Leanna Lehman
The Pregnancy Care Center of Churchill County, formerly known as Care Net, has been a longstanding and critical resource for women and families in Fallon facing the challenges of unexpected pregnancies. This faith-based center provides a welcoming environment where women can seek help, education, and support.
Last Saturday, the organization moved into their new building at 1000 Auction Road, a culmination of years of service to the community.
Under the direction of Monica Miller, the former veterinary office has been transformed into a sanctuary where clients can feel a relaxed peace. The Pregnancy Care Center of Churchill County (PCC) has designed a caring space that is safe and calming for clients who often arrive in crisis and are uncertain about their next steps.
PCC counseling rooms provide a haven for those needing assistance, while the doula room offers an active, hands-on area for childbirth education. A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after delivery. Unlike a medical provider, a doula focuses on helping the mother feel supported, offering guidance through labor and assisting with breathing techniques, positioning and more. Doulas also advocate for the mother’s birth plan, helping her communicate with healthcare providers throughout the process.
According to Natalie Doyen, the center’s doula, they designed the larger doula room to be an inviting space for learning and movement, allowing for exercises with birthing balls, demonstrations on how the body works, and what to expect during labor. It also is a place for education and conversations about the crucial need for hydration and nutrition.
PCC provides classes on childbirth education and newborn basics. Doyen also offers labor support and attends hospital births, offering reassurance and advocacy throughout the process. “We want to help mothers communicate their birth plans effectively with healthcare providers,” she said. “It’s about making sure both the mother and baby are OK and feel supported throughout the process.”
The center also strives to equip mothers with the tools they need after the baby arrives. The baby boutique, a treasured part of the center, offers maternity clothes, baby formula, blankets and other items that can be purchased through points earned from class participation. The boutique is well-stocked through regular donations from the community, with all items either new or gently used.
One of the unique aspects of the center is the focus on caring for mothers as well as their babies. Postpartum care baskets are prepared for new mothers, including items like candles, lip balm and even massage gift certificates. “We want to make sure moms are taken care of, too,” Miller noted. “They go through so much, and a little bit of self-care can make a big difference.”
With the holiday season ahead, PCC is preparing for its annual Christmas store, where clients can pick out brand-new toys, clothing and other gifts for their children. Last year’s event was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of donors. “It’s so special for our moms to be able to give their kids something new and special during the holidays,” Miller said.
The center is also looking to expand its services to include ultrasounds, partnering with the Knights of Columbus to make this possible. While PCC is not a medical facility and cannot provide medical diagnoses, offering ultrasounds would allow expectant mothers to see their babies. “It can be a turning point for some women,” Miller explained. “When they see that heartbeat, it becomes real for them, and it helps them make decisions with a clearer sense of what’s ahead.”
PCC is also gearing up to offer cribs through the Cribs for Kids program and partner in a car seat safety initiative with the Central Nevada Health District, helping ensure mothers have access to safe, high-quality cribs and car seats.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the center’s programming, handling various tasks, from managing the baby boutique to helping with special events. Volunteers are needed to sort donations, wash and organize clothing, and even deliver items to local thrift stores. Additionally, the center is looking for volunteers to assist with housekeeping, groundskeeping and event planning. For those looking to take on a more directorial role, PCC is looking for someone to become involved in decision-making and help guide the center’s future direction as a board member.
While the center continues to provide immediate crisis support, Miller also stressed the importance of preventative education. She has plans to launch a Girls Club that will teach self-worth and empower young women to make informed choices. “We want to reach them before they find themselves in crisis,” Miller explained. “It’s about showing them how valuable they are and helping them understand that it’s OK to say no.”
Whether through education, material support, or volunteer opportunities, PCC’s aim is to help local families thrive.
For more information, stop by the center at 1000 Auction Road in Fallon, visit pccfallon.org or call 775-423-4357.
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