Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy can pose one of the biggest and most emotional challenges a young woman or couple can imagine. Since the idea came about in 2016, later opening its doors in 2018, the staff and volunteers at Warren County Pregnancy Options Center (POC) have been helping people learn about options to these challenges.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, the POC held its annual banquet to connect with its donors, supporters and community members. Underwritten by local businesses, the event raises much needed support for the POC. Robin Olsen, POC executive director, said it takes approximately $10,000 to offer the center’s services each month.

Nicholas Ross and Kelly Sincup, parents of two children, were part of the focus of a video shown during the banquet. They readily admit they were addicted to methamphetamine and their “babies were taken from them.”

“We were required to go to the POC for drug court,” said Ross. “I never thought I could quit meth. We got accountability at the POC and a new family.”

Ross said the couple has now been clean for more than six months and they are being reunited with their children.

Sincup said they learned how to parent at the POC. She said the support of the staff and volunteers there made a tremendous difference in their lives. They are now attending church and volunteering at the POC.

“The difference in this couple is when they came in they knew they messed up,” said Olsen. “They owned it and are doing absolutely everything to get their kids back, including community service hours at the POC.”

In addition to parenting classes, the POC offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, referrals, and coaching. All services are free to clients who reach out for help. Couples learn there are alternates to abortion.

Olsen said when a pregnant woman asks for the ultrasound, the test can confirm fetal heartbeat, determine the approximate age and due date of the baby.

“The client has the realization that this is life,” she said.

The unique guest speaker, comic Robert G. Lee, brought a lot of laughs to the crowd. He can be seen on his DryBar comedy special, writes punchlines for “Veggie Tales,” and observes the world through the lenses of TV shows of his childhood. He has been entertaining crowds for three decades.

Although he is best known for his creative ad libs and interactions with his audience, he also shared his views on the miracle of God’s creation.

“He knew us before time began and that stuns me,” said Lee. “God has a plan for every single child. Give your money judiciously and give it to those that help other people.”

He challenged those at the banquet to raise $120,000 so that each month of the year was covered.

“I’m so grateful to the community for their support,” said Olsen. “The community raised nearly $50,000 during the banquet. My desire, going forward, is just to serve the community.”

The mission of the POC is to help provide options for Warren County families through free and confidential education, coaching and support services. The POC is located at 222 E. Booneslick Road, in Warrenton. Its hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday services are by appointment only. The center is closed Saturday and Sunday. 

The center provides a 24/7 help line in addition to its business number at 636-377-4443. To learn more about the center and its services, visit pregnancyoptionscenter.org.