submitted by Janette Clausen, Director

What is going on 7th Street where the big Crossroads banner is posted?’ We are pleased to answer folks who ask because it has big implications for our community! This is the new space we nearing completion of to become our new center. This includes our offices and most importantly, it will house our new ultrasound program that will work hand-in-hand with Crossroads’ Pregnancy & Parenting Resource program.

For those who know little about us, it is typical to misunderstand this news to be that we will offer medical pregnancy care. This is NOT the case. Crossroads new site, including the renovations needed, is intended to provide a safe, inviting place where women experiencing difficult or unplanned pregnancies can come for ultrasound in order to confirm pregnancy, and to help them appreciate the beauty in their pregnancy, in spite of their difficult circumstances. We hope to engage with each of them to offer ongoing support and encouragement during their pregnancy as well as into parenthood.

Our services absolutely do not replace good prenatal care. We will only offer limited obstetric care, and will not be doing diagnostic ultrasound beyond confirming a pregnancy and approximate gestation. We will always seek to refer to good prenatal care through a medical provider. That would often imply further ultrasound for diagnostic purposes by the obstetrician, and once the woman is receiving such care, Crossroads would not do further ultrasound on that patient.

At Crossroads, our mission is to gently help our clients defeat or remove the barriers that they may describe which make them feel abortion may be the right answer. We want to equip them with knowledge, confidence, and parenting and relationship skills. If we can assist them with the decision making, then a trusting relationship is formed, and we can be there to help them as they prepare for parenthood. Through that phase, we can offer support through rough times, and mentor them in multiple life challenges.

Why ultrasound? Ultrasound is a tool that helps them value the constantly changing and growing life inside of them. The Crossroads’ ultrasound project, which Crossroads has named the BIGGER Ultrasound Campaign, started after the Knights of Columbus, Charles Carroll group, pledged to begin fundraising for an ultrasound machine for Crossroads. They have successfully sparked and engaged help from other local Nate groups, including.

An ultrasound machine is very expensive, so while this is exciting news, it was a tremendous undertaking for Crossroads. The start of the program implied 1) moving to a larger space and consequentially making a purchase of a new building 2) medical staffing 3) higher professional insurances, 3) professional training, and 4) remodel of the space to ensure optimal safety. These factors combined require extensive community help and partnering for the program to be effective and successful.

The community has been generous and excited for what is unfolding. The remodel process started shortly after closing in early November on the private sale and has gone incredibly smooth.

Crossroads also provides care for the opposite stages of life through CoCares. This program offers nonmedical assistance to seniors and caregivers in the community for a nominal fee, with donations offsetting costs for the recipients. With our current ultrasound project and minimal staffing, we are maintaining the households we are serving without intentional marketing for more. We hope to add focus and awareness to this program soon.

While the expenses of the building site and operations for both programs are daunting at times, we are grateful for the community who have been encouraging, financially supportive and helpful. We encourage all community and surrounding area persons to keep updated through our quarterly newsletters, occasional short emails, website, and local media.

One key way to learn more about Crossroads and to help is to attend our annual fundraiser and celebration of life event scheduled for March 12. These monies have been used for direct program time in previous years, and are the key fuel for such. Of course, contributions to the building campaign are also needed and welcome anytime. All donations help to anchor our mission, either by providing a safe, welcoming environment for those in difficult pregnancy circumstances or offering the direct contact in helping them sort through the challenges in a healthy and proactive way.

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