Executive Director retires after 26 years

"God called me here," said Kim Nixon about her 27 years with the Family Life Pregnancy Center, "and He has released me and let me know that it is time to step aside." After 26 years as the organization's executive director, Nixon has decided to retire.

Nixon joined the 3-year-old organization as a volunteer in 1992 when it was still known as Crisis Pregnancy Center and located on West J Street in an office behind Home for Less. A year later she was hired as the Executive Director. The name Family Life Pregnancy Center was adopted in 1999. Under her leadership, the organization moved several times before locating in the distinctive two story building located at 102 S. Curry St. "It was built in 1932, the same year as the Empire State Building," said Nixon, noting the similarity of architecture. Her husband Mike Nixon owned the building and was having it remodeled to contain offices. The Pregnancy Center originally occupied the downstairs. Their move was assisted by members of many of the local churches and a number of off-duty firemen. The Center has been in that location for the last 16 years and has now taken over the entire building.

Over the years the faith-based nonprofit organization has expanded its services from providing pregnancy tests, counseling and diapers to the addition of ultrasounds, adoption referrals, childbirth classes and grief and post-abortion counseling. Nixon said the Center raises its funds entirely through gifts and donations from local churches, businesses and citizens. Every year they do hold fundraisers including a spring banquet, a baby bottle drive and Evening for Life, an event held recently in September at Tangleweed Farms. It is held at a different venue every year.

When Nixon steps down on December 19, she plans to assist her husband Mike with the management of his three businesses. This is not new to her; she managed his businesses for 20 years prior to joining Family Life Pregnancy Center. Nixon plans to continue her work on the Planning Commission and as head of the Police Foundation. She adds that she is also looking forward to spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Nixon said that the Family Life Pregnancy Center has a great board made up of members from different churches. That board is currently headed by Bob Williams who cannot speak highly enough of Nixon. He has equally high praise for Nixon's replacement Rhonda Creten who has worked with the Center on staff and as a volunteer off and on for over 10 years and continuously for the last year and a half.

"It should be an easy transition," said Nixon, "Rhonda has a heart for families and a great moral compass. She is the right person for the job."

Creten is the mother of four children and seven grandchildren and a member of the women's ministry at the Vineyard Church. She and her husband are realtors although she said that she has worked mostly behind the scenes. Her youngest daughter will be taking over those duties. Creten is looking forward to building on the existing foundation and continuing to offer the compassion for which Family Life Pregnancy Center has become known.