In 1984, a simple pager was the humble start of a movement that would grow into Choices of the Heart, a crisis pregnancy center dedicated to supporting women in Statesboro, GA. The founder, Pastor Roland Barnes, was deeply influenced by his involvement with Christian Action Council during his college years at the University of Georgia.
When young women in the emergency room were faced with unplanned pregnancies and nowhere to turn, Pastor Barnes stepped in, offering them hope and alternative choices.
What began as one-on-one counseling evolved into a full-fledged pregnancy resource center. Over time, it expanded into a medical facility, offering vital support and services such as ultrasounds, prenatal care, and compassionate counseling, all at no cost to their clients. The clinic’s growth over the past 40 years has been a direct result of dedication, prayer, and community involvement.
Milestones in the Journey
One significant milestone came in 2017, when Choices of the Heart moved from Oak Street to its current location on East Grady. This relocation not only provided more space but also marked its transition from a non-medical resource center to a medical clinic. The addition of RNs and an OB overseeing the facility, along with the introduction of an ultrasound machine, enabled the clinic to provide critical services to women facing unplanned pregnancies.
This shift allowed Choices of the Heart to offer a more holistic range of care to their clients.
"Becoming medical was huge," shared the executive director, Mandy Perkins, who took on her role after being drawn to the ministry through volunteering. "We could offer so much more than just papers and referrals. Now, we could show them the life growing inside them and give them real medical care."
Lives Impacted, Families Changed
Throughout its 40 years, Choices of the Heart has become a lifeline for thousands of women and families. The clinic doesn’t just offer medical care; it provides emotional and spiritual support, ensuring that no woman faces pregnancy alone.
One story that stands out is of a young woman who came to the clinic in denial of her situation. Having been taken advantage of, she was afraid and alone, unsure of her next steps. After opening up to the clinic staff, it became clear that she wasn’t just a few months pregnant as she believed—she was seven and a half months along and had received no prenatal care.
The team sprang into action, arranging for her to see an OB and working with an adoption agency, as she had considered placing her child for adoption. But after the birth, the mother decided to parent her child.
"We walked alongside her through the entire process, and she realized she could do it," Shelby Mullinax, their Director Assistant/Volunteer recalled. "She’s now a wonderful mother, and we still keep in touch."
Saving Lives, Building Futures
With over 10,000 appointments in the past 40 years, Choices of the Heart has served their clients well through advocating, ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, Bible studies, and just plain love and support. Their impact on the community is undeniable.
While the exact number of mothers and babies Choices of the Heart has helped over the past four decades will be revealed at this year’s gala, the magnitude of Choices of the Heart’s influence on the Statesboro community is already evident.
"Every year, as we prepare for the gala, I make a video of all the babies whose lives we’ve touched, and I cry every time," Mrs. Perkins said. "I can remember each mom and baby, and it humbles me to see the work God has done in each of their lives. They have gone from Hopeless to Hopeful."
Looking Ahead
As Choices of the Heart celebrates 40 years of service, the clinic continues to look toward the future. Expanding their services, increasing community engagement, and continuing to provide a safe space for women in crisis remain at the forefront of their mission. The organization plans to keep evolving to meet the needs of their clients, offering love, care, and tangible resources to ensure that no woman faces pregnancy alone.
With this milestone anniversary, they invite the community to join them at the upcoming gala, where they will share stories of transformation and honor the legacy of Choices of the Heart’s impact over the past 40 years.
You can purchase tickets for Choices of the Heart's Gala Celebration and Fundraiser Here. The Gala will be held Oct. 29th at Jack Hill Oak Room at 6:30pm. You may also call their office to purchase at 912-764-4303.
