Sonja Hegwood said her nonprofit organization’s new, 5,000 square-foot location will enable her and her staff to have a greater impact on the Henry County community.

  “We’ve doubled our square footage,” said Hegwood, executive director of The Pregnancy Resource Center of Henry County. “We’re able to offer a medical side and an educational side whereas, before, it was all in the same space. The difference is, with having the two sides separate, we have a space where we’re able to amplify what we’re already doing, and we’re able to expand.”

  The center, on Tuesday, officially relocated to its new facility at 100 Eagle’s Walk in Stockbridge. The faith-centered nonprofit medical clinic offers services including: pregnancy diagnosis via a pregnancy test and ultrasound; testing for sexually-transmitted diseases; and practical assistance through education about pregnancy.

  The center first opened its doors in 1993. Hegwood said local residents have become increasingly aware, in recent years, of the center and what it offers.

  “We exist to value life and empower the men and women we serve to thrive,” she said. “We do that by offering compassionate care and meeting their medical, emotional and spiritual needs.

  “We spent 25 years on Jodeco Road, but the last 18 were in a 110-year-old remodeled home in the Flippen community,” continued Hegwood. “We’ve seen, over three years, about a 12 percent growth in the number of clients that we serve each year. I think it’s a greater awareness of what we offer.”

  Hegwood said people are often surprised when they learn that the center exists in Henry County.

  “I had one lady tell me it’s the best-kept secret in Henry County,” she said.

  Hegwood said another element in the greater demand, in recent years, for the services provided by the center is that there are no restrictions for who it can help.

  As a result, she said, more people are telling their friends about what the center has to offer.

  “That’s something that uncharacteristic across the medical spectrum,” said Hegwood. “I think people just realize it’s a needed service. There’s no barrier to obtaining the service, and it’s a welcoming, competent environment.”   The center is open each week from Tuesday through Thursday. For hours of operation and more information, call 770-957-8288 or visit www.mypregnancysolutions.com.