Humble Beginnings
In March of 1990, Life Alternatives of Owasso was born from the efforts and prayers of one woman’s vision. Her desire was to provide women facing an unplanned pregnancy with positive options rather than the heartbreaking choice of abortion. Life Alternatives was established in a small office within First Christian Church located on 86th Street North. Services included a ‘hotline’ manned by volunteers to counsel with women when they called for help. Clients coming to the center actually had to perform their pregnancy test under the guidance and supervision of a specially trained volunteer.
As more and more abortions occurred, the need for the program continued to grow. A bigger space was needed, so a small, 1000 square foot space was rented in the MTC Center off the Owasso Expressway. Services expanded to include an educational program entitled Earn While You Learn. This program paired a client with a mentor and provided educational videos and training. As a reward for their efforts, women could purchase needed baby and maternity items in the PRC baby boutique with the points they earned for participating.
Our Services Expand
In October 2007 Life Alternatives became known as the Pregnancy Resource Center of Owasso (PRC) when the ministry incorporated as a 501©3. Much has changed since the humble beginnings of a small office and a handful of volunteers with a heart to help. In 2011, services expanded to include limited ultrasound. Under the guidance and direction of Dr. Joseph Johnson, DO, PRC Medical Director, specially trained Registered Nurses (RNs) provide confirmation of pregnancy through pregnancy testing and conducting a limited ultrasound on clients that are at least six weeks pregnant. The impact of this additional service was astounding; women were choosing life after getting a first-hand look at their precious unborn baby with a beating heart.
Within a year of offering limited ultrasounds the PRC enhanced medical services by offering testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This additional service includes an educational program that is evidence-based and endorses sexual purity. This program is an excellent curriculum for schools or church youth groups.
The PRC Continues to Grow
Today the PRC is still located within the MTC Center and nearly 5,000 square feet of space is utilized. With a staff of eight women and over 50 volunteers, nearly 300 women were provided services in 2014. Over 5,696 activities were performed. Examples of activities included 2,426 appointments, 215 pregnancy tests, 204 STD tests, 183 ultrasounds, and 992 shopping excursions in the PRC boutique.
In January of 2015, the Dad/Men program was initiated. Young men entering the program are paired with a male mentor to help them learn what it means to be not only a dad, but how to become a man. These young men also earn points by attending and are rewarded with purchases from the PRC baby boutique.
God has continued to grow this ministry in incredible ways. It has been an amazing journey, and we are even more excited to see where God will take the PRC over the next 25 years. It is our hope and prayer that within that time, abortion will be non-existent. What a celebration that would be! Until that day arrives, we will continue to serve our Lord and Savior by continuing to Honor Life, Love Families, and Give Hope to all who come to us.