Rose Elliss is both pensive and excited about her decision to resign as director of the Pregnancy Resource Center of Southeast Kansas.
Elliss’ passion is to help others. During the Iola flood in 2007 she worked with Project KARE (Kansans Assisting Recovery Efforts) providing emotional support for the flood victims.
For the past two years she has served as director of the PRC developing educational programs for parents while working tirelessly to secure funds to buy diapers, formula and necessary baby items for young parents with limited incomes.
“I believe each phase of my life is a stepping stone to something bigger and better. In my heart I know it is time for me to move on,” Elliss said.
Next week Elliss will begin training in St. Louis with Billy Graham’s Rapid Response Teams. She will learn the particulars in helping people affected by floods, earthquakes and fires.
Stepping in to manage the Pregnancy Resource Center are Carolynn Krohn and Nikki Riley.
“I believe when one era in my life ends there will be something new for me to commit to. That commitment is the Pregnancy Resource Center,” Krohn said.
Nikki Riley, whose husband is the new youth pastor at First Christian Church, will be assistant director of the center.
Riley, who has a degree in communications, would like to organize a lactation class for young mothers.
“I believe breast feeding has so many valuable rewards. Breast milk provides natural immunities against disease for the child and creates a special bond between mother and child,” Riley said.
THE PRC depends on donations from area residents to keep its doors open. The center does not receive any state or federal money.
Services offered by the center include free pregnancy testing, prenatal support, education in childbirth, parenting and abstinence, adoption resources, maternity boutique, infant supply pantry and teen support group. Throughout the year fundraisers help to replenish these services.
The Cutest Baby Contest at Farm-City Days is one of the center’s major fundraisers.
“We need more entries in Saturday’s contest,” Krohn said.
Photos of babies ages 0-6 months, 7-12 months and 13-18 months may be taken to Annie’s Attic, 104 S. Washington, through Friday or brought to the PRC table Saturday morning in the Iola square.
The child’s photo is placed on a jar, which are taken to Community National Bank and Citizens Bank, where people may drop coins in the jar of their favorite baby. The money in the jars goes to the PRC to buy supplies.
Parents wishing to bring their babies to Saturday’s celebration will have the opportunity to march with their offspring in a parade at 11:30 a.m. across the performance stage in the square.
Two awards will be given in each age category. One award for cutest baby chosen by the contest judges and one award to the baby with the most money collected in his or her jar.
First place is a $50 Savings Bond, second is a Picture Perfect gift certificate and the third place winner receives $10 gift certificate provided by local merchants.
“There are no losers in the contest. Each baby, who isn’t in the top three, will receive a consolation prize,” Krohn said.
On Saturday, the center will also be selling T-shirts with “Love Life” printed on them. All proceeds go to the center to buy supplies.
THE PRC is located in The One at 1 S. Jefferson. Office hours are 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The center will also be open on Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. to give students an opportunity visit the center whether for baby supplies, a pregnancy test or to have someone answer questions about abstinence or parenting, Riley said.
