First Call Pregnancy Center is a Christian organization based in Greensboro that assists parents facing unplanned pregnancies in Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Hancock, and Taliaferro counties.
The nonprofit was founded in 2005 and hosted its 20th anniversary celebration Oct. 7 at First Baptist Church of Greensboro.
The evening event featured a dinner for attendees, including many staff members, community members, and volunteers who have contributed to the organization over the years.
Within the organization, individuals in need can find assistance through resources such as parenting classes, free pregnancy testing, and items for their infants via the “Baby Boutique.”
Community donations support the baby boutique and offer various free resources for parents, including diapers, clothing, and furniture.
Laura Hardester began her position as director of FCPS in July. She initially started her involvement with the nonprofit in 2019 as an ultrasound technician.
Hardester said her favorite part about working for FCPS is helping clients who are unsure of how to proceed with unplanned pregnancies.
“[Many of] the clients who come in just feel hopeless in an unplanned pregnancy situation, and just need help and resources,” Hardester said. “[I love] knowing that we can be a part of not only giving them the resources that we can but also attaching them to other community [organizations] that can pull from all these different resources.”
Hardester credits the community’s support for helping First Call Pregnancy Center continue its operations today. She said monthly donations are a significant part of their contributions, alongside the items donated for the baby boutique.
“It takes all the wheels on the bus to get around, and so it’s all a community effort,” Hardester said. “We have such a huge support [system] from churches and individuals, but for stuff like this, we’re trying to get our name out there more, not only for girls who need our resources, but also for more donors and volunteers.”
During the ceremony, Hardester spoke to attendees about the work FCPS has accomplished over its 20 years of operation. She noted the impacts of financial donations, and how they have helped increase the statistics of supporting mothers in need.
“In those 20 years since First Call started, there have been over 1,180 clients served in our community,” Hardester said. “Your donations help keep our door open and our center so welcoming and inviting.”
In her speech, Hardester emphasized that donations help maintain the physical appearance of the pregnancy center, utilities, upkeep, and “lifesaving” services.
“The appearance of our center is so important, and we want girls in our community to notice us, to know that we’re fresh, thriving, and we’re here for them,” Hardester said. “Your donations help sustain life-saving services; there are different sides to pregnancy centers, and one of the most important sides is the medical one, and everybody knows that anything medical in this world is not free or cheap at all.”
Hardester also noted that the financial support helps fund staff salaries, including those of nurses and ultrasound technicians.
In 2025, First Call Pregnancy Center had 450 total visits to the clinic, more than 20 ultrasounds, 70 pregnancy tests, and served 96 clients.
Overall, Hardester stressed that “not one dollar that comes into First Call Pregnancy Center” is wasted. She emphasized that financial support is crucial for helping mothers and children during their first few years of life.
“Imagine coming from a background where you need resources, and walk into our center to see our precious Baby Store that is taken so well care of by our volunteers, knowing that you’re going to be able to supply your baby’s needs for the first two years of their life without spending a dime,” Hardester said. “We can do that because of the donations y’all give us, and there’s not been one time when our store was empty.”