Grand Opening of Pregnancy Resource Clinic Brings Essential Services and Support to the Heart of Lock Haven

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN — A sense of triumph and shared purpose filled the air on Friday, April 11, 2025, as the Pregnancy Resource Clinic (PRC) celebrated the grand opening of its new facility in downtown Lock Haven at 53 W. Main Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event reportedly drew hundreds of attendees, marking one of the largest ribbon-cutting ceremonies organized by the Clinton County Economic Partnership to date, underscoring the strong support in the community for the clinic.

PRC staff, board members, volunteers, and local and state leaders gathered outside the new clinic to celebrate its inauguration and hear remarks from dignitaries and PRC affiliates who’ve worked towards the opening of a clinic in Lock Haven for a decade. Notable attendees included Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, PA State Representative Stephanie Borowicz, Senator Chris Dush, Lock Haven City Councilman Steve Stevenson, Downtown Lock Haven Inc. Manager Melissa Dally, and Pastor Josh Grimes of The Common Place Church.

Since the first Pregnancy Resource Clinic (PRC) was established 41 years ago in State College, its mission has been to educate, encourage, and empower men and women to make informed life choices through compassionate care and guidance. Its expansion to Lock Haven extends vital pregnancy, parenting, and support services to a rural area where such resources are scarce.

The clinic provides pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and specialized support like the Abortion Recovery Care Program. For pregnant women needing assistance, the PRC also offers a well-stocked “Baby Boutique,” featuring brand-new items such as clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, bottles, and much more, thanks to the generosity of local donors.

The Pregnancy Resource Clinic (PRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that hosts medical professionals like registered nurses, certified phlebotomy technicians, and registered diagnostic medical sonographers (RDMS), as well as trained client advocates. All services provided by the PRC are strictly confidential and completely free of charge.

Jenny Summers, executive director of both the Lock Haven and State College PRC sites, opened the ceremony with a message of gratitude and hope.

“I am honored to serve as the executive director on the board of Pregnancy Resource Clinic,” Summers said. “Staying true to God’s word and our mission for the last 41 years, it is a humbling privilege to stand here today to open our new home to the clients and their families we are currently serving and those we will serve for many years to come.”

Summers extended her gratitude to the PRC volunteers, board members, and staff, as well as the local churches and contractors who were instrumental in bringing the Lock Haven PRC vision to life. She specifically acknowledged Jack Evans, a founding board member, and Paul Lehr, the architect who brought the vision for PRC-Lock Haven to fruition. Other key contributors included Starway Roof Systems for the facility’s new roof, Crossroads Church for funding an exam table, the Clinton County Community Foundation for generous grant funding, and the various individuals and businesses that made the Lock Haven expansion possible and ensured the building was perfectly equipped.

Jen Redmond, the site director of the Lock Haven PRC, shared her journey and excitement for what lies ahead. Redmond started as a volunteer in 2018 before she became the PRC-Lock Haven site director in 2022, and during her time as both a volunteer and director, she’s seen firsthand the transformative impact the PRC has on individuals and families. She expressed her gratitude to the City of Lock Haven for warmly welcoming the PRC downtown and to the donors who played a crucial role in establishing the clinic.

“I look forward to welcoming the community through these doors each day to receive excellent and compassionate care, and I am grateful for the many people who have given their time, their talent, and their treasure to make this God-sized dream become a reality,” Redmond expressed. In closing, she extended a sincere welcome to the community, stating, “For the faces that we have yet to meet, we welcome you here at Pregnancy Resource Clinic in Lock Haven, and we believe that you matter.”

PRC board and steering committee members Mariam DeGarmo and Janice Heiser shared stories of perseverance and faith before the celebratory ribbon-cutting. “Standing here today has been a dream come true, and we are so happy to share our dreams with the Clinton County community,” DeGarmo said, reflecting on the long anticipation since the project’s inception in 2010. “God was truly behind the scenes working on just the perfect spot for PRC, and He chose 53 East Main Street to make it happen. Thank you to all of you for coming today and to the donors who have made this happen.”

Heiser echoed her sentiment, citing Habakkuk 2:3 to encapsulate their journey to the grand opening: “It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed.” Heiser emphasized that despite a challenging journey with delays, doubts, and even discouragement at times, the PRC team remained confident in God’s plan for the clinic in Lock Haven. “Today is that day, and we’re so excited about it,” she said with enthusiasm. “It’s way beyond our expectations.”

Heiser recounted that once the PRC team found the right location for their new headquarters, everything came together swiftly, with many people stepping in to offer their talents and skills to assist with the clinic’s establishment. “It was all built on love and respect for life and for each other,” she affirmed.

Heiser emphasized that the journey for the Lock Haven PRC is ongoing and will need continued community support, prayers, and involvement to keep it going. She conveyed overwhelming emotion at seeing the dream become a reality and expressed gratitude to all who contributed. For the establishment of PRC-Lock Haven, Heiser underscored that she gives all the glory to God.

One of the notable attendees at the event was Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, who began his address to the large crowd with, “Well, my first words are, God is good! All the time! And this is evidence of it.”

Thompson spoke about the sanctity of life and the vital role of pregnancy resource centers in supporting women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. His words emphasized the crucial work of the PRC and its importance to women, families, and the community as a whole. “Here at the Pregnancy Resource Clinic, women are met with love, not judgment. They’re welcomed with prayer, they’re offered free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting education, material assistance, and, most importantly, hope,” he said.

“There are coaching sessions, parenting classes, childhood resources, and even recovery support for those who’ve experienced abortion in the past,” Thompson continued, “These services aren’t just programs; they’re pathways to stability, dignity, and life.”

Pastor Doug Packard of the First Baptist Church of Lock Haven, who also serves as the PRC board president, addressed the sea of supporters next, underscoring the significance of the clinic’s mission and the dedication that brought it to life. “God is using your support to bring this dream to fruition and thereby to advance the mission of the Pregnancy Resource Clinic: to educate, encourage, and empower men and women to make informed life choices,” Packard said, emphasizing a shared commitment to life-affirming services.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Pastor Josh Grimes of The Common Place Church, dedicating the new space to God and seeking His blessing on the mission behind the clinic. He humbly asked for the clinic’s growth and the provision of finances and volunteers at the PRC-Lock Haven to ensure continued success.

As the ribbon was cut to mark the official grand opening of Lock Haven’s PRC, the day celebrated more than just the opening of a building; it was the celebration of a new era in healthcare and support services for the Lock Haven community and the empowering notion that every life is valued. The clinic is committed to Lock Haven’s families and future generations, aiming to be a beacon of light and hope.

With doors now open, the Pregnancy Resource Clinic stands ready to embrace its new role in Lock Haven and continue its mission of love, support, and empowerment for all who walk through its doors.

To learn more about the Pregnancy Resource Clinic and find helpful online resources, or to register to donate or volunteer, visit www.scprc.com/ or search “Pregnancy Resource Clinic” on Facebook.

Lock Haven’s Pregnancy Resource Clinic can be contacted by calling the 24/7 helpline at 814-234-7341 or by sending an email to help@scprc.com.

Visit the new Pregnancy Resource Clinic at 53 W. Main Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745.

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