center include pregnancy tests, director’s salary, educational materials and supplies, insurance, utilities, and taxes, totaling between $2,000-$2,500 per month.
When asked what the center’s biggest need is, Twohy was quick to respond, “diapers. Large sized diapers, and monetary donations.”
Twohy loves the opportunity to connect with the community through this outreach. “It is a vital service to the people of the community. Some of the resources offered are unable to be obtained elsewhere.”
The Center is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For more information, or to make a donation, stop by, or call 773-5501.
KC students run state government
How would you vote on the legislation currently in the Washington State legislature?
Six Klickitat County 4-Hers attended the 2010 4-H Know Your Government (KYG) Conference in Olympia this past President's Day weekend and debated 31 of the bills currently introduced in the Washington State House and Senate. Veteran KYG participants Heather Ault and Rachel Kipfer were joined by first year participants Shyanne Faulconer, Lauren Hoodenpyl, Makiah Steen, and Tatiana Taylor. The team joined more than 180 4-H members from across the state at the 4-H sponsored event.
Klickitat County members chose Senate Bill 5946, Freedom of Student Expression, to co-sponsor at the conference, with delegates from Jefferson and Lincoln counties. The local team, led by Ault, worked to explain and lobby their bill, first through committee and then both through chambers of the mock legislature. After two days, their bill was successfully passed.
As a group, they were tough on crime. A bill was passed to increase sentencing for DUI convictions, and a bill was defeated to abolish the death penalty. On a lighter note, they rejected a bill to make applet and cotlets the official state candy.
The conference has proven to be a highly effective way for youth to learn about state government.
Participants raise money for the trip by providing the meal at the livestock auction during the Klickitat County Fair.
Nancy Beyerlin again coached and chaperoned the group.
Donations blow in to restore church
The Centerville Church of Christ got a boost to its building fund with the donation of $6,000 from Windy Point Partners, LLC. The donation will go towards replacement of the boards on the front of the church and repair of damage caused by water infiltration. It is part of a large scale refurbishing project of the 125 year old church.
After consulting with several contractors and an engineer, the church board set a goal of raising $50,000 to complete things such as roof repair, new siding on the bell tower, paint and caulk for the entire building and replacement of the handicapped entrance. Church members believe the church may be the oldest church in Klickitat County, although a Finn church in Centerville also goes way back. To date, the church has raised $16,000 for the repairs and have already begun work on rain gutters.
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