LAKE WYLIE --
Palmetto Pregnancy Center has been offering a hand to clients in Lake Wylie for several years, and several local groups are doing the same for the center.
At the end of November, the Lake Wylie branch had its carport area enclosed to provide more space. The move also provides more capabilities for the 400 to 500 clients seen at the center each year, as well as additional storage space.
“What it did was it allowed us to double our capacity,” said Lorrie Domin, director.
Before there was one room for meeting with clients and an office. Now, an education room will allow for larger parenting classes.
“Right now it’s just one-on-one,” Domin said.
New mothers can take parenting classes at the center and earn credits to spend in the “mommy boutique” there. The expansion was a partnership between several groups, including All Saints Knights of Columbus Council No. 14475, Keistler Construction and three local churches - The Journey, Scherer Memorial Presbyterian and Bethel Baptist.
“We believe in the value of every life and want to help those who may be struggling during a pregnancy,” said Bart Plaxco, pastor for Bethel Baptist. “This should be a very exciting time in the life of a young lady and man, but there are those who find this time in their life to be very hard.”
Bethel offers the building where the pregnancy center is located. Plaxco said the partnership is an effort to “celebrate life and care for those who are struggling with this gift of a new life.”
“They are a valuable asset to our community and deserve our support and effort,” he said.
Late All Saints member Jim Poto was instrumental in fundraising that led to an ultrasound machine at Palmetto Pregnancy in Lake Wylie. Before he died, he asked former homebuilder and fellow All Saints member Steve Zito to see to it that the recent project was completed.
“We got it done,” Zito said. “They have all the storage they need now.”
Zito’s group is about halfway toward its fundraising goal to bring an ultrasound machine to the Palmetto Pregnancy location in Fort Mill. He’s particularly proud of the Lake Wylie effort since so many people are tapped out toward the end of the year, yet many gave.
“It’s nice because it’s giving girls different choices,” Zito said.
Palmetto Pregnancy has locations in Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Lake Wylie. A variety of services are offered including pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound, and each location has a 24-hour helpline. Services are free to women.
Several churches, as well as individuals, have helped Palmetto Pregnancy continue its work, and now All Saints Council is looking to raise money for another ultrasound machine for Lake Wylie.
“We definitely have been blessed,” Domin said.
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