Nonprofit assists new and expecting mothers

For women facing the challenges of pregnancy and parenting who have limited support options, Agape Pregnancy Resource Center aims to provide help, hope and healing.

Agape Pregnancy Resource Center has been helping women in the Round Rock area for nearly a decade. Since its opening in 2004, there have been about 9,500 first-time visits and more than 42,500 return visits. More than 4,000 women sought assistance from the center in 2012 alone.

"We see lives change every day," said Jo Markham, founder and director

of development. "I think the most special thing that has happened has been just staying true to our mission and continuing to help women, just [ministering] into their lives to help them better themselves for a healthy future."

Agape offers services for pregnant women to help them physically, emotionally and financially. Mothers-to-be can receive free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, maternity clothes and counseling from a trained client advocate. Agape also supports women by giving them access to information regarding housing, employment, adoption services and legal options. Women can even request referrals to physicians to receive prenatal care.

"I came here five years ago when I was nine days pregnant," said Lizabeth Bonine, a past Agape client. "I brought my baby here for two years as a client, every single class, every week. Then I started to work here as a volunteer. I teach the Bible study class in Spanish. Agape changed my life."

Agape is also dedicated to equipping women for motherhood. A variety of classes are held to offer mothers vital information, including financial counseling, newborn care, nutrition, Bible study, parenting and more.

With the Earn While You Learn program, expecting mothers can earn "Mommy Money" by attending classes or by working on independent study. Mommy Money can then be redeemed for baby necessities provided by Agape. Clients can also earn graduation presents by completing a set of classes.

Although the center opened in 2004, it began holding fundraising banquets in 2003. The 10th annual banquet was held Aug. 23.

While Agape has more than doubled the size of its facility in the past 10 years, Markham and Bradley said that even more expansion might be necessary in the future in order to accommodate its expanding clientele.

Agape is a nonprofit center and relies solely on donations and charitable

partnerships.

"We don't take any federal or state funds," Assistant Director of Development, Miranda Bradley said.

"The YMCA partnered with us just this year," Bradley said. "Anyone who is actively involved in our program can receive a free YMCA membership, and that's huge for our moms. The First Baptist Church [Round Rock] has allowed our moms to utilize their child care facilities during classes."

104 E. Main St., Round Rock, 512-248-8200, www.agapeprc.org

Hours: Mon.–Wed. and Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Thu. noon–8 p.m.