KINGWOOD — For more than 35 years, the James Isaac House Pregnancy Resource Center has provided pregnancy services to Preston County residents. The nonprofit was founded in July 1989 as Mountaintop, and later changed its name.
“We offer prenatal classes to help prepare the parents for the birth of their baby and classes to better equip parents to care for their baby.” Director Vicky Gamblin said. “There is no income requirement and no fees involved.”
Classes are not the only service offered. Gamblin said the center also offers material assistance to parents such as baby clothes, formula, diapers, wipes, baby furniture such as high chairs, strollers, bottles, car seats, blankets and many other items. Mothers are also provided with maternity clothing if needed.
“A lot of people think you have to be pregnant for us to provide services. But parents, or grandparents raising young children or a baby can also come in and we can provide them with items, and we have shoes and clothing for boys and girls up to size 4-T,” Gamblin said. “We provide services for both babies and toddlers.”
She said if a parent or caregiver runs out of an item like diaper rash medicine, baby bottle nipples or other items for the baby, they can visit the center for help. Gamblin said every pregnant mother receives a layette for their newborn. The layette comes with toys, blanket, clothing, bottles, nipples, diapers, wipes and many other items needed by a newborn.
“We have cribs, bassinets, diapers, colic bottles for newborns to help reduce colic. Anything we can do to help a young family by supplying them items, we will do it,” Gamblin said. “They can donate them back to us when they no longer need them so they are there for someone else in need.” She said the center recently had a successful diaper drive and gave away 3,400 diapers in one day.
“We were able to purchase the diapers at a reduced rate,” Gamblin said. “The company sells to centers at a discounted rate. They do it to help. All of the diapers they sell are hypoallergenic and soft.” She said everyone is welcome to come to the center to see what it has to offer or to donate items.
“I encourage people to come in and tour our facility. It’s hard to describe over the phone. I also encourage potential volunteers, representatives of the churches and the public to come in and see what we do,” Gamblin said.
She said the center also holds awareness events to spread the word. One is held during the Christmas holiday. Gamblin said parents and children come in and they have a party. There are gifts for everyone attending, and someone to watch the children while parents make cookies to take home with them. She said parents could also pick out toys to take home for their children.
The next event is a free community family fun day set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 3 at Brown’s Park, sponsored by the James Isaac House Pregnancy Resource Center and local churches. There will be food, activities, games, face-painting and a bounce house. Hours at the center are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and by appointment Wednesday and Friday.
For more information about becoming volunteer, or how to make a monetary or item donation call 304-329-1132, or stop by at 312 E. Main St., Kingwood.
