Religion

Last Updated on Monday, 04 July 2016 03:33

By Colette Dell

New Life Options, located in Monongahela, celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2015.

Pam Tucker in the center's baby boutique

This ministry began when a group of men and women saw the need to help women and teens during their reproductive years. At first, clothing and items were given away to all that needed them. Eight years ago, they began an educational program, which they call the “Earn While You Learn” program.

All whom are pregnant or those that have children two years old and under are welcome to come to the center to join the program. Those attending class have three choices. They can attend classes for six weeks and receive a new Graco Pack ‘n Play or car seat. If they attend for eight weeks they can receive a new crib. The third choice allows them to shop in the center’s Baby Boutique after every class, where they can shop for diapers, baby food, clothing and other baby items. Regular weekly shopping can begin at the completion of those that chose to take six- or eight-weeks of classes. All of the center’s programs and items given are free of charge. They also give free pregnancy tests, and anyone interested may call for an appointment.

During the months of June through September, the center offers life skills classes. Every third Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., they invite a speaker to come in. These classes teach on how to open a bank account, how to build or rebuild your credit, or how to cook a meal on a low budget. These classes also serve as a good opportunity for clients to interact with each other.

Client Service Coordinator Pam Tucker stated, “We want them to be together as a group because they can reach out and possibly be a good support system for each other.”

New Life Options is a 501 c3 non-profit, pro-life, Christian-based ministry. They are affiliated with the nationwide agency Heartbeat International and also have recently become partners with Cribs for Kids. The center is under the direction of Darlene Manes and its board of directors. Their mission is to build strong families, assisting men and women to be dedicated parents with Christian values.

Volunteers are always needed for tasks such as laundry and sorting clothes to being a prayer partner. There is also training for those that care to be a family life coach. Becoming a coach would involve seeing and building a relationship with the clients.

Donations are welcomed, but due to Federal laws that govern safety and health, used car seats and mattresses cannot be accepted. Some items that the center is consistently in need of are wipes, disposable diapers, blankets, sippy cups, sleepers, outfits and onesies. Monetary donations may be directly given or sent by using PayPal, which can be found on their website. To find out more about the volunteer opportunities at the center or how to help financially or materially, please call 724-258-7277 or visit their website at www.life2.wix.com/newlifeoptionspct. They can also be found on Facebook.

Manes shared her gratitude to all who donate and share in their vision. “Those that join in our vision are our wonderful donors who graciously give to us monthly. They are individuals, businesses and churches and we are so very appreciative for all that they bless us with,” she said.