After six years of operation, a pregnancy support center in Hermiston will transition into an independent, locally governed center on Jan. 1, 2018.
Previously known as Pregnancy Care Services, the center also will receive a new name – TruCare Pregnancy Resource Center.
The Hermiston Center also is inviting the public to its first annual fundraising banquet, “Building a Culture of Life,” from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 at the Hermiston Community Center. Guest speaker will be Kirk Walden, author of The Wall and a long-time pro-life participant. Walden will help cast a vision of building a culture of life in Hermiston and the surrounding cities of Umatilla, Irrigon, Stanfield, Boardman, Echo, Heppner, Lexington and Ione.
To register for the banquet, please call the center at 541 567-2393 or register online after Jan. 1, 2018 at www.trucareprc.com.
Earlier in 2017, after experiencing the overwhelming support of both the Hermiston and Pendleton communities at the PCS fund-raising banquet, Hermiston residents approached the Board of Directors with a request. Would the Board offer its support and assistance in facilitating the Hermiston center to begin operating independently, with its own board of directors? After consideration, prayer and discernment, the Board responded with a “Yes.”
To this end, an eight-member Hermiston Center Formation Board has managed actions necessary to transition the Hermiston PCS to an independent, locally governed Center. The current PCS Board of Directors will continue overseeing the Pendleton Center.
The need for and value of the life-affirming services of the Pregnancy Care Centers in Hermiston and Pendleton for people in local communities continues to grow. Local governance will ultimately help both Centers to expand their efforts to minister to and assist women and families with unexpected pregnancies. This transition will allow local boards at each site to fine tune the focus of their mission, expending their energy and resources in ways that best address the unique needs in their respective communities.
All pregnancy care services are provided free and offered in a confidential, nonjudgmental environment to anyone requesting them. Services include, but are not limited to, pregnancy tests and options counseling (with complete and accurate information about parenting, adoption and abortion). Parenting support for men and women and material assistance for their children is also provided through special programs. Information on sexual integrity, birth control, and sexually transmitted diseases is also available. Community referrals are given to local agencies, physicians, and other community support systems. Post-abortion counseling is also available.
As of Jan. 1, PCS in northeastern Oregon will be provided by two independent centers, one in Hermiston and one in Pendleton. Each site operates with a paid director, and more than 50 volunteers donate staff time and services between the two sites. The intention of the Pendleton PCS board of directors and the Hermiston TruCare Board are to render mutual support whenever possible and to collaborate and partner in ministry-strengthening areas.
TruCare Pregnancy Resource Center, Hermiston: 105 S.W. Second Ave., in Granary Square, 541 567-2393, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
Pendleton Care Services, Pendleton: 311 S.E. Dorion Ave., Pendleton; 541 276-5757; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9-4 p.m.
More information is available at Pendleton center’s website at www.pregnancycareservices.com and the TruCare Pregnancy Resource Center’s new website at www.trucareprc.com.
