Women's Enrichment Center-Part 2
By KATHLEEN MCKEVITT

An example of an ultrasound photo

Helping Women Make a Choice They Can Live With," is a credo of the local Women's Enrichment Center. It means, among many other things, that the center provides education through their abstinence program, "You are Unique," child birth and parenting classes, arts and crafts, the free offering of ultrasound tests, pregnancy tests, clothes for mother and child, strollers and cribs, baby food and formula, and trained counselors.

All of this and more is provided free to young families because of the donations and funding from 11 local churches who provide regular support, 19 individuals in the Blairsville area, and local business owners. Chris Scoggins, Executive Director of the center, says, "These are the people who are presently committed to regular monthly support of this center."

"Once," says Scoggins, "when we were in dire need, we held a "save a life" banquet to raise funds. We didn't know how we would pay for our rent, our bills for the next month, or our continuing expenses, but with the help of our powerful guest speaker that evening, and the goodness of the people in attendance, $49,000 was raised in one night."

The center continues to have three major fundraisers a year but Scoggin's team knows that although the income in one evening was substantial, to run the center adequately now would be 24 churches giving, which is double what they presently have; they need 50 individuals contributing which is 30 more than they have now, and 24 businesses helping which is 23 more than at the present time.

Scoggins quickly adds, "Let me be clear, however, that Union County has been gracious and supportive in immeasurable ways, as has Fannin, Towns, Cherokee, Clay and others even farther away."

What happens when more income is established? The Ultrasound for "communicating life" travels to more places and saves more lives. The new machine, costing $38,000, provides earlier and clearer pictures, helping doctor, mother, and child in the early stages of pregnancy. Additional income also provides for one paid staff position either part of full time to

be the abstinence coordinator, and travel money for people in situations where no facilities like the Blairsville center are available. "New funds," says Scoggins, "also allow us to keep up with our regular maintenance, insurances, baby supplies, and class materials."

Speaking to all supporters of the center, Scoggins says, "Any individual contributor is a bonafide part of every life that's saved, a part of the young people who come in here, and a part of the families who are helped to a healthy lifestyle, and through their financial support are a part of everything this ministry accomplishes."