Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2023

COAST NOTE
Along Lorraine Road in Gulfport sits a modest, unassuming white building that offers expectant mothers an abundance of life-changing beginnings with tender support, solid advice, and essential knowledge.
The sign outside states Women’s Resource Center and the building is nestled in comforting Live Oak trees that reflect the warm and welcoming spirit of those who work and volunteer in the nonprofit organization. And it’s a lot more than just
a building with dozens of volunteers. It’s a nonjudgmental family that’s willing to help expectant parents with compassion and no expectations of explaining complicated relationships or previous actions.
And now center officials are asking the business community to get involved by taking advantage of a $10 million Pregnancy Resource Act that’s meant to incentivize donations to pregnancy centers and create a tax credit for those businesses donating to the non-profit pregnancy organizations. It’s a dollar-for-dollar opportunity that allows businesses to redirect a portion of their Mississippi income tax liability to pregnancy centers, just like the Women’s Resource Center. Businesses can donate up to 50% of their state income tax liability to help
change the lives of women and families within our community It’s a win-win for businesses as well as the center.
“If we could get enough businesses to donate it would make
a big difference,” said Vivian Champaigne, development director at the center. “One of our main goals is to buy the corner lot next to us and have another building so we can keep the medical care and the classes separate. That way, it’s not so overwhelming when women visit for the first time.”
With almost 200 women seeking guidance at the center each month, any increase in funds would be beneficial. The center, which is open Monday through Thursday, provides everything from medical care such as ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, to prenatal vitamins and weekly classes as part of the Empowered Parenting program. With 9 classes each week, the curriculum helps equip new and expectant parents with real life skills in order for them to gain confidence in preparing for and raising their children. WRC also provides material assistance for all participants such as diapers, wipes, formula, equipment and clothing for their children up to the age of 2. All of these items are donated by supporters within our community.
story by Cherie Ward
16 | September 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
9155 Lorraine Rd., Gulfport 228.897.8958 www.wrcgulfport.org