Expecting a child can be a wonderful time, yet it can also bring about many questions, especially if the pregnancy was unexpected. Expectant Heart Pregnancy Centers, with locations in Daingerfield, Mount Pleasant, and Longview, are designed to assist those who are expecting, especially under less than pleasant terms.
Expectant Heart was founded in 2012 in Longview by community leaders and women who, according to current CEO Shanell Newton, were called into ministry. Newton herself joined Expectant Heart in 2014, after having been the victim of several traumatic life experiences.
“I experienced trauma, including molestation, rape, abortion, and domestic violence,” Newton said. When I joined Expectant Heart, God made it clear that He would turn my ashes ( from those experiences) into beauty for others.”
It was through listening to that calling that Newton joined Expectant Heart and set out to assist anyone she could. According to Daingerfield Site Director Marissa Holt, it is the goal of Expectant Heart to assist anyone who is either expecting or the parent of a child 36 months of age or younger.
Expectant Heart was founded on the belief that no one should go through a pregnancy alone. Whether you consider your pregnancy planned or unplanned, a crisis or a miracle, we are here for you and offer a wide variety of free resources and services aimed at helping you experience a healthy pregnancy.
Expectant Heart is a pro-life, Christ-centered ministry, with the support of a Board of Directors and run by an Executive Director. Their mission is to eliminate any barriers to choosing life for an unborn child. This mission is accomplished by providing long-term support and education for pregnant women and their families.
All services are offered free of charge with the help of trained volunteers. Services include free pregnancy tests, peer counseling, community referrals, material assistance, doulas or labor support advocates, and classes that cover stages of childbirth, infant CPR, goal mapping, cooking, financial literacy, car seats, and newborn care, among other topics.