How Jessica Blackburn’s personal journey led to Lauren’s Hope, a pregnancy care center that is changing lives in Pender County.
Forty-two years ago, Jessica Blackburn was a 17-year-old girl facing an unplanned pregnancy. Fortunately, she had parents who helped her through her pregnancy and the subsequent adoption process, but she understands not everyone has that same experience.
“There are a lot of girls who don’t have anyone to lift them up through this time and let them know they’re still loved,” Blackburn says.
That is why she established Lauren’s Hope, a 501(c)3 nonprofit pregnancy care center, in 2024. The center, which she named after her daughter, also supplies a full range of information and resources.
“They need to know everything that’s available to them,” Jessica says. “We’re here to help them make a decision they can live with for the rest of their lives — whatever they ultimately decide — and give them hope.”
MEETING A LOCAL NEED
While Onslow and New Hanover counties have long-established pregnancy care centers — Lifeline in Wilmington and Hope First in Jacksonville — Lauren’s Hope now offers centrally located care in Pender County. This is critical since a significant number of pregnancies occur outside of marriage in Pender County.
According to the NC State Center for Health Statistics, in 2019, 321 out of 719 pregnant women were single mothers.
“What we’re seeing isn’t just a number, it’s a reflection of real women in our community who are overwhelmed, alone and looking for hope,” Blackburn says. “With limited local resources for women navigating crisis pregnancies, Lauren’s Hope fills a vital gap, offering compassionate, life-affirming support where it’s needed most.”
In 2023 alone, 85 abortions were reported in Pender County and 490 abortions in Onslow County, according to JohnstonsArchive.net. “That number is likely underreported due to ongoing changes in abortion laws and access,” Blackburn says.
Blackburn makes it clear that Lauren’s Hope does not conduct abortions or refer to abortion providers, but they do supply information about it along with all the other options available to pregnant women.
“We let them know what that abortion can do to them, but we don’t tell anybody they can’t make that choice,” Blackburn says.
With that in mind, Lauren’s Hope is creating an abortion support group as well as a miscarriage support group to supplement the array of pregnancy classes they offer to women.
Soon, the center will also support the fathers through a mentorship program to help them through the pregnancy decision and beyond.
“The men who want to participate as mentors have a heart for it; they understand that a lot of these young men don’t have existing male role models in their lives,” she says.
Blackburn has even thought about potential language barriers and is implementing a texting system that will enable women to text Lauren’s Hope via the website and receive a response in their native language.
“I want to be able to reach everybody,” she says, “including the tourists who call us to get help while away from home. We’re here for them, too.”
Young women who decide to go full-term with their pregnancy can participate in the center’s trimester training classes. Each trimester, women learn what they can expect to feel and the emotions they might experience.
Parenting classes are offered after that, addressing each stage of child development and parenting. These classes are also extended to young married couples expecting their first baby.
The classes are video based, which most clients watch at the center. Then, after completing the class assignments, they receive needed baby items such as a car seat, a pack-and-play, baby clothes, diapers and more.
All items are donated or obtained through grant money.
Currently, Lauren’s Hope provides ultrasound referrals to area medical providers, but the goal is to offer the service in-house along with all of their other free resources.
Another goal is to begin paying the staff, which currently consists of a medical director, a nurse and Blackburn as executive director.
“The other pregnancy centers have full-paid staff,” Blackburn says. “I’m sure we’ll get there someday, but right now we’re all volunteers until we get more funding in.”
Once those goals are accomplished, Blackburn would like to add a memorial garden and maternity homes.
45% In 2019 in Pender County 321 out of 719 pregnant women were single mothers.
— According to the NC State Center for Health Statistics
HOPE HAPPENS HERE
Lauren’s Hope
12395 N.C. Highway 50, Hampstead (on the corner of Shepards Road and Highway 50 between Holly Ridge and Surf City)
(910) 994-6956
laurenshope.org
Appointments can be scheduled via the website or phone, and walk-ins are welcome.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 4 pm; Friday 8 am to 12 pm
YOU CAN HELP
Christmas in Pender-Onslow Festival of Trees
A Fundraiser for Lauren’s Hope
November 21 & 22
Moose Lodge, 2061 at 13175 NC Highway 50, Hampstead
To participate in the Festival of Trees go to christmasinpenderonslow.org or email info@christmasinpenderonslow.org.
To support or learn more about Lauren’s Hope, visit friendsoflaurenshope.org.
