In 2015, the Pregnancy Help Center of Artesia (PHCA), opened its doors and arms to women in our community facing unexpected pregnancies.
The idea began in the hearts of people who wanted to provide a place for women to receive love, support, and truth in God’s design for their life and for the life of their unborn babies. The late Debbie Wilbourn was one of those special individuals who was instrumental in creating this space. After receiving emotional healing following an abortion, she dedicated her life to helping others process what had been done to their hearts, bodies, and to their unborn child. We are incredibly thankful for Debbie and others who set the foundation for this center.
Shortly after our opening, a courageous mother came in seeking help in the face of an unexpected pregnancy. An ultrasound showed her baby’s stage of development, and she was counseled on her options. Immediately she knew that abortion was not the outcome she wanted, but she also knew she was not in a place to parent this child. She was then put in contact with people who knew of families seeking adoption.
In September 2015, the PHCA’s very first baby came into this world and was adopted by my husband and me. Our daughter Charlotte is an energetic and charming eight-year-old who is one of the PHCA’s biggest supporters! At her young age, she does not yet understand the depth of her story but knows adoption is one of the most precious gifts. All babies are made to be cherished from the beginning, and mommas are called in many different ways. We are beyond thankful that her birth mother chose life and was able to do so with the help and support of the PHCA.
I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the PHCA. We are always seeking ways to reach and help more women in our community. Striving to maintain a safe and confidential place for women and their families to come, our services are offered regardless of age or background. The PHCA provides free pregnancy tests, a free ultrasound, and truthful counseling on all options (including parenting, abortion, and adoption). Through sharing the truth about babies and the way God designed life, we journey with them throughout pregnancy and also provide postpartum support. Parenting classes are available in person or online in the comfort of their homes. Topics include pregnancy, birth, and child development stages.
A beneficial addition to the PHCA is our children’s boutique, Mina Rue’s. Mina Rue’s is open to the public and stocked with our community’s generous donations of gently used clothing and baby gear. We offer our clients points to use in the store like money each time they participate in the parenting classes. The store has been a blessing to so many families, and we are thankful to have the space and community support to offer this.
We look forward to touching more hearts and spreading awareness as we serve and equip women and families who are facing an unexpected pregnancy to choose life for their child.
10th Annual Fundraising Banquet
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 12, 2023, for our 10th Annual Fundraising Banquet. The banquet is one of our favorite events of the year to raise awareness about our mission and, of course, funds! This year, our special guests and event speakers are Alan and Lisa Robertson, members of America’s favorite Louisiana family: The Robertsons, the featured family on Duck Commander. Alan and Lisa will share insights from their own personal trials and provide hope on how to sit with people in the trenches of their own struggles. This event is open to the community. Tickets are $25 and dinner will be provided.
PHCA Board of Directors
Justin Raburn – President
Daniel Jimenez – Vice President
Jessica Prude – Treasurer
D’Naye Conklin – Secretary, Adoption Advocate
Richard Rodriguez – Member
Robert Flynn – Member
Karen Brito – Member
D’Naye Conklin
Living my dream of being a mom to two daughters and a wife to my husband Eric, I am a lifelong native of Artesia and love the small-town, quiet life. I recently jumped headfirst into homeschooling and this new season of learning and growing alongside my children has been such a sweet gift. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Pregnancy Help Center of Artesia. Having adopted both of my daughters, I have a passion to equip and support women in choosing life for their children.
