"Lessons to Change Lives"

Project Wrap Up

In 2022, we had 55 clients participate in our Parent Education Program, with 238 total lessons viewed (5,316 minutes).  One client completed the top level of the program, earning a top reward item (car seat, baby monitor, etc.)  In 2023 so far, we have already had more than 50 clients participate who have viewed more than 140 lessons, with more registering each month.  Three clients have already completed the top level in 2023, earning the top reward items.  At the current pace, we will more than double the number of clients involved in the program by the end of 2023.  Clients consistently give us positive feedback on these lessons, and are eager to continue.  We have several clients who have reached the top level, and have chosen to continue with additional classes.  

Project Details

Our Willow Center Big Give Gage project for this year is the funding of our Education Program, which lets us support our clients by offering individualized, life-changing lessons that really make a difference. These lessons are offered to our clients at no cost to them. Willow Center uses the "Bright Course" video series, which offers quick lessons on topics chosen by each client. Lessons can be viewed at home or at the Willow Center, and are then reviewed with a staff member. The lessons are fun and engaging, and cover topics from pregnancy to birth to parenting to life-skills and more. An "Earn While You Learn" approach to the program lets clients earn reward items such as infant supplies, educational toys, or car seats as they complete levels. Feedback from our clients has been very positive and encouraging. The funding we receive from Big Give Gage this year will go toward "Bright Course" subscription fees, supplies and materials, and reward items for our educational program. We have recently added an RN Client Support Specialist to our staff, and are also working toward implementing Spanish language interpretation into the program. Our goal is to get all our clients and families involved in this great opportunity to change and improve their lives!

So she knows we're here for her.

Project Details

So often we don’t hear about crisis pregnancies.  They often lead to feelings of guilt or shame and therefore are not spoken about openly.  This can lead to a lack of shared knowledge regarding help for those affected.  Willow Center desires to bring a message of hope to these situations. We provide peer counseling and practical resources that lead to empowerment for those facing what might at first seem impossible.

For those who think they might be pregnant, we provide free, confidential pregnancy tests as well as an ultrasound for an image of the pregnancy.  We offer a non-judgmental place for her to talk about her situation and to express her concerns. We can then discuss options with her and refer for other local assistance, too, as needed.

For those who choose to parent, we have a resource center filled with free baby and toddler clothing, gear and even monthly diapers and formula if needed.  We provide free parenting classes on many different topics and have newborn gift bags, birthday gift bags for kids and more. 

If adoption is a better choice, Willow Center provides a meeting location and referral resources to make the process with the professional adoption organization as convenient and supportive as possible.  

One of the biggest challenges facing our mission is how to reach those who are feeling alone and trying to find a solution to an unplanned pregnancy.  Although pricey, online advertising is one of the most effective ways to reach these women.  For the first time, we are considering a paid online presence in order to reach out to those looking for help.  With your donation, we will not only be able to provide the personnel and resources to help a woman in need, but we will also be able to make sure she knows we are here when she is online looking for assistance.

We are all called to help those most in need.  Your donations can make that happen!

Thank you so much for your support now and throughout the years.

Sustainability through COVID

Project Details

If you have an unplanned pregnancy, you might not know what to do next. You might worry that the father won't welcome the news. You might not be sure you can afford to care for a baby. You might worry if past choices you have made, such as drinking or drug use, will affect your unborn baby's health. You might be concerned that having a baby will keep you from finishing school or pursuing a career. If you are pregnant after being raped, you might feel ashamed, numb, or afraid. You might wonder what options you have. 

Willow Center is here for these families.  We provide confidential, cost free services to all of our clients.

These confidential, cost-free services include:

• Abortion Information
• Adoption Agency Referrals
• Adoption Information
• Emotional Support
• Maternity & Infant Supplies
• Medical Referrals
• Parenting Education
• Post-Abortion Support
• Pregnancy Options Information
• Pregnancy Tests
• STD/STI Information
• Support for Men
• Ultrasound (Onsite)

* Ultrasound scans are used to confirm the presence of a viable, uterine pregnancy. We do not use ultrasound to determine gender or diagnose abnormalities. Eligibility criteria apply.

This year, we are faced with the particular challenge of having fewer opportunities for in-person fundraising events, but increased need in our community for practical assistance. We were able to transition to a temporary delivery service of infant supplies to protect our volunteers and our clients. Now we are turning our attention to how we can sustain our services without our traditional fundraising banquet to rely upon.  Please help us with your online donation.  Your support will help us budget for our 2021 year of services to this community in Gage County and beyond.

$35 PROVIDES formula FOR an INFANT IN NEED

$50 PROVIDES DIAPERS FOR a FAMILY IN NEED

$75 PROVIDES PRENATAL VITAMINS for a PREGNANCY 

$100 PROVIDES ULTRASOUNDS for EXPECTING MOTHERS

$200 PROVIDES NEW CAR SEATS for FAMILIES IN NEED

$250 PROVIDES PARENTING RESOURCES for CLIENTS

$500 PROVIDES a MONTH of COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

Thank you for your generosity to the Willow Center. Your donation changes lives.

 All of your money remains local and improves the lives of those around us in ways we can’t put into words. 

Thank you.

Client Education and Outreach

Project Details

Did you know that 45% of all pregnancies in the United States every year are unplanned?  The highest rates are among low-income and low educated women aged 18-24.  These statistics do not consider any of the other problems these women and families face.  The fear they feel when dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and thinking about how they will provide for that child is very real.  At Willow, we offer hope and help to women, families, and their preborn babies with educational material that informs; support and care that comforts their fears; and supplies to meet their basic, physical needs.  We listen and offer support that is factual and truthful.  We give options that are genuine and trustworthy to help them make the best decisions for their lives now and for their future. 

The $2,500 we hope to raise in partnership with Big Give Gage will help those most in need with the following:

1.      Help with monthly supplies such as diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, toiletries, bigger items like cribs, car seats, bedding, bottles, etc.

2.      Parent education and mentoring through our Earn While You Learn educational program.  This provides one-on-one guidance between parents and Willow staff educators dealing with subjects from prenatal months through toddler year, life skills, and fatherhood.

3.      Appointments and sessions to help clients connect further into the community by referrals to additional agencies in the community that can help them.

4.      Options counseling that gives families and women factual knowledge and information to make the best decision for now and for their future when facing an unplanned pregnancy.

5.      Pregnancy tests

6.      Limited ultrasounds to confirm viability of their pregnancy.

Willow currently serves around 300 families.  Since 2017, that number has increased by 40% as we continue to serve new clients every week.  With your generous donation and partnership, we will be able to continue to offer help to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies and the ongoing challenges of meeting the needs of their children.  The services Willow provides are free and confidential. The staff and volunteers at Willow are very grateful for each and every donation we receive from every family, church, business and organization.  Willow receives no government funding and serves our community because of generous donors like you.