"NOTHING LIKE I EXPECTED"

The Beaufort Women’s Center was nothing like I expected. First, when I drove up to the small brown building, I noticed that there wasn’t a huge sign saying, “Welcome to the Crisis Pregnancy Center.” I was glad about this because I wanted to keep my visit confidential until I decided what I wanted to do about my pregnancy. I knocked on the door and was greeted by a very kind woman who was probably my mother’s age. I noticed, too, that there were no white floors and stiff chairs, you know, that typical doctor’s waiting room feel. Instead, it looked like my living room with comfortable chairs, a big fluffy sofa, and curtains on the windows. This room was just as warm and cheerful as the woman who greeted me. This place was nothing like I imagined when I called to make my appointment to speak with a counselor. I was pleasantly surprised.

Best of all, the counselor was kind and listened to ME! I told her that I knew it was wrong, but I just didn’t think I could care for a baby right now. She told me that she understood my fears, and that I did have options. She also told me that my baby was special and deserved to have a life. And, even if I couldn’t raise my baby, there are lots of people right here in Beaufort County who would love to raise my baby.

The counselor told me about open adoptions, where I get to meet my baby’s potential guardians. I told the counselor that I felt trapped. She helped me to see that there is hope for me and my baby.

No, the Beaufort Women’s Center was nothing like I expected. It was much better than anything I imagined. I found hope there, and you can, too.