In a recent conversation with Meredith Potter, Program Manager at Salem Pregnancy Care Center (SPCC), I quickly learned that the center is so much more than a “diapers and wet wipes” dispensary! And while it is true that Salem Pregnancy is life-affirming, those who enter can be assured that client advocates never coerce or manipulate them about their choices. In fact, staff and trained volunteers are very truthful about all options, provide medically accurate information, and are a steady source of love and support each step of the way. Potter stated, “We are here to provide post abortive care, too, if that is the decision chosen. We are non-judgmental and meet clients where they are.” Life is filled with difficult choices and the reality of being pregnant is that any choice made will have long term consequences. The question then becomes which set of consequences an individual will be best able to move forward from.
“Empowering Women, Changing Lives”
– One Client’s Story
“I came to Salem Pregnancy after escaping a domestic violence situation and finding out I was pregnant with twins. Before I was even enrolled in the program the staff at SPCC gave me all the resources I needed to obtain pregnancy Medicaid, legal counsel regarding my difficult situation, helping me find a wonderful OB/GYN, and a free first ultrasound. After joining the program and attending classes I got to shop at their facility monthly and they provided me with diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, and many other essential items for my twins at no cost. In the beginning I was extremely anxious about becoming a single mother to two babies, but everyone at SPCC was so kind and supportive! They helped ease all my concerns about motherhood and even though the pregnancy was unexpected, I was so happy to have my two babies and such a wonderful community of mothers to be a part of. It has truly helped me thrive as a mother and as a person and I am so grateful!”
Established in 1985, Salem Pregnancy Care Center steadily expanded the number of services offered over the decades and, as a result, it was bulging at the seams – limited both in space and number of clients they could assist. Thanks to a recent capital campaign, Salem Pregnancy Care Center was able to completely pay for the purchase and renovation of their new building, which they moved into in May 2022. Conveniently located at 3001 Maplewood Avenue, just one block from Forsyth Medical Center, the aesthetically appealing, large white building is both highly visible and easily accessible. The move came none too soon. Meredith reported there has been a definite uptick in the number of services provided and clients served since opening the new location and those numbers continue to grow.
2022 Milestones:
- 1550% increase in walk-in appointments
- 18% increase in pregnancy tests administered
- 15% increase in ultrasounds
*Calculations based on 2021/2022 data comparison
For 38 years Salem Pregnancy Care Center has been ministering to women facing unplanned pregnancies and, as Meredith shared, “We cannot carry out our mission without the abundance of local church and community partnerships.” From providing financial support to helping run the daily activities of the center, volunteers are the hands and feet of the organization. A sample of the many ways the 100+ volunteers provide invaluable support: working as client advocates, helping in the community and HOPE shopping rooms, assisting with fundraising events (e.g. baby bottle campaign and annual banquet), RNs conducting free ultrasounds, and sharing their professional services (e.g. photography, accounting, building, etc.).
Free and Confidential Services
- Lab-Quality Pregnancy Tests
- Limited Obstetric Ultrasounds
- Prenatal Vitamins
- Man to Man Fatherhood Mentoring
- Life Coaching for Individuals and Groups by Trained Life Coaches
- Referrals for Counseling, Therapy, and Community Resources
- Pregnancy Medicaid Assistance (Pregnancy Test Verification)
- Non-Judgmental, Confidential Support and Assistance
- Community Shopping (baby clothes, diapers/wipes, and other baby items)
- Options Counseling
- 8 Week Parenting Classes
- Community Health Fairs
- Abortion Recovery Counseling
- HOPE Life Skills Group Classes for Expecting Parents
- Post-Abortion Recovery Referrals
- Resources to Support Parents and Children
For more information, call or text 336.760.3680 or visit https://salempregnancy.org/ Free pregnancy tests are available by appointment.