While most of the thrift shops in this area are operated by two
big charities, Goodwill Industries and The Salvation Army, in
Britain it seems like every nonprofit agency runs its own retail
store.
While most of the thrift shops in this area are operated by two big charities, Goodwill Industries and The Salvation Army, in Britain it seems like every nonprofit agency runs its own retail store. I was reminded of this contrast when I read that the South Valley Pregnancy Care Center recently held a grand opening for its Baby Boutique located at 7891-C Westwood Ave. in Gilroy.
This new store features “gently used” children’s clothing for sizes newborn to age 5. The clean, nearly new items are carefully arranged in a bright, nicely decorated room, and prices are well below what could be found at the Outlets.
Unlike many used clothing stores, this one displays only clean clothing in excellent condition. Volunteers inspect, wash and mend every item before putting them on the shelves. The standard is, “If you wouldn’t put it on your own child, don’t put it in the store.”
Because this store is an outreach of the Pregnancy Care Center, clothing is not sold just for cash. Clients of the organization can earn Baby Bucks which may be used in the store. These bucks are received for participating in several growth activities:
n Bible studies offered by local churches
n Women of Worth, a course developed by Focus on the Family and taught at the Center
n English as a Second Language and parenting classes offered by the Mexican American Community Services Agency.
The SVPCC has served South County women for nearly 20 years from various locations. The current Gilroy offices are attractive, pleasantly decorated, and inviting to women who may be feeling angry, scared or alone.
Many important services are offered free of charge:
n Women are given pregnancy testing kits and helped to interpret the results.
n If the results are positive, they are offered referrals to physicians.
n Free ultrasound testing is available through a Hollister affiliate.
n Accurate information about the physical process of pregnancy and the options available to pregnant women are presented.
n In addition, there is counseling for the client, parents, boyfriends and husbands, as well as maternity and baby clothing and supplies.Â
n Also available are adoption information and referrals and childbirth/prenatal classes.
Much of the support for SVPCC comes from local individuals and churches, especially South Valley Community, Morgan Hill Bible, Bethel Baptist, New Hope Community, Gilroy Bible, St. Mary and St. Catherine Roman Catholic, and Calvary Chapel. Despite the faith-based nature of the organization, Executive Director Nancy Corbridge says, “We do not twist their arms or push our faith on clients. We want to love and accept each woman, helping her to understand her options and make informed choices.”
The agency runs on a tight budget and needs more volunteers to accomplish its mission of supporting women during a critical time in their lives. Opportunities include:
n Peer counselors who receive training to guide clients to appropriate sources of additional help
n Spiritual mentors who accompany clients “in their faith journeys”
n Thrift store workers who sort, size, wash, mend and sell baby clothes
n Office support workers who answer phones, schedule appointments, and help with other clerical tasks.
Although financial contributions to this ministry of compassion are always welcome, Nancy Corbridge encourages volunteers, especially Spanish-speakers: “It is humbling to know we’re serving God through this ministry.”
For more information call 847-8880 or check the Internet at www.svpcc.org
