Pregnancy Ministries Reopens In Waynesboro
Pregnancy Ministries Incorporated (PMI) has been a long-time chamber member and part of the greater Waynesboro community since 1993. In July 2019 they closed temporarily but on June 1, 2021 PMI will reopen, with a new director and a new location.
Sara Hollinshead will head the Waynesboro office, located at 245 South Potomac Street. Hollinshead, who was raised in Waynesboro and has lived in Greencastle all her adult life, said she is anxious to get open and meet the community and various agencies she hopes to support. Prior to taking the part-time director position, Hollinshead sat on the PMI board of directors for five years. She said she and her husband Jeff have always had a heart for pregnancy ministries.
PMI, a faith-based organization, offers pregnancy testing and will soon offer sexually transmitted infection testing (STI). Their role with clients is to help them to make a well-informed decision regarding their pregnancy, by offering education and literature on topics such as fetal development, prenatal instruction, infant care, abortion, and adoption. They also offer a post abortion recovery program through Restore - https://www.healingafterabortion.com/ . The Chambersburg location has an ultrasound machine for pregnancy confirmation, and they are starting a mentoring program for dads which they hope to bring to the Waynesboro office.
One program that has been greatly appreciated by their clients is “Earn While You Learn.” This program allows clients the opportunity to earn Baby Bucks while they learn how to care for themselves and their infant. They will earn Baby Bucks for keeping doctors’ appointments, going to church, and completing homework sheets. Hollinshead said this helps to build accountability while they are being helped. They can then use these Baby Bucks to purchase items like diapers, wipes, clothing, and baby equipment such as highchairs, cribs and pack and plays.
Hollinshead said she and her volunteer staff of 12 are here to offer a nonjudgmental place for people to come. They want to offer love, care, and support to their clients, many of whom may be facing unplanned pregnancies. “Our goal is to create healthy and happy families in our community,” said Hollinshead. “Together, we can change lives and save lives!”
You can reach PMI at 717-655-5603. Their office, located at 245 South Potomac St., is open Monday 10 – 2 pm, Tuesday 9 – 3 pm, and Thursday’s 1 – 7 pm. To learn more about PMI or donate visit - https://pregnancyministries.org/