NEW ULM – First Choice Pregnancy Services of New Ulm observed its fifth anniversary last fall.

Now, seven months later, the non-profit is celebrating as the recipient of a $72,000 Positive Alternatives grant from the Minnesota Department of Health.

The grant recognizes organizations that provide direct care to pregnant women and their unborn children through counseling and supportive service such as medical attention, nutritional services, housing assistance, adoption services, education and employment assistance, child care assistance and parenting education. Organizations are also expected to provide continuing assistance after the child is born.

The goal of First Choice Pregnancy is to support women and families in the community during the pregnancy and after. The organization provides free pregnancy tests, counseling, non-diagnostic ultrasounds, adoption information, prenatal and post-natal training, as well as free maternity clothing and baby items. The grant funds will allow First Choice to continue to finance these efforts and even expand services.

“It is really a blessing,” said Executive Director Linda Reising. “I am the only employee on staff, and I am only part time. This grant will allow for another part-time employee.”

With this grant, new mothers will be able to meet one-on-one with an advocate to learn about pregnancy and parenting. Reising said that for each program attended by expectant mothers and new moms they earn credit that can be used to purchase items from the Center’s Baby Boutique. Items include everything from cribs and car seats to clothes and formula.

“It’s expensive to have a baby these days,” said Reising. “If they are willing to put in their time, we will give them credit.”

In addition, First Choice plans to expand services geared to single parents such as cooking classes and childhood nutrition.

The Positive Alternative Grant was first established in 2005. The grant is intended to support, encourage and assist women to carry their pregnancies to term by offering local resources and supportive assistance during pregnancy and beyond.

“Many women choose to abort because they don’t feel they have the support to be a parent,” said Reising. “We’re here to give them the alternatives.”

In the five years First Choice has been in New Ulm, the organization has seen incremental growth. Reising said that getting the word out is a continual obstacle, but word of mouth is helping. In the first quarter of 2016, First Choice Pregnancy Services served 21 women using 72 services.

First Choice Pregnancy Services offices are at 1223 S. Broadway and are open Monday through Friday. A 24-hour hotline is also available on the website www.consideryouroptions.org.

First Choice is always looking for volunteers, Reising said. For more information, call First Choice at 507-359-9800 or visit the office.