Wednesday, representatives of the organization formerly known as Sav-A-Life spoke to members of the Exchange Club of Picayune.
One of the major plans for the group includes changing the name of the organization to the Pregnancy Support Center, said Bonita Wynn, the organization director.
Wynn said that nationwide about 3,000 women opt to have an abortion annually.
The organization works with pregnant women who are considering an abortion to provide the support they need to consider giving birth.
In order to do that, the Knights of Columbus in Picayune raised money to purchase a new ultra sound machine for the organization, said Knights of Columbus member Bryan Cassagne.
What the center does is provide free pregnancy tests to women who think they may be pregnant. If a pregnancy is confirmed, then the center helps the woman procure state assistance, such as WIC, and provides peer counseling via a network of trained volunteers, Wynn said.
Through an “earn while you learn program” participants can earn points by participating in educational programs. Wynn said that those points can be turned in for baby beds and other supplies. The center also provides free car seats to participants.
She said that 500 participants attended the classes last year. Of the 155 pregnancy tests administered by the center, 136 were positive.
Wynn also shared the story of a 12-year-old girl that came to the center recently for help because the girl’s mother wanted her daughter to have an abortion. The girl’s mother became pregnant when she was 13, so she knew the situation her daughter was entering and wanted her daughter to end the pregnancy, Wynn said. After providing them with assistance, Wynn said that the young girl eventually gave birth to that child, who is doing well.
The center also conducts a program for women that opted to have an abortion earlier in life, but now feel regret. Wynn said that the service allows them to forgive themselves through prayer and helps them hold a memorial service after giving the child a name. She said those services help those women move forward with life.
“We can live a long life, but who wants to live a long life when you’re tormented?” Wynn said.
The center is located at 1101 Goodyear Boulevard and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Wynn said the center is always looking for volunteers to help them provide services to the community. Staff can be reached by calling 601-799-2668.