When Brandie Hayden, CEO of Wise Choices Pregnancy Resource Center in Decatur, Texas, comes to work each morning, she knows there will be many opportunities for sharing the love of Jesus.
“No day is the same,” she said. “Every day is different.”
Opened in 2001, the center’s mission is to save babies and proclaim Jesus Christ. They are part of a national group of pregnancy resource centers, but function autonomously.
Data shows that 170 girls who visited the center last year were “abortion vulnerable.” But when they have an ultrasound and hear the baby’s heartbeat, “everything changes,” Hayden said.
Of the 170, 163 (95.9%) chose life.
Focusing on strategies
For 2021, statistics show 933 total client visits, 312 new clients, 328 pregnancy tests and 288 ultrasounds. More importantly among those numbers, however, 28 made professions of faith in Christ, five rededicated their faith and the gospel was presented 251 times.
Laurie Perkins, Wise Choice client services director, said the center allows clients to earn coupons to purchase baby items, and services are provided for mothers and their babies up to 3 years of age. They earn the coupons by participating in and completing classes, both in-person and virtual. Class topics range from parenting and budgeting to Bible study and nutrition.
“Clients are encouraged to call and talk with a staff person for a complete listing of all the ways we stand ready to help care for their babies now, while also preparing for their future,” Perkins said.
One strategy at Wise Choice that is different from some centers is treating the baby’s father like a patient and helping him stay involved.
“We have male mentors who meet with the fathers and educate them as to the importance of being a dad,” Hayden said. “Mentors help the fathers deal with fears of being a dad, the excitement and the resources available. The mentor also provides spiritual leadership and shares the gospel.”
The center offers free programs to clients:
- Pregnancy tests
- Ultrasound
Male mentors meet with the fathers. This young father took off from work early to meet with his counselor. (Photo courtesy of Wise Choices Pregnancy Resource Center - Peer counseling services
- Adoption information
- “Earn While You Learn”
- Parenting classes
- Referrals for social service agencies
- Pregnant/parenting teen program
- Abortion pill reversal protocol
- Testing for diseases spread through sex.
Another ministry offered by the center is an abortion recovery program, which helps women come to terms with their choice and allow the Lord to heal and restore them. It is conducted by trained staff in one-on-one counseling, to help women walk in freedom and wholeness after an abortion.
Churches in Wise County, Texas, support the center with Baby Bottle Boomerang fundraisers and observances of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in January.
“We are just wrapping up the 2022 Baby Bottle Boomerang and this year’s total raised exceeded $22,000,” Hayden said. “We are so grateful to all who contributed as we have had several unexpected expenses this year.”
Volunteer opportunities
“In 2021, we gave out over 12,000 diapers, boxes of wet wipes, baby food and formula,” Hayden said.
Hayden expects the number of clients to increase since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court.
“It is our goal to educate our clients and love on them no matter what choice they make,” she affirmed.
For more information on volunteering or donating call 940-627-6924 or visit www.mywisechoices.com.
