About Pathways of Pella

Our History

The Pregnancy Care Center was incorporated on December 6, 1994, as a non-profit corporation to provide services for women and their families involved in unplanned pregnancies.

The center is affiliated with CareNet and Heartbeat International, non-profit organizations which provide support and training to centers. We are funded entirely through voluntary charitable contributions and organized fundraisers. The center is staffed with volunteers and three part-time paid staff. Marilyn Van Mersbergen is our director and Chris Van Kooten is the office manager.

The center began operation on August 15, 1996, at 808 1/2 Washington. In April of 2002, we moved to 722 Broadway and then in September 2011 we moved to our current location. In 2009 we changed our name to Pathways of Pella.

Pathways CenterServices provided by the PCC are:

  • Pregnancy Tests
  • Options counseling
  • Heritage Builders (material assistance program)
  • STI Testing and counseling
  • Parenting skills
  • Ongoing support -- throughout pregnancy and after
  • Post-Abortion counseling
  • Referrals, for:
    • Medical care
    • Housing
    • Adoption
    • Legal

All services provided by the center are free and confidential. We do not refer for abortion, nor do we counsel or refer our clients for use of contraception. Abstinence counseling is provided for single clients.