Submitted by Lucretia Hudzinski
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce held its first virtual ribbon cutting July 16 for Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central New York.
Normally there would be a large gathering, cheers and refreshments. The chamber wanted to continue to celebrate successes of their membership in this pandemic, so a virtual ceremony on Facebook Live was the way to go, with the help of skilled members.
Care Net opened its new faciliy at 913 Old Liverpool Road in the village of Liverpool, having moved from their previous space provided by the Liverpool Community Church on Wetzel Road.
Care Net provides free pregnancy tests and referral to free ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy through Next Step Testing, which is located in their building. Referrals for STI/STD screening and treatment are also coordinated with Next Step. Care Net offers parenting and mentoring programs including group parenting classes that are court accepted. There is an “Earn While you Learn” individualized parenting lessons in virtual, remote, or on site, or if preferred DVD format, where paper money is earned to exchange in Care Net’s boutique for material resources such as diapers, wipes, formula, strollers, pack-and-plays, and whatever families are in need of. Care Net provides referrals to WIC, local OB offices, facilitated enrollers for insurance needs, local churches, and other community resources as needed.
Care Net also has additional specialized programs such as the “A New Day” program which offers healing and hope in a small group format for those suffering infant loss whether by abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Another program is “My Future My Choice” program, which is an educational program for students to prevention and empowerment promoting healthy choices.
All of Care Net’s services are free to the local community. They do not bill insurance companies or Medicaid, nor do they receive federal funding. Care Net is 100% funded by individuals, business owners, and churches that believe in its mission.
Care Net is seeking dedicated volunteers in all capacities with thorough training offered. This can range from peer counselors, computer keying, boutique work, community outreach booth activities.
Donations of unopened packages of diapers, baby wipes, and formula, new car seats are always sought after, especially the three-in-one type that grow with the child’s needs. Other items such as clothes (newborn-2T), toys, high chairs and strollers. It is best to call first and discuss donations that we are able to accept before coming in as this varies with our current supplies and health concerns in our community.
Liverpool Care Net is located at 913 Old Liverpool Road, Suite A, Liverpool, NY 13088. For more information, contact Director Mary Houghton at 315-937-4334 or [email protected] or visit CareNetCares.com.
