Center of Hope serves Pelahatchie with free pregnancy-related services

By: Susie A. Wolfe

The Center of Hope, a non-profit based in Forest, Mississippi, is bringing its pregnancy resource center to the Davis Center in Pelahatchie on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The services offered in the mobile unit include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, and options information. They also offer STI testing and treatment for both men and women. All services are free. 

Additionally, the Center provides education and ongoing support, according to Nurse Manager Kelli Raines of Pelahatchie. The Center can also refer moms to adoption agencies like New Beginnings, Lifetime, and Lifeline. During the month, they also serve Decatur, Raleigh, Carthage, and East Central Community College.

“Center of Hope was founded in 2004 by Mary Lynn Varner, who recognized a need for a crisis pregnancy center in central Mississippi,” Center of Hope Director Stacey Mitchell said. “Her vision was to create a safe and supportive environment for women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies.”

By 2012, it became clear that the organization needed a new facility, as the existing building required significant repairs. After much prayer, a new building was purchased, providing the space to expand services. This growth included the addition of a fatherhood program, which inspired a name change to better reflect a welcoming environment for both women and men. In February 2013, the organization officially became Center of Hope.

The ministry continued to grow as its leaders felt called to offer ultrasound services, something that had long been part of their vision. After careful planning and prayer, medical services were introduced in September 2016, followed by STI testing services in 2018. 

After looking at client data and research in 2024, Center of Hope’s leadership team saw the need for care in our surrounding counties. Many clients were driving one to two hours to receive services at Center of Hope. 

“The plan to open a mobile clinic became the goal and in July of 2025, we were able to launch the unit,” Mitchell said. “We are now able to bring our services to not only Pelahatchie, but also to Carthage, Raleigh, and Decatur.” 

Other staff members include Rachel Lewis, client services coordinator; McKenzie Weeks, nurse; Cody Watkins, men and church outreach coordinator; and Judy Rodriguez, receptionist.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to bring our services to help serve your great town of Pelahatchie,” said Mitchell.