Our History
In 1987, a couple in Lawrence County had been in prayer regarding where the Lord was leading them in ministry. They had concerns about their community and the information that young women were receiving about sexual activity, pregnancy and abortion. This information led them to contact other like minded people and a step in faith was taken. There was a team of six (6) people that obeyed the call further their education of pregnancy centers by visiting an Indianapolis Crisis Pregnancy Center and talking with the Director there. Together they learned what this organization was doing to help young girls in crisis, make truly informed decisions about situations in their lives, especially about their pregnancy and solid information about abortion.
At that time pregnancy centers across the nation were in jeopardy. Bomb threats were part of the ministry. However, the information that was being dispensed made the risk worthwhile. Young people were hearing the truth and were able to make informed decisions regarding their pregnancies. Here in Lawrence County, God provided just the right location for the Problem Pregnancy Center at 1711H. Street in Bedford, Indiana, across from the U.S. Postal Office, it was a highly visible spot. It was a highly visible spot. Just because God is God, He made the rent more than reasonable, incorporated and received its 501c (3) status in February 1990.
Budgeting in a non profit organization is always a concern. Advertising consisted of a small one by two inch ad ran in the classified section of the newspaper. These ads and our number in the phonebook comprised our advertising in those early years. To be more accessible, we chose·evening hours to be open and help serve those in school and in the work force. The longer the Center was open, the diversity of clients’ needs became apparent and we adjusted the hours and education as needed.
The Center’s dynamics changed and altered throughout the years. A formalized Board of Directors was formed by the call of a woman that was chosen as interim director to this ministry. Another permanent director was appointed within a year. Board members served and were called to other ministries throughout the years. Growth rings were apparent when the opportunity to open not just one satellite Center but two (2) within a year of each other, expanded the ministry to (3) Centers in twp (2) counties (Bedford and Mitchell in Lawrence County and Linton in Greene County). Professional training and counsel have been from our affiliation with Heartbeat International and Life Stewards Ministry (formerly Alternatives Group), which has caused us to provide successful fund-raisers based on time-proven formulas. The information from NIFLA (National Institute of Family & Life Advocates) has also proven invaluable.
As the years have progressed and the face of the Centers changed other moves have been made such as, a new location and name change. In 2000, there was growth, and a satellite location was added in Mitchell, Indiana. In 2004, a name change was adopted, and we became known as the Pregnancy Care Center. Growth continued, and in 2005, a third satellite center was established in Linton, Indiana. In 2006 the Linton Center became aware of the necessity for their Center in Greene County to take a step out on their own and their 501c3 was formally finalized in 2006, and is still in operation today. Over time we have learned to appreciate all the changes God has seen fit to lead us through, knowing His plan holds more for the future of all Centers. Through the help of individuals and businesses as well as local churches, our Mission is ongoing as we continue to live the Gospel message and share the love of Jesus Christ with our goal being to offer hope to those involved in crisis pregnancies.
In 2010, under Executive Director, Marcy Pederson, we changed our name to Hope Resource Center, located at 1629 Central Av, Bedford Indiana. Our core mission remained the same which is to provide young women with accurate information about their options as they face unplanned pregnancies. In 2010 we refined our focus based on the needs of our community. Our focus now includes men and women with life issues, pregnancy, parenting and family needs. In 2010, the parenting program was added, additional expansion included relocating the Bedford location in 2011, to 1145 16th St, relocating again in 2013, to 717 Lincoln Ave and adding to the educational programs, the GED program and included material aid room for diapers, clothing, car seats, beds, linen, strollers, blankets, which became known as Judy’s Baby Boutique in honor of her long time commitment and service to the Center.
In 2015, Marcy Pederson handed the reigns as Executive Director over to her intern, Abby George. And, our generous landlord, Mr. Ralph Anderson, offered, free of charge, an additional suite next door to us in Lincoln Pharmacy Plaza. Mike Baldwin headed up the remodeling efforts by a mighty team of volunteers. In 2017, Hope Resource Center rebranded to the current logo and Judy’s Baby Boutique became Hope’s Kids Closet. Later that year, Hope volunteer nurse, April Haskett, became Executive Director. Since then, HRC has added two more suites in the plaza, totaling five suites and over 10,000 square feet. In 2015, Hope Resource Center provided 300 client services to the community. In 2020, Hope purchased The Hope Mobile for $1.00 from St. John’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. God multiplied HRC’s impact tremendously, and in 2024, HRC provided 11,364 client services to clients and patients all over Indiana. Some even come from Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois for the services Hope provides. We’re excited to see where God leads us in the future.