Having a baby is an expensive proposition and Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center, working in conjunction with Faith Community Health System, offers a way to obtain essential information and items new parents need.
Julie Hopkins, who has served as executive director of Clear Choice for the past eight years, explained that her center offers pregnant women a place to get support, care and education. Staff and volunteers can also help families obtain Medicaid coverage if they qualify.
“We are proud to be a place where you can come to get advice and mentoring, referrals to medical care and, importantly, access to education so you can be in a position to best care for your newborn,” Hopkins said.
The Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center has a location in Bowie (110 West Wise Street) and one at Faith Community Hospital in Jacksboro. The organization first opened its doors 30 years ago in Bowie; it’s approaching its third year in Jacksboro. Faith family doctors, including Dr. Shawn White, chief medical officer, care for pregnant moms and their newborns.
Additionally, families can “shop” at the Hope Room, housed in the Live Oak Baptist Church in Jacksboro. Many items – including maternity and baby clothing – can be purchased at the store with coupons earned through the organization’s video program.
Participants watch 20-30 minute videos on a variety of topics including what they can expect during each of the trimesters, getting a sonogram, how to put together a delivery plan and single mother/single father issues. There are hundreds of videos available to watch (supplied by BrightCourse for pregnancy centers) and a link to each is sent by the center to the participant’s phone. Each video watched earns 15 coupons and participants can “buy” items with these earned coupons.
“Churches, businesses and individuals donate diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, breastfeeding items, toys and cribs, strollers, car seats and swings” that can be purchased with the coupons,” Hopkins said, noting “if it’s made, we probably have it.”
Clear Choice also facilitates a breastfeeding class and new parenting class in Bowie. The classes are open to moms and dads, Hopkins said.
The center can also help new parents learn about employment opportunities in the community and about how to begin classes at North Central Texas College.
Financial and item donations (new or gently used!) are accepted in Jacksboro on Mondays and Tuesdays and in Bowie on Tuesday and Thursdays. If you have a large item to donate, Hopkins said arrangements can be made to pick it up. Call 940-872-6463 for more information about making a donation.
For more information, contact the Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center at (940) 872-6463 or clientservices@clearchoiceprc.org. All calls and appointments are free of charge and confidential.