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GODFREY - A local patient shared that Vitality Women’s Clinic has supported her through her motherhood journey, and she hopes other people can benefit from the clinic’s work.
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Taylor Pierson is a local mother of six who first came to Vitality 15 years ago in search of baby food. Since then, Pierson has engaged with Vitality’s parenting classes and resource shop, and she has utilized their services through every pregnancy. Pierson and Jackie Duty, Vitality’s executive director, want people to know that there is support available for parents and those experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
“It’s helped out tremendously,” Pierson said. “When a mother says that they don’t have help, there is help.”
Vitality Women’s Clinic offers free ultrasounds and pregnancy and STI tests. If you are pregnant, a counselor will talk through your options with you. As a pro-life, faith-based clinic, Vitality does not perform or refer for abortions.
In addition to these services for pregnant individuals, Vitality offers parenting classes and a resource shop. Those who attend the parenting classes receive points that can then be redeemed in the shop for items like clothing, diapers, wipes, car seats and more.
Pierson explained that she first engaged with Vitality because she needed food for her baby. She quickly realized that the organization could help her with more. As Pierson got to know the team at Vitality, she felt encouraged and supported.
“I was scared. I didn’t know what to do, what to think. I was a first-time mom. I had a million things running through my head,” she remembered. “They let me know that they were with me, that I had nothing to worry about. God was with me, as well. We prayed. It just made me feel very at home.”
Pierson began attending the parenting classes and then engaged with the resource shop. These services helped her raise her children and navigate motherhood. She is grateful for Vitality and the opportunities she had to learn and grow through the clinic.
Duty and Pierson agree that the parenting classes are a great resource. They noted that life and parenthood become less terrifying when you have a community of people behind you, offering guidance and support along the way.
“It’s crazy what happens when you build a community of women that come together and say, hey, you’re not alone in these situations,” Duty said. “By plugging into that program with other people that you know are going to lock arms with you and run the race with you, it’s just this incredible opportunity to level up.”
Duty is proud of Pierson for sharing her testimony. She believes it’s important to share these stories and “create opportunities for hope.” She encourages other people to reach out to Vitality for support or to connect with people who can help you through the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood.
“You just never know where anyone is at, and a lot of times you can go through life and you can feel like, man, I’m the only person who has ever gone through this. You feel like you’re on an island. But then you get into a community of people and you realize, there’s a lot of other people going through stuff,” Duty said. “Knowing that you’re not going through it alone, and you surround yourself with people that are with you and are going to help you through, you won’t get stuck in the process. You’ll keep moving forward as long as you have that hope.”
For more information about Vitality Women’s Clinic and their services, including how to make an appointment, visit their official website.
Duty also noted that Vitality has launched a capital campaign to raise money for the major projects at the clinic. They hope to repave the parking lot, improve the security system, and update the technology. To support Vitality, visit their official ambassador’s website.
This featured article is sponsored by Vitality Women’s Clinic. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
