OWENTON, Ky. (KT) – Hope Lives Pregnancy Center in Owenton, a ministry initiated by Kentucky Baptists, will be opening soon. Renovations of a new building are in full swing as the center prepares to bring education, support and ultrasounds — a rare commodity in Owen County — to local families.
“A big deal for the community is…offering those free ultrasounds,” said Kelli Carper, executive director of Hope Lives. “They don’t have an OB (Obstetrician) office there in the community. Only when an OB from out of town visits do they get anything like that. In fact, I think they don’t even do ultrasounds in town; they have to drive to Frankfort or Florence.”
A 3-D ultrasound machine donated by Crossroads Pregnancy Center in nearby LaGrange will sit in one room, ready for Carper —a registered nurse trained in limited obstetric ultrasounds — and other medical personnel to provide the needed service to clients.
Hope Lives already has two medical directors, a retired OB and a family practitioner, who will approve medical policies and procedures and read ultrasounds.
“I thought that would be the biggest mountain I had to climb,” but God provided the right doctors and a knowledgeable volunteer, Carper said.
At an open house event in June, Carper connected with a supporter who not only sets ups and trains people on ultrasound machines, but works with the exact brand and model of the machine donated to Hope Lives.
“She and I were kind of geeking out a little bit over that. We’re so excited because she’s going to come and help me get it set up (and) make sure it connects with our computer system, and that way the doctor can read everything.”
Carper noted how volunteers have been the driving force behind preparations to open Hope Lives.
“For our renovation, we really are solely relying on volunteers. And then we do have one contractor, who’s been just instrumental in getting all of our stuff done,” Carper said.
More than 30 people helped rip out the floors; eight women came one day to help clean out the basement that stores donations; others have assisted with workdays taking care of landscaping and other renovation tasks; contractors, HVAC professionals, plumbers and electricians have donated their time and expertise.
“We probably have, I would say, at least 30 churches who have contributed in some way,” Carper said.
For some, that’s a monthly or quarterly financial gift. For others, it’s giving material goods, like 15 chairs.
“I don’t know if you can add all that up and come up with the number, but it’s definitely hitting close to 100, between individuals, business and churches that have really jumped on board and are helping. And the numbers are growing.”
Carper, who also serves as a Kentucky Missionary Service Corps missionary, said Kentucky Baptists have played a crucial role in making Hope Lives a reality in Owenton.
“I know God can do anything and he would do it any way he sees fit. But from my perspective, I don’t know how we could have done it without (Kentucky Baptist churches).”
She said Kentucky Baptists are praying, WMU groups are collecting diapers and wipes, churches are doing baby showers to gather donations.
“It really is the foundation of the ministry, is the Baptist churches who didn’t really, most of them didn’t even hesitate. They understood that this is a need in every community and the fact that it’s right in their backyard most of them were just ready to jump on from day one, and that’s huge.”
Carper couldn’t provide an opening date for Hope Lives, as the process of preparing the pregnancy center has required flexibility, but “I feel like we’re not too far,” she said.
Hope Lives will host its inaugural banquet fundraiser this fall at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton on Oct. 26. Ken Ham, founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis, will be the featured speaker. Supporters can learn more about this event and other ways to invest in Hope Lives by visiting hopelivespregnancycenter.com.
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