By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES – It is no coincidence the new Women's Care Center in Niles is located next door to Michiana Medical Center.
"The benefactors who located this property for us were interested in a positive presence," said Ann Manion, president of the Women's Care Center board of directors. "But we're not about politics. It's all about helping women."
Michiana Medical Center offers abortion services. Women's Care Center, a non-profit organization, provides other options.
Women's Care Center Director Christa Brown said most women visit the center first for a free pregnancy test. If there is a pregnancy then other services become available, including options and goal counseling, and baby food, vitamins, diapers, supplies and clothing. Mothers earn the necessities through achieving goals, such as going to school or living healthy, Brown said.
"Clients usually come to us first to get a [pregnancy] test, and then we help all the way through age 4," Brown said.
The Women's Care Center also offers post abortion counseling.
"We're really most about providing hope and support for women," Manion said.
The Women's Care Center has 13 other locations in northern Indiana. This is the first to open in Michigan.
Brown said several families, including some from South Bend, Ind. and Ohio, got together to purchase and renovate the home at 621 E. Main St. The 3,000 square foot home was repainted and detailed with flowers and vines, and also re-carpeted.
"That's kind of our motto; we like to have a home-like center," Manion said.
The Women's Care Center is not affiliated with the Pregnancy Care Center of Niles just a few blocks down the road, but Brown said they have been in contact and the two organizations will collaborate.
The Women's Care Center is staffed by Brown, who is a licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse Naomi Maxwell of Niles, and a new counselor.
The operation is also supported by many area physicians, including Dr. Michelle Gray and Dr. Donna Harrison, who oversee medical services at the Women's Care Center, and Dr. Bob White of Niles, who serves on the board of directors.
The center opened Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Brown said they have already had several clients.
Manion said a local board for the Women's Care Center in Niles will be created.
"That's the best way to ensure the success of the center," she added.