Park Rapids Pregnancy Resource Center and its impact on the community
Itasca-Mantrap has named the Park Rapids Pregnancy Resource Center (PRPRC) as the winner of the local 2024 Touchstone Energy Community Award. In appreciation for the service they provide to the community, the organization received an engraved plaque and a $500 check.
The PRPRC is a nonprofit whose purpose is to be an open door for women and men who find themselves with little to no support when starting their new family. The award will be used to provide the necessary support and resources to help with an unplanned pregnancy and bring those pregnancies to full term.
“A lot of our clients are facing an unexpected pregnancy without much support. Providing a safe place for them to talk about their problems and get encouragement seems to be what helps them the most,” said Andrea Belair, the director of the PRPRC.
Some notable achievements from the PRPRC include assisting more than 69 clients over the course of 2024. The organization distributed 375 packs of baby wipes and diapers, along with 20 new car seats. Clients who sought assistance also received approximately $1,600 in gas cards.
The PRPRC also offers a program called Earn While You Learn. This program provides clients the chance to participate in educational opportunities and earn credits called “Baby Bucks,” which can be used to purchase items such as clothing, strollers, or other equipment and accessories from the center’s “blessings room.”
“We work with many local organizations, referring clients when we can’t meet their needs and receiving referrals for pregnancy-related concerns. It’s a collaborative effort to support the community.” said Andrea Belair.
The organization demonstrates its commitment to the community by putting service above self and providing a helping hand whenever possible.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved and/or support the PRPRC, visit their website at prcparkrapids.org and click the “GET INVOLVED” tab.
The PRPRC award application will be submitted for the Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award in consideration for the statewide award. The statewide award recipient is selected from all local winners around
Minnesota and receives $1,000 to support its community cause.
The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be presented to the statewide recipient in February during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul. The Touchstone Energy Community Award highlights the Cooperative Principle: Concern for Community.