Woodbury Pregnancy Options volunteers

Photo: Emily J. Davis

Madeline Rice and her baby blankets.

“I love babies,” says 12-year-old Madeline Rice, her cheerful voice brimming with joy. “I love taking care of babies and often offer to babysit.” She goes by Maddy and her compassion for children is evident in her service to child-focused charities like Feed My Starving Children.

So when Maddy attended a garage sale that her neighbor, Norb Tennessen, was having to benefit young mothers who lack financial resources to properly care for their babies, she knew she wanted to help. Tennessen serves on the board of Woodbury Pregnancy Options, formerly known as Woodbury Life Resource Center, a charitable organization that offers access to a wide range of free services and support for teens, young adults, parents and families experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.

With help from her mother, Kate Rice, Maddy planned her birthday celebration last fall to spotlight this cause closely aligned with her heart. “We did normal party stuff,” Maddy says. “But we also made fleece baby blankets to donate to the new moms and their babies.”

Maddy’s mom purchased the fleece, her aunt cut the pattern, and eight young girls ages 8 to 12 created and donated snuggly gifts of warmth and comfort to families in need. Maddy says she and her friends ran to Tennessen’s home to deliver the finished blankets, and her mother also provided infant formula. “It was really exciting; my friends thought it was a good idea for a birthday party,” says Maddy. “We were laughing and giggling. We had fun with it.”

Woodbury Pregnancy Options volunteer Jean Ernster says infant formula as well as diapers, wipes, baby clothes and equipment are the most commonly needed items. But one of the lifelong benefits offered by Woodbury Pregnancy Options is the one-on-one mentoring from volunteers like Ernster.

Ernster has a psychology degree and considers herself a good listener. She’s part of a small team of trained mentors who volunteer to teach prenatal education and parenting classes covering topics like proper nutrition and exercise as well as the growth and development of babies. “One-on-one is good,” Ernster says. “Sometimes a young mom may not be in the mood for the education piece I have planned for the day. She may need to vent about money or relationship issues. I listen to where clients are coming from and modify my education plans based on what they need that day.”

Ernster says the most challenging aspect of her volunteer work is her desire for everything to turn out well for the clients she mentors. But if a client should need more specialized assistance, Woodbury Pregnancy Options offers counseling services and referrals for housing, employment and child care.

“The best part of being involved with Woodbury Pregnancy Options is the opportunity to be a sounding board and provide advice and support to young people who sometimes lack a well- functioning support structure,” says Ernster. And like Maddy Rice, Ernster smiles when asked if she gets to meet the babies. “Of course,” she says. “That’s the fun part.”

How You Can Help

Norb Tennessen plans to hold another local garage sale in May to benefit Woodbury Pregnancy Options as well as a fundraising banquet in October. Churches, book clubs or youth groups can sponsor a “baby shower,” inviting friends to bring baby gifts for donation to the organization. Go to woodburypregnancy.com for more information regarding donations, volunteer opportunities, education programs and additional services available at Woodbury Pregnancy Options.

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