ROCKINGHAM - On Jan. 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating that date as National Sanctity of Life Day. Churches continue to honor that day on the third Sunday in January each year.
And it seems appropriate that as that day approaches, the Rockingham Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center (PDPRC) begins renovations on a larger facility.
On Monday, the Pee Dee Baptist Men’s Association from churches throughout Richmond and Scotland counties began arriving before 8 a.m. at the new location at 202 S. Lawrence Street to begin renovations on the site.
Dennis Holloway, a recovery team leader for the NC Baptist Men, served as team leader of the project.
PDPRC is a Christ-centered, 501(c)(3) ministry offering hope and comfort to those facing an unexpected pregnancy. It is supported through private donations of area churches, organizations and individuals in the local community, and outreach is provided by volunteers.
“We outgrew our previous location due to client numbers as well as space needed for additional activities,” said Jatana McCormick, Director of PDPRC, explaining that the move was necessary. “There are things we would like to be able to do like holding group classes, group Bible studies, and other activities.
“With our other building, there was no way to do that with more than four or five people,” McCormick continued. “On top of that, to be able to increase our inventory, we needed more room. It also became apparent that we may need additional staff.”
McCormick stated that, although the building itself is in great shape, it needs a cosmetic overhaul, including painting walls, putting flooring in, replacing some ceiling tiles, and changing lights. The reception and lobby area would need more extensive work.
“We are excited. When God grows something, it’s always so much better and so much more than we can imagine,” McCormick commented on the renovations. “We’re excited to move in here and see what He has in store. We know what plans we have but our plans never trump His plans.”
McCormick and her staff were thankful for Holloway and his crew and the work they were providing.
Holloway mentioned he was motivated to work on the renovations after speaking with McCormick at a pastors’ meeting.
“She (McCormick) told me that they were in the process of getting this building,” Holloway said. “I told her then that whenever she got it if she would let me know I would get the Baptist Men to come down and do whatever they needed to get it going. So, today is the day we’re starting on it.”
Tools are unloaded by some of the Pee Dee Baptist Men’s crew.
Holloway and his team plan on tearing out all the old carpet, doing some carpentry work in the office, and painting every room. Holloway stated that they would finish it up in two days.
“We have between 25-30 people working,” Holloway shared. “Some were calling as late as 10 p.m. the night before asking to come help. Once you get that many people moving, you can get something done in no time.”
There are many opportunities for those wishing to donate time or money to PDPRC. Monetary donations can be made to the Baby Bottle Campaign through a local participating church or other organization, or by contributing a donation via PayPal or a check in the mail.
Other opportunities include a willingness to wash, dry and return donated clothes, mentor clients or help in the office. Intercessory prayer for the ministry is also appreciated.
For those who are in need of services, they are encouraged to call the office at 910-997-3040.
