When the need for additional support for pregnant women and families of Warren County was made public, people responded.An informational meeting was held Sept. 15 and nearly 100 people attended to learn more and see how they could help.During the meeting, 20 people volunteered to serve on the organization’s steering committee. Their primary job was to elect a board of directors, which was done on Nov. 7. Members include Dr. Tom Bray, Cathy Engelage, Elsa Fernandez-Garcia, Diane Foland, the Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier, Pam Moehl and Becky Stewart.The committee also selected a name for the new organization. It will be called the Pregnancy Options Center (POC). Its purpose is to provide pregnancy and reproductive options for individuals, couples and families of Warren County. The organization plans to provide support through education, coaching and support services.It hopes to open its doors in September 2017.Its mission statement is to “provide hope, help and healing to those in our community facing pregnancy choices.”“This is going to be a community effort,” said Foland, newly elected board member. “We are just beginning and we want to get the word out that we will need support and volunteers.”While there are many things to work out, Foland said the group, which is pro-life in its convictions, hopes to offer pregnancy option coaching, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, material support and post-abortion counseling.The board is busy putting together all the pieces. A registered agent has been appointed, Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Corporation have been received and a checking account has been opened.Foland said the POC will be supported by private donations and will receive no government funding. The organization’s next step is to locate the best resources to offer women in need of support, from baby wipes and maternity clothes to counseling.“We hope the community will donate to the cause,” said Foland. “We will eventually accept donations of diapers, baby wipes and essential needs of a newborn baby. We hope to meet all the needs of the mother and baby.”Foland said the Missouri Department of Health reported there were 16 abortions in Warren County in 2013 and 34 in 2014. The Missouri Right to Life organization observed the rising numbers in the county and its members are helping provide resources to the POC.Dr. Bray, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, will also serve as a board member for POC.“People are seeing a legitimate need here,” he said. “We want to give women options that will be healthy for them and the baby.”Bray said his church has already purchased baby bottles to use as a fundraising tool by filling them with small change.“We really see it as caring for people and meeting their needs,” he said.Foland said the POC doesn’t have a location in mind at this point, but people are being sought to fill key positions.“The executive director will be the only paid employee,” said Foland. “All others will be volunteers.”Foland said certain medical professionals, such as ultrasound technicians, may receive payment for their services. The POC will use ultrasound technology to confirm a pregnancy. Local doctors will be available to verify the ultrasounds.The POC is pro-life and will not perform abortions or provide contraceptives. It will help educate women about procedures available to them. It will educate mothers about adoptive services if they are interested. Gathering a variety of local resources and volunteers will be critical to begin serving women struggling with pregnancy issues.The group plans to hold a banquet in the future as a major fundraising event.The board hopes that churches, civic organizations and businesses will join to help make the POC a reality. For more information call Foland at 636-456-5131.Pregnancy