11/4/2009 6:00:00 PM Volunteers continue to work on Crisis Pregnancy Center
By LEAH TOLBERT Staff Reporter
Volunteers are needed to help complete such things as the electrical and plumbing work on the new Crisis Pregnancy Center under construction on Valley View Drive.
Every Saturday for the past two months, volunteers have been working hard on the new facility with additional assistance needed to lay the shingles and install windows, officials said.
Phyllis Murphy, assistant director at the center, said the project began when the current center on Mississippi 21 north became overcrowded and cramped with the many baby products and donations which are in high demand.
About 25 women are seen at the center each week.
While the center is dependent upon these donations along with funding from churches, other groups and individuals of the community, the construction project is also dependent upon free labor from volunteers.
The slab to the new center has been poured and the walls, insulation, doors and roof have been added.
Mike Skinner, a member of the building committee, said volunteers who are proficient in certain areas are needed to help apply shingles, windows, sheet rock, bricks and inside electrical and plumbing.
"Hopefully, people will be more mindful of what it's all about," he said. "It is more about helping the mothers and saving babies than anything else."
The building committee is very proud of the way construction is progressing and appreciates everyone who has worked on the project.
The projected date for completion is sometime in 2010 since work is done only on Saturdays.
The Crisis Pregnancy Center provides valuable information to women who face circumstances that may conflict with her responsibility of pregnancy or parenting, Murphy said.
The center helps educate women about the physical, emotional and spiritual consequences and risks of abortion. The center, which is anti-abortion, also provides information on alternatives such as adoption agencies.
Skinner said the center tries to save every baby possible.
When someone visits the center, a client can expect to receive counseling according to the situation she's in, a free self-administered pregnancy test, life plans for the duration of the pregnancy and afterbirth and resources to the Christian community.
If anyone is interested in helping or becoming a volunteer, call the Crisis Pregnancy Center at 601-656-9712.
