Birthline Pregnancy and Parenting Center Celebrates 50 years

Executive Director/President Cheri Johnson cuts the ribbon during a 50th anniversary celebration at Birthline Pregnancy and Parenting Center, 1000 E. Porter St., Jackson, on Wednesday as volunteers look on.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV News.

By Jeff Steers
JTV News

(October 12, 2022 5:55 PM) The world has changed immensely over the last 50 years.

But volunteers at Birthline Pregnancy and Parenting Center in Jackson continue to offer free pregnancy testing, parenting lessons, and showing Christ’s love to anyone who walks through the doors.

The Center celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1000 E. Porter St. in Jackson.  

“It is important for us to be there to support women (and men) in difficult situations,” Executive Director/President Cheri Johnson said. “Sometimes they don’t have a support system. 

“Our goal is to help our clients to make wise decisions they won’t regret later.”

The Center still provides free pregnancy testing, parenting lessons where clients can earn points toward merchandise, and counseling. Volunteers supported 51 clients last year according to Johnson. 

The lessons are sent via phone with the clients answering questions and setting up a time for a review. Clients can earn three to five points per lesson completed.

Birthline Pregnancy and Parenting Center has a newer program that awards new car seats with 25 points. There is also a learn-and-earn store with clothes for newborns.

“It is not a long process to earn a new car seat,” Johnson said. 

The Center continues to be all volunteers who are not paid. It also does not accept federal or state funding but rather survives via personal and private business donations. 

Johnson said the Center was started in 1972 by “a couple of Catholic ladies” who wanted to help women in an unplanned pregnancy situation and to support them mentally, spiritually, and financially. 

That continues in 2022. 

The office is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and those interested may call 517-784-9187. The Center has a website at www.birthlinejackson.org and can be contacted at Birthline@comcast.net.

Johnson said the Center is looking for volunteers.