Possibilities Women’s Center (PWC) will host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new location at 1219 Mellen St. in Centralia.
The open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for noon.
Established in 1993, PWC first operated out of a house on West Main Street in Centralia and, in 1998, moved to a home at 1017 West Main St., where it provided services until this recent move. While the previous location served the organization well, staff and board members are excited about the expanded space, improved parking, and increased opportunities for education and services offered at the new site.
Although initial plans focused on remodeling the former location, relocating and refreshing the new space proved to be more cost-effective and will provide improved access to nearby health care facilities, according to a news release from the chamber.
“We had three criteria when searching for a new location,” Melissa Couch, PWC executive director, said in the release. “We wanted to remain within walking distance to the college, be near a bus line, and have expanded parking. Better access to medical facilities was an added benefit.”
PWC is a licensed medical clinic under the supervision of a medical director that provides medical and maternity services, as well as resources for women and their families as they explore their options in a holistic and supportive environment. PWC has Spanish speaking nurses and advocates.
“In short, we offer hope and a safe place to explore options,” Couch said.
Some of the services offered by PWC include pregnancy testing, free first-trimester ultrasounds, and education related to pregnancy, parenting, labor and delivery. Registered nurses are available to meet with clients and perform medical testing. The organization also offers life skills training and educational programs for both mothers and fathers. Additional services also include lactation consults, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, post-abortion support, and pregnancy verification, among others.
PWC also operates a boutique baby closet, where new parents can earn points by participating in educational programs and use those points to purchase clothing and supplies for children from newborn through 2T.
PWC is funded entirely by donors, partners, and churches. Its largest annual fundraiser is the Baby Bottle Boomerang, launched on Mother’s Day and concluding on Father’s Day. Baby bottles — including jumbo-sized versions — are distributed to individuals, classrooms, and community partners to collect donations. Contributions may also be made by check or online.
For more information about PWC, visit findmypossibilities.com.
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate businesses and organizations that are opening, expanding, relocating, rebranding or reaching milestone achievements.
