Clean Hearts Christian Ministry provides support to mothers

The Clean Heart Crisis Pregnancy Center, located on Liberty Square in downtown Sparta, is dedicating to helping new mothers meet the new needs they have for themselves and their children.

CHCP, a division of the Clean Hearts Christian Ministry, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been serving the community since August 2013 and is a pro-life organization.

“While saving the baby from abortion is important to me, I feel that it is equally important that we equip new mothers with both the supplies and the skills needed to care for her baby, not just while it’s in the womb but after as well,” Susan Colquitt, director of CHCP, said.

To help mothers-to-be as well as new mothers, CHCP offers Tennessee Department of Children Services approved parenting classes as well as prenatal classes.

Dr. Chad Griffin and Cornerstone Family Medicine provides CHCP with a variety of formulas for CHCP to distribute to families in need, while churches throughout White County help fund CHCP so they can provide diapers, wipes, clothes, and other baby and toddler needs to families who come to them for assistance.

Colquitt said churches supply layettes for her to give to expectant mothers as a sort of “baby shower.” The layettes include all brand new items such as clothing, blankets, towels, diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, bottles, and a few other items that she said she likes to not advertise so that there is a surprise for the mothers.

In addition, individuals throughout the community often make donations to CHCP in the form of baby furniture, clothes, walkers, car seats, other baby items, and, of course, monetary gifts.

Colquitt said most monetary donations are put immediately toward the purchase of diapers.

“On average, CHCP buys 240 packs of diapers each month. That equals about $1,500,” she explained. “We serve approximately 65 families a month through this ministry.”

CHCP is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday. Colquitt encouraged anyone in need of help or wishing to contribute – either financially or through assisting in any of their programs – to call (931) 837-5050 for more information or to volunteer.