A nonprofit organization in Central Oregon for over 25 years, Pregnancy Resource Center of Central Oregon (PRCCO) offers more services and resources than one might imagine at first glance. From parenting classes where clients can earn points and shop for items at the PRCCO Boutique, to a food pantry that includes beef donated by a local rancher, to prenatal vitamins and diapers, PRCCO strives to meet their clients where they are, providing what they need as a hand up, not a hand out.
“We are a faith-based organization and offer all of our services 100 percent free, and all are confidential,” explains PRCCO Development Director Stormie Van Patten. “Our clients come from all walks of life, all ages from high school to their 50’s, married, single, homeless. We have repeat clients who have used our services for a previous pregnancy and come back for the resources we offer.”
While the most common service sought at PRCCO is a medical grade urine pregnancy test that can be confirmed by a part-time nurse on staff at each PRCCO center, clients often return for other services such as ultrasounds, education, fatherhood coaching, pregnancy and parenting classes, birthing classes, support groups, baby supplies and the connection offered to other community resources.
“We are here to also discuss options with an unplanned pregnancy. We want women to have a safe space, to be heard,” states Van Patten. “We want them to feel hope, love and know that they are seen. We are here for them on the other side of whatever choice they make.
“Our Learn 2 Earn program is a great program,” Van Patten notes. “Parents watch videos online and earn points they can use to shop in our Boutique which has new and gently used maternity clothing, baby clothing and other supplies.” Through a grant from a local family trust, PRCCO is able to provide free car seats to new parents. Clients can also view educational videos at any PRCCO center.
“We find our educational programs are so valuable,” Van Patten remarks. “It’s not like you get sent home from the hospital after your baby is born with a manual telling you what to expect or how to change a diaper.” Van Patten notes that PRCCO’s goal is to empower their clients so that they can be a good parent.
Most clients come to PRCCO through word of mouth. PRCCO currently has centers in Bend, Redmond, Prineville and Madras. Hours of operation vary for each center and can be found online.
PRCCO does accept donations of new and gently used maternity clothing, baby clothing from newborn to 2T, diapers, baby wipes and many other baby supplies. They also accept financial donations online and always welcome volunteers.
Funding for PRCCO programs and services is 100 percent donor based. They hold two fundraising events per year. Their biggest fundraiser is their ‘baby bottle drive” and takes place each year from May to June. “We give out these little baby bottles and people fill them with change,” notes Van Patten. “Lots of churches, youth groups and even friend groups will get banker boxes full of 30 bottles and fill them with change. Last year we brought in over $100,000 with this fun event.” PRCCO also hosts their annual dessert fundraiser each August in Bend.
“The support from our community is so important for this organization,” Van Patten says. “We just truly want families to feel loved, to feel better when they leave, that they have what they need. There’s no judgment here, we are just here to offer a helping hand.”
PRCCO.org
“We just truly want families to feel loved, to feel better when they leave, that they have what they need. There’s no judgment here, we are just here to offer a helping hand.”
- Stormie Van Patten, PRCCO Development Director