Birthright Geauga recently expanded its abilities to help underprivileged pregnant women and young families by opening a satellite office in southeast Geauga County.
Birthright Geauga recently expanded its abilities to help underprivileged pregnant women and young families by opening a satellite office in southeast Geauga County.
Since 1972, the main Birthright office in Chardon has provided clothes and supplies for families with young children and expectant mothers who don’t have income or family support in the area, said Kay Fitch, the executive director for the Chardon Birthright chapter of the international organization at 209 Center Street.
“We’re open to anyone who comes through the door,” she said. “We are a non-judgmental resource for pregnant women and young families.”
When Dee Holt, of Middlefield, came to her a few months ago concerned about the choices some pregnant women face, they set a plan in motion that resulted in the opening of a new Birthright Geauga center at 14890 Burton-Windsor Road in Middlefield Township Nov. 5.
“I was very worried about the abortion (situation) in this country,” Holt said. “I felt I had to do something.”
She started by filling baby bottles with loose change and donating it once a year to charities that help pregnant women, but soon felt a calling to do more.
“I wanted to do something local,” she said, so she went to visit Fitch, who was new to her leadership position in Chardon.
“I said, ‘You’re an answer to my prayers,’” Fitch recalled.
Holt felt compelled to open a center in the underserved area of Middlefield and met with Mike Continenza, pastor of the Abundant Life Church of God in Middlefield.
He introduced her to Tap Ware, pastor of the Maple View Mennonite Church in Burton Township, who thought the idea was great.
“He was totally on board and generously gave us this room,” Holt said. “It was crazy how this came together.”
The bright room has shelves, racks and cabinets filled with maternity shirts and pants, and children’s clothes up to size six, diapers, formula and various other supplies Holt will distribute to people in need. On the top shelf is a tote labeled “Amish clothes,” an anonymous donation, she said.
Cribs, mattresses, car seats and bassinettes have to be newly purchased and Birthright Geauga buys them from Walmart, storing them in the more spacious office in Chardon, Holt said.
The local chapter is supported in part by a grant from United Way of about $3,000, she said. While they gratefully accept donations of clothing and carefully sort it, keeping only items with little ware, some items are essential.
“Everyone who comes through the door asks for diapers and wipes,” Fitch said. “There are different ways the community can get involved.”
Volunteers and visitors are welcome at the Chardon office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at the Middlefield center, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Free pregnancy tests are available, and Birthright Geauga coordinates with a lot of other groups such as WomenSafe, Head Start ,WIC and local food pantries.
But Holt and Fitch also provide a safe place where women can share their worries and seek answers. Many don’t realize they are eligible for insurance through Medicaid and Geauga County Job and Family Services has programs to help, as well, Holt said.
Both emphasized the program is strictly confidential, non-judgmental and non-denominational. The supplies are free. If someone needs a car seat or crib, Holt and Fitch ask to see paperwork from WIC or GCJFS or a letter from a pastor.
“We are happy to help them,” Holt said. “Often the girls come in just to talk, look for advice or a friendly shoulder to cry on.”
Anyone wishing to contact Birthright Geauga should call the Chardon office at 440-286-9711, but visitors are welcome at either location.
