Providing support: Options serves pregnant women and parents of infants and toddlers

Wendy Ramsey, the director of Options, a free pregnancy support center in Newport, recently spoke at the Kiwanis Club of Newport. Ramsey explained that Options offers a variety of services to its clients.

Clients can learn about avoiding debt, about loans, about blended families, take anger management classes and get access to the items that they may need. She explained that Options offers rental assistance, various classes and helps parents get the items that they need, such as a crib and diapers.

“If a mother is not needing material items, she can benefit from the classes that we have available,” Ramsey said. “When it comes to material assistance, we can help with anything from cribs to formula to diapers to wipes and clothing.”

Options programs are available to pregnant women, moms and dads to children younger than two and any caregiver to a child younger than two years of age.

“Pregnancy and parenting are filled with lots of uncertainty and our program is created to help answer questions that parents or caregivers may have,” Ramsey said.

She explained that clients complete lessons and with each lesson completed, the client earns credits to be used toward baby and toddler supplies. Ramsey reiterated that the lessons are practical, interesting and fun, and Options staff are available to provide support during challenging times.

To get started with Options, interested parents should visit the center at 434 Duncan Street in Newport, call (423) 415-9327 or email wendy@optionsnewport.com. Participants get their own personalized lesson plan. There is no cost and no commitment.

“We want to help parents succeed in their roles,” Ramsey said.

Options takes donations of baby items including clothing up to size 3T and toys. Ramsey said they are currently serving 30-45 clients per week.

Options also offers the court-mandated parenting class.

The largest fundraiser for the year for Options is set for Aug. 27 at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. The event is a formal dinner featuring the testimony of clients.