Inside the new Pregnancy Care Center, at 527 East Main St. in Niles, in a somewhat renovated kitchen space, the walls are painted in bright but soft lavender and light green and across one wall read the words: “within these walls, we laugh, we love, we live.”
The center is celebrating its new home with a grand opening Monday. Since it was able to raise the $31,000 for a down payment on the new location, formerly a residential home, officials at the center have been working to create a fluid, comforting space for its clients.
“I think the feeling inside the house is more comfortable,” said executive director Jennifer Smith. “It’s warm, it’s inviting — it’s a friendly feeling.”
With the move, the Pregnancy Care Center, which offers a variety of services, has been able to streamline its operations, giving space to its administrative work and counseling sessions with two new, specially designated private rooms for counseling services.
In addition to counseling for both men and women, the center offers free pregnancy testing and even a boutique shop, where clients can take advantage of available classes, such as a SIDS informative class, in exchange for earning the opportunity to “purchase” a crib or other items, including clothes, formula, books and toys.
The center officially opened its doors in the new location July 21.
“And we had a walk-in pregnancy test that day,” Smith said.
Presenting a welcoming atmosphere to their clients is a high priority, Smith said. The center’s two top client demographics are the 16-19 and 20-24 age range. For some, the social and parental pressures can be disheartening and even damaging.
Smith said that in the case of many young women of high school age, the pressure to be accepted socially can be what leads to sex before either partner is really ready to deal with the depth of that decision.
“The clients have said they really, really like (the new location),” Smith said. “So we’re glad for that because that’s why we’re here. It just feels homey. Welcoming.”
Through its services, the center hopes to help clients take control of their lives and work to connect them with area churches or other resources if necessary.
For clients who are considering abortion and looking for guidance or are in need of the center’s abortion recovery services, Smith said comfort, again, is key.
“We want to be there to support her in any way that we can,” she said.
There are still some small improvements to be made, like laying base trim and other small jobs, and Smith said she’s looking for volunteers —  “handymen or handywomen” who may be able to help.
And there is hope for sonogram services in the future. Smith opened the door to a designated room where a sonogram machine and table have been donated to the center. A technician has also volunteered time for services, but Smith said there are still a lot of steps to be taken to make that service a reality.
Until then, center workers are keeping busy, seeing approximately 32 clients per week with additional walk-ins.
During the grand opening ceremony Monday, there will be an opening prayer and dedication and the center will host an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. for guests to meet with staff and volunteers.
To learn more about the Pregnancy Care Center, visit www.pregnancyniles.com.