Family Life Pregnancy Center supports, educates parents in need

Sarah Mouchet.

A peak into FLPC's new boutique reveals a space filled with baby clothes, food, bottles, special pillows and a myriad of other assorted pregnancy, baby and toddler gear. Any parent in need is welcome to visit the boutique.

Family Life Pregnancy Center (FLPC) has been guiding Tehachapi women, men and couples through pregnancies and early childhood care since 1989. As a 501(c)(3) noprofit, FLPC's doors are open to anyone in the Tehachapi community that has a pregnancy or parenting need.

From pregnancy verification and on-site referrals for ultrasounds to maternity supplies and parenting classes, FLPC is prepared to help expecting mothers, fathers and couples through every step of the pregnancy journey and into early childhood.

Some of FLPC's most used services include miscarriage and early infant loss grief studies, child birthing classes, post-abortion support and their "Earn While You Learn" program, which allows clients to earn childcare supplies while learning about parenting, childhood development and other vital life skills. FLPC is also certified to provide court-mandated parenting and anger management classes and has resources for both men and women. By the end of summer, FLPC hopes to turn their back patio into a small wedding venue that clients will be able to use to get married for free.

Recently, FLPC opened an adorable boutique stocked with nearly every imaginable parenting need. Bibs, baby food, clothes, bedding and baby carriers are just a few types of items that can be found inside the cutely decorated and neatly packed space. The boutique is open to all clients, however clients specifically participating in the "Earn While You Learn" program earn points for attending classes which can be spent in the boutique. Additional "Earn While You Learn" program rewards include a new car seat after four attended classes, and a "Pack 'n Play" after eight.

Located at 103 E. D St. in a yellow house, FLPC is open to walk-ins and appointments Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From their friendly and dedicated volunteers to their cozy waiting room, FLPC values the comfort of their clients and wants people to know that their doors are open for anyone. Please call (661) 823-8255 or email [email protected] with any questions or to schedule an appointment. More information about FLPC can be found on their website at http://www.familylifepc.org/.

"We want the community to know that we are here, open, available and willing to serve this community with our free resources," said Faith Green, Community Outreach director for FLPC.

Those interested in supporting FLPC's mission can attend one or more of their three yearly fundraisers: the Annual Spring Banquet, the Baby Bottle Fundraiser and the An Evening For Life event later on in the year. Money donations and childcare products are also more than welcome and all donations are tax deductible. Volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Stefani at (661) 823-8255 to learn more.

The Spring Banquet typically occurs at the end of March or beginning of April. An Evening For Life, taking place in the fall, features silent and live auctions as well as beer and wine tasting. Tickets for An Evening For Life will be available on FLPC's website and Spring Banquet sign-ups will be available next year.

Interested supporters are just in time for the Baby Bottle Fundraiser, which starts on Mother's Day (May 12) and runs through Father's Day (June 16). On May 12, empty baby bottles will be distributed at local churches and will be available for pick up at the pregnancy center. On June 16, the bottles will be returned to the center, stuffed full of coins, checks and bills to be given to FLPC's clients. If all baby bottles are returned with just $30 enclosed, FLPC will reach their fundraising goal! Call (661) 823-8255 or visit http://www.familylifepc.org for more information.