A Caring Pregnancy Center in Pueblo Expands with Women's Clinic
A Caring Pregnancy Center in Pueblo Expands with Women's Clinic
This article was originally published by The Pueblo Chieftain written by Tracy Harmon. Copyright © 2021 The Pueblo Chieftain, Pueblo, CO. 1/24/2021
A Caring Pregnancy Center launched its 37th year of service to the region Wednesday with the unveiling of its new Women’s Medical Clinic located at 510 Colorado Ave. in the Mesa Junction.
The fully remodeled clinic, located next door to the center’s office at 500 Colorado Ave., features two private exam rooms, a mentoring space, reception area and lobby, as well as a lab. The site also features space to build a garage for the center’s Mobile Medical Unit.
“There was a lot of work,” said Tamra Axworthy, CEO for A Caring Pregnancy Center. “We raised $65,812 to help with the renovations and construction.
"We are almost done — the garage is coming soon,” she said.
Axworthy said she has been honored to be able to serve the center since 2014 when there were just five staff members. Today the center has 13 staffers and 51 volunteers who give more than 1,000 hours of service annually.
Because of the growth, “we were literally on top of each other” in the office building, making the need for the expansion crucial.
The event marked the first ribbon cutting ceremony of the year which drew local dignitaries like Colorado House Dist. 47 Rep. Stephanie Luck, Pueblo County Commission Chair Garrison Ortiz and Pueblo City Councilman Mark Aliff.
Luck thanked the center staff for, “Ensuring that all of those lives are cared for and able to walk in the fullness of their potential. Thank you for sacrificing and giving of yourselves for that purpose. "May you all be abundantly blessed for the blessing you are to this town,” Luck said.
“This is a ministry that is very near and dear to my heart,” Aliff said. “Special congratulations to Tammy (Axworthy) and her staff who have done phenomenal work within your service area.”
Aliff said the reported 1,800 abortions performed in the center’s service area each year, “blew my mind. It is so important to us that the center staff help residents in what can be their darkest hour.”
Officials from all three area chambers including the Pueblo, Latino and Pueblo West chambers of commerce helped to promote the event and welcome the new clinic.
“How incredibly proud we should be as a community that this dedicated team that is passionate about their work and ministry is right her in Pueblo, Colorado,” said Steven Trujillo of the Latino chamber. “You are only a stranger but once when you walk through these doors — every time you see the smiles, the passion and dedication they have to serve and fulfill the mission that they have to empower women and change families for the good of our community.”
Phyllis Samora, vice president for the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, lauded the center staff for “doing everything you do. You are not just known in Pueblo County, but you have a truly great reputation beyond here.”
Trujillo also read a statement on behalf of Amy Gasperetti of the Pueblo West Chamber who mentioned the most valuable thing the staff offers is “acceptance, love and hope to all who call your phone lines or walk through your doors.”
A Caring Pregnancy Center Board Vice President Vance Crawford said the building is a symbol of growth for the ministry. He said the staff are helping to bring, “these precious lives into this world,” and are making a difference.
Every year the center serves 550 to 600 new patients and clients and that could number double thanks to the additional space, Axworthy said. Those clients visit the center an average of six times for services which include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, classes, as well as support with supplies such as diapers and baby clothes.
Services are free of charge to all families as the center staff strive to empower and educate them toward successful and healthy futures. The center staff are able to help thanks to donations from the community and numerous fundraising events.
Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business and Fremont County news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.
