Steve and Pat Phillips are co-Directors of Northeast Texas Heart of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center located in Sulphur Springs. In addition to pregnancy tests and sonograms, their newly-remodeled offices at 407 South Davis Street now allow for expanded services including educational parenting classes and two classes for men, “Authentic Manhood” and “Practical Fatherhood”. According to Steve Phillips, they have between 300 and 400 new clients yearly who come to their door seeking the services of Heart of Hope. All services are free. The center receives no government or grant assistance, but operates entirely on a donation basis, and on fundraisers such as the first-annual 3K Run and Family Fun Walk from Celebration Plaza on the morning of April 7. In addition to the co-directors, Heart of Hope has nine volunteer staffers. The Center is open for walk-ins from 9-5 Tuesdays and Thursdays, and by appointment. All information is treated confidentially.
Services include free pregnancy tests and sonograms, referrals to doctors, to WIC and Medicaid and referrals to adoption center, if the client seeks this. The Center also provides counseling for their clients. Once a women is signed up as a client, other services become available like an “earn while you learn” series of lessons. This series instructs about wellness and nutrition for mom and baby, labor, childbirth and how to care for an infant. It is done online in the center, and once completed, earns the client “Mommy Money” or Daddy Dollars” to spend in the Center’s “Baby Boutique” which is similar to a shop with items that babies will need from cribs to car seats to clothing. The Men’s classes are taught by Steve Phillips. “Authentic Manhood” is a faith-based 25-lesson series with a certificate upon completion.
Intern Leyte Franco is heading up the fundraiser 3K Run and Family Fun Walk. The 3K will kick off at 9am and the Family Fun Walk ( a half-mile) will begin at 10:45am. Awards will be presented to the top three qualifiers in the run at 11:15 am. The public as well as clients of Heart of Hope are encouraged to get the entire family involved in this healthy, fun activity. It will assist Heart of Hope to continue and to expand services to the community. For details, phone 903-440-1665 or go to sulphurspringspregnancycemter.com.
