Tammie Nemeth is the new executive director, taking the reins in late October. Nemeth is also the executive director of New Life Pregnancy Resource Center in Gaylord.

“Gaylord New Life was contacted by Options to cover here for a couple of weeks while there was transition,” Nemeth said. “It was great, because this used to be my hometown. I graduated from Alpena High.”

She explained that although the ultrasound machine was procured a while ago, it has only been in operation since January because of logistical delays.

“The ultrasound machine has been here at least a year,” Nemeth said. “The ultrasound clinic was not open until January. We were officially able to open it then. The machine is brand-new. Philips. It’s great, very clear. The clarity is amazing.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Options Pregnancy Center Executive Director Tammie Nemeth stands in the welcoming lobby area at the newly renovated facility at 233 Cavanaugh St., Alpena.

She said Options provides free ultrasounds, in addition to many other services to help support expecting parents.

“We do free ultrasounds,” Nemeth said, adding that they are not a full-service obstetrics provider, but they are able to offer the ultrasound services. “We don’t diagnose, but we have to make sure that baby is placed where baby should be, and there’s not ectopic pregnancy, and those types of things.”

Options offers free pregnancy tests, a maternity closet boutique, supplies such as diapers and wipes, classes, and more.

“We have educational classes now,” Nemeth said. “We have a lot of birthing classes, healthy pregnancy, lactation services. We’re partnered with doulas to do massages, and midwives.”

She said Options is 100% funded by donations from generous community members and organizations.

“The Knights of Columbus has been huge,” Nemeth said, referring to their financial support. “Our local chapter has been incredible. And the state Knights of Columbus had given us some funding for our medical supplies. We couldn’t do it without the Knights of Columbus. That was really who led the initiative to get the funding for doing a lot of our renovations. We had certain other business donors in town that helped us a lot.”

She said the drywall for renovations was donated, as well as in-kind work to install it.

“It’s just amazing,” Nemeth said. “And then, the hours of volunteers. We didn’t pay for any services, even, to get the drywall up. It was incredible.”

She explained who can benefit from Options services.

“We are here for those that are experiencing unplanned pregnancy,” Nemeth said, “to give them support with free medical services, connect them with resources, parenting classes, educational classes.”

She said abortion is not one of the options at Options, but that they do provide counseling for those who have had an abortion.

She added that services and resources are available for both mothers-to-be and fathers-to-be.

“We have mentoring here for fathers, how to be a dad,” Nemeth said. “Some of them don’t know how to change a diaper, or console baby, so we offer those services, as well.”

She said services are available for those ages 14 to 42.

“We offer support, comfort, provision, and advising,” Nemeth said, “in their choice for life.”

The center is currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Beacon of Hope fundraiser Thursday

Options Pregnancy Center will host Beacon of Hope, a fundraising gala, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at All Saints Parish Hall, 817 Sable St., Alpena.

The semi-formal event will include dinner, a dessert auction, networking, and live music. Nemeth will share information about the clinic. Event proceeds provide free educational services and resources to expecting parents. Please RSVP as soon as possible to 989-354-6089, or email directoropcalpena@gmail.com.