Here’s an amazing resource in Meeker and Rangely — the New Eden Pregnancy Care Center. Free to users, staffed entirely by volunteers, and completely sourced by donations, new parents couldn’t ask for more assistance.
Especially because our local hospitals provide no birthing center or specialized care for pregnant women or new babies, these humble places are centers of care and hope.
Some 70 years ago my husband had to be birthed in Glenwood Springs, not locally, because the Meeker hospital didn’t offer birthing services. Apparently, the same saga continues today and I find that astonishing.
For us lucky mothers who received intensive prenatal care including routine checkups, vitamins, advice then followed up by similar routine checkups of our newborns — I guess you could call us spoiled.
Pregnant women, foster families, struggling parents will find a friendly place of caring and resources that are just amazing. Even in our safe communities, domestic violence or similar situations affecting children cause a need for temporary foster care. Many households take on the loving challenge of being a foster family and providing a safe haven for children. When they don’t possess the necessary supplies, New Eden helps them out.
Here you can receive formula, diapers, baby supplies, baby food, and maternity clothes. It’s an amazing store of clean clothing for your children and babies. I just wanted to touch every cute tiny piece of clothing along with the toys and books. It’s truly a baby clothing center of the first order.
As well, free pregnancy tests, educational resources and referrals to specialists are available. Coming along soon in Meeker will be a mobile van providing ultrasound tests.
Headed by Director Brooke Slaughter, the Meeker center is open Thursdays from 1–6 p.m. at 345 Main St.
A similar operation is available in Rangely headed by Director Melissa Norman at 219 S. Sunset, open Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday 1-4 p.m.
Thank you ladies, all the volunteers, and donors who make these places available to those in need.
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times
