By ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
Like most non-profits, Liberal’s Grace Place Pregnancy Care Center is in constant need of funding, and finding that funding can prove to be somewhat of a challenge.
One of the largest sources of funding for the center is its annual Run Baby Run, featuring running, or walking, distances of one mile, 5K or 10 K.
This year’s run will take place Saturday, May 3, at Grace Place at 311 N. Grant Ave. in Liberal.
Registration for the one-mile run is $20, with the 5K fee at $42 and the 10K cost at $55. Shoes will be awarded to the winner of the 10K run, and Client Services Director Letty Hernandez said money raised from the event will go to not only help with Grace Place’s services, but also toward the building recently purchased at 121 W. Third Street, which she said is currently under construction.
“We think possibly sometime this fall, it will be ready, and we’ll be ready to purchase the ultrasound machine to put there,” she said. “We already have a nurse. We’ll be offering free limited ultrasounds.”
Registration for the run starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at Grace Place, and can be done online or at the center, and the run itself will start at 9.
Grace Place Program Manager Maria Froese said the center is definitely in need of donations, particularly any new or used baby items.
“If they’re used, they need to be in good condition,” she said. “We can also use financial donations right now, especially with the new building purchase. We could definitely use some financial assistance with that. The smaller size diapers, we do have enough of. If we could get size 3 and up, that would be great, same with the clothes. I think we have quite a few small sizes, but 9 months up to 14 is what we need right now.”
At this time, Hernandez said funds are ready for the purchase of the ultrasound and to pay part of the salary of the nurse to run the machine.
“We’re needing more donations to cover the costs of running the medical building,” she said.
Hernandez said Grace Place is likewise in need of volunteers and an additional classroom.
“If we could get some bilingual ones, that would be great and in the boutique workroom also,” she said. “Some of that is aligned with our mission.”
Froese said volunteers can set their own hours.
“They don’t have to come in often if they don’t want to,” she said. “Once a week for four hours would be fine.”
In September, Grace Place hosts its annual banquet, and in September 2024, the center hosted its first youth rally. The banquet is scheduled for September. Froese said hopes are to also have a youth rally, but between the Run Baby Run and the banquet, a car seat safety lane event will take place.
“We’ll be checking the car seats,” Hernandez said. “We’ll be providing car seats if they’re in need of a car seat and teaching them how to install it correctly. If they already have one and they just need it reinstalled or help with adjusting or checking it out to make sure it’s still in good use and it’s not expired, that’s what will provide with the safety lane.”
Hernandez said a date has not yet been set for the safety lane event, but it will take place after the May 3 Run Baby Run. She added classes at Grace Place have likewise done quite well.
“The curriculum has added quite a few new lessons,” she said. “It’s exciting for the ladies who have watched them all. They get to start watching new ones.”
Those who pre-register at www.graceplacepcc.com and ensure a T-shirt in their size for race day. Early registration can also be done at the center and by calling 620-655-8050.
Hernandez said a link is likewise available on the Grace Place Web site for volunteers to apply, and donations can also be made there.
Froese said she and Hernandez are also looking for more followers on the Grace Place Pregnancy Care Center Facebook page.
“That’s where we keep all of our updates,” Froese said. “You can register for the run on the Facebook page.”
Froese said the Grace Place Web site too has much information about what the center does and why they do it. She and Hernandez are both excited for this year’s Run Baby Run.
“It’s going to be good,” Froese said.
