Three women who wanted to make a difference opened the Center for Pregnancy Choices 26 years ago, and Thursday marked a new beginning for the organization.

“It is just overwhelming to see where God has brought us, 26 years from the start of three women who had a vision and followed that vision, and that God has brought us to this place today. It’s humbling to be a part of this,” said Dianna Wolfe, member of the board of directors.

The center held an official grand re-opening and open house at their new location 1401 Adams St. The organization moved into the new, renovated facility in March.

“It was totally renovated and we moved-in in March. We now have four counseling rooms, a classroom, a sonogram suite and there’s a lot of times that all of those rooms are full,” Wolfe said.

Members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and many others were on hand to witness the ribbon cutting.

“It’s really been just a blessing to see all the people who came and supported this, who worked through the years to make this dream happen,” said Beverly White, client services director.

She said the new facility had been a longtime vision of people on the center’s board and in the community. Multiple volunteers, individuals, churches and companies came together to put down the floors, put up sheetrock and paint the walls. The Knights of Columbus donated the sonogram machine.

“I am very thankful to live in a community like Vicksburg and to see that people care about other people,” White said.

The re-opening meant a lot to CPC nurse manager Cassandra Lumpkin.

“It means that this ministry is growing. When I started here there was so much potential for growth. So it’s a day of gratitude and just overjoyed with the fact that God has allowed us to purchase our own building…to add additional service and more room to accommodate our clients,” Lumpkin said.

White is thrilled to offer more support and services to the people who need them.

“Every hour four different parenting classes can be going on at one time,” White said.

Wolfe explained all of the services the center offers families.

“We offer pregnancy tests, pre- and post-pregnancy counseling, education parenting classes — birth through teenagers, as well as special circumstance classes as needed. We also offer abstinence education and post-abortion recovery classes,” Wolfe said. “Recently, we became involved in DHS [Department of Health Services] to offer foster care programs, and we also have been counseling with referrals from DHS.”

Parents who attend the classes can earn mommy money or daddy dollars to purchase clothing, diapers and other items from the center’s baby boutique, which is full of donated items.

They received a donation this week from Sassy Seconds Vicksburg, a three-day consignment sale occurring twice a year.

“It’s a place for the people of this community, and surrounding communities, to come and feel loved and get, like I said, those service are free that we provide and a lot of education information as well,” Lumpkin said.

There is another program called Earn While You Learn, where parents who take 40 hours of classes within a year can earn a brand-new car seat donated by their auxiliary and the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg.

“If you can get people to be better parents, then those children grow up to be good students, and you have a good community and good citizens. It’s moved way beyond a simple pregnancy test,” Wolfe said.

The organization is looking for an executive director. Applications will be taken until Monday Aug. 31.

“Then we will start seeking the next person that will take us in the next direction. We’re excited, lots of good things happening,” Wolfe said.

As for what direction they are heading, she said they would continue to meet needs.

“As needs are seen, we have been allowed to meet those needs,” Wolfe said.

She said the CPC is greatly in need of volunteers to help answer questions at classes, answer the phones, make copies and more.

“Any hand is needed,” she said.

To set up an appointment, to attend a free class or to volunteer, call 601-638-2778 or visit the center Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.