• Better Know a Local Non-Profit: Elsinore Valley Pregnancy Resource Center

Whenever I get a chance to share the good works of a local non-profit I take it. There is an organization called Elsinore Valley Pregnancy Resource Center (EVPRC) that serves this general area. 

This is the sign you'll see as you near the building.
Be careful, it's easy to miss the first time.

Though they've helped people from Riverside to Temecula, their key area encompasses three cities: Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Menifee. They assist about 240 unique families per year.

This sign is visible from the parking lot, the entrance is just around the brick wall.

The ages range from high school age to adult, but the typical ages are in the twenties. There are times that grandmothers will come into EVPRC when they've become the primary parent.

When you go in the glass double doors, you see this sign which directs you upstairs.

EVPRC has been operating in Lake Elsinore, in their current capacity, since February 2005, and the current location for six years. I spoke with the center's director Barbara Engel to get more information.

"We are here to befriend and help women who are in difficult pregnancies. They don't have support, they don't have money, they don't have a job, many different reasons. And they don't generally have anybody to talk to."

- Barbara Engel

It's not just women that are assisted by the center. It can include their children, their children's dad, and other family members. They aim to provide a place where women in need have somebody they can share their lives with, where they might not otherwise have support.

The top of the landing.

Barbara shared, "We build relationships and we do that mainly through our Wednesday classes, that we call Bridges to Possibilities. We have workshops for the women and every month there is a different topic."

In 2018 the topics: 
Jan: Nutrition & Cooking Healthy on a Budget
Feb: Budgeting & Finance
Mar: Creating Healthy Self-Esteem
Apr: Infant & Child Safety/Early Childhood Development
May: Boundaries with Adults
June: Boundaries with Children
July: Positive Attitude & Goal Setting
Aug: Crafts for Relaxation
Sep: Resumes, Job Search & Interview Preparation
Oct: Healthy Living for Women
Nov: Dealing with Loss
Dec: Christmas Crafts

The kid-friendly front desk area.

Often the bonds of friendship can develop so well, that even years after the families no longer need material support they will stop by to visit and say hello.

Brochures and garments in the reception area.

Food is a key resource that they help with. They utilize assistance from HOPE, and Fish and Loaves (a place to get lunch five days a week). 

Once a month on a Friday they have a Registered Nurse come in and teach the moms, and sometimes the dads, about things they're going to need to know.

Amy and Keith Hawkins (not in the photo) are regular volunteers.
Go Nutz Donuts regularly donates to the Wednesday classes.

I asked what a woman might expect upon her first visit, and though they aren't a medical place, they do have tests if one is needed. 

However, that isn't what they usually need when they come to the center. What they generally need is emotional support because they "don't want to do this alone, they want someone to talk to," to quote Barbara.

There are countless reasons that the women have for coming to the center, "but no one comes in here if they aren't in need."

The new-clothes closet.

The center looks to be a positive role model when the mother to be, or father to be, are contemplating what that step will actually mean for their futures. They will also help the women fill out the paperwork to get Medi-Cal started if that is something they need.

 Link to Page of "Free Services" from EVPRC

• PREGNANCY TESTS • ULTRASOUND RESOURCES • PREGNANCY COUNSELING • EDUCATIONAL CLASSES • MATERNITY AND INFANT SUPPLIES • PARENTING/LIFE SKILLS •

They often discuss jobs, housing, doctors, the development of the baby and many other pertinent topics a pregnant woman either wants to know or needs to know.

One of the decorations they have on the wall.

I asked about adoption counseling for those that know they aren't ready for parenthood.

"We do all-options counseling, depends on where they are [emotionally/mentally]. If they come in and say, 'I want to know what my choices are.' Then we go through all the choices. We tell them that it's not easy to be a parent. We talk to them about parenting, we talk to them about adoption [...] we also tell them about abortion. We tell them what it is, we do not refer for abortion, but we tell them what it is."

Tubs of clothes organized by age and gender.

Funding for the center is nearly all through small, individual donations. They have two grants for emergency services they provide. Things like gas cards, assistance with utilities, food and a small amount of rent if need be. They get no government support.

The Diaper Wall.

If you'd like to donate either money or time Barbara would love to take your call. You can donate through their website's PayPal LINK, and if you'd like to donate your time, I'm sure she'd be happy to set up an interview with you. ☺

If you have gently used baby clothes, they'd be happy to accept them from you.

The gracious Barbara Engel in front of an impressive wall of clothes.

They have a coming charity event

Walk for Life is Saturday, October 6th at Machado Park in Lake Elsinore. Registration starts at 8am. The walk starts at 10am. There will be games for the kids and the Knights of Columbus will be preparing hamburgers and hotdogs. The cost is $10, a fundraiser for EVPRC. 

The graphics on the shirt provided at the EVPRC fun walk.
I remember the shirt being much bluer than my camera recorded. 

I was told that they may be moving locations around the first of the year, but no matter their physical address, I'm sure you'll be getting the same caring attention if you seek their services.

Contact Information

Website Link

Facebook Page

(951) 245-8587

31461 Riverside Drive d, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

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Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.
– Abraham Lincoln

Wildomar Rap prefers to be a face in the crowd over a face on a poster in the Post Office.

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