From Coastal Pregnancy Center

Since 1987, Coastal Pregnancy Center has assisted local agencies by helping families in this community achieve a positive pregnancy and parenting outcome by offering pregnancy tests and ultrasounds and through the use of evidence-based education, class attendance incentives, material services and professional and peer counseling. In 2018, CPC tallied 800 client appointments, and similarly the board representation has diversified and increased.

The board includes members from Apex, Belhaven, Blounts Creek, Chocowinity, Greenville, Pantego, Pinetown and Washington. A variety of occupations are also represented: banking and finance, nursing, medical doctors and legislation.

Recently appointed directors are Rev. Jack Holloman of Snowd Branch Church of God (Washington), Claribel Arce of CresCom Bank (Washington), Senator Bill Cook (retired) of the N.C. General Assembly and McKeller Normann of Beaufort County Department of Social Services (Washington). In 2018, three directors finished their terms of service: Paige Apple-Moore of CresCom Bank (Washington), David Clark of Day 1 Creative (Washington), and Viki Kidwell, retired CPC director (Chocowinity).

“I moved to Greenville for graduate school and haven’t left since. I love Eastern North Carolina and the hospitality that is always present. I am so excited to spread God’s love and serve Beaufort County,” said Normann, who joined the CPC board this month. Originally from Sanford, her DSS job as a foster home licensing worker began in 2017. She summarizes her work experience with, “I love watching children grow and learn. It’s amazing how children become individuals with their own distinct personalities,”

“The most fragile among us deserve our protection, and that is the reason I am delighted to work with the Pregnancy Center,” said Cook, who joined the CPC board in Feb. 2019, after four years of support. His service to the N. C. General Assembly began in 2010, when he was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives for District 6. In 2014 he was elected to serve as District 1 State Senator. He retired after serving three terms as senator. Senator Cook is a member of the First Baptist Church of Washington. Cook has a son, a daughter and two granddaughters. He and his wife of 25 years, Holly, live in Chocowinity.

“I was seeking an opportunity to make a difference in my community. I really feel honored to be part of serving families with CPC,” explains Arce, who joined the CPC board in January. Arce, who is fluent in Spanish and English, works as a customer service representative at CresCom Bank. She was born in Panama and has spent most of her life in North Carolina. Arce attends Harvest Church of Washington. She and her husband, William, live in Pinetown with their two sons.

“I first learned of CPC when Snowd Branch Church of God began providing prayer and financial support. I truly believe CPC can make a difference in the lives of parents,” said Holloman, who joined the board last September. He and his wife LaDonna moved to Washington in 2015 to serve the Snowd Branch congregation. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.

“I love babies, especially their laughs and giggles.” Holloman concluded.

The next CPC public event is set for Thursday, April 11, at Wesley Hall, First United Methodist Church. This will be the 10th annual “Celebration of LIFE” banquet, featuring a keynote by Judge Regina Parker of NC District 2. Visit the website www.coastalpregnancycenter.org to purchase tickets or sponsor a table.