Recycling Grace broke ground Tuesday afternoon on its new maternity center, located at 1407 N. Fifth St. Joined by community leaders and representatives of Habitat for Humanity, Sandra and Brent Shockey proudly presented plans for the future 2,664-square-foot, six-bedroom facility.
State Rep. Hardy Billington commended the Rev. Sandra Mick-Shockey’s drive and vision to bring services to those most in need.
He said, “I appreciate all the hard work you do.”
Poplar Bluff Mayor Shane Cornman recounted he was given a tour of a women’s center with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe last week. Cornman stated it was eye-opening to see the help given to women in need.
“I know this new maternity center is going to go right along with that,” he affirmed.
President of the board of Recycling Grace Belinda Winters spoke about the pressing need for more centers like this one throughout the state.
“It’s exciting to see what God has planned for us,” she commented.
Shockey expressed gratitude for the extensive community support received to make the project a reality.
“We’ve got lots of partners and we’re thankful for each of them,” she said. “Together, we are helping women trade their shame for dignity, weakness for strength, insecurity for security, and preparing them and their families for the future,” Shockey expounded.
Brent, her husband, explained future mothers suffering from addiction will come to the center and be in the program for up to a year. He hopes to get women to the center before they give birth.
This way, “she won’t lose the baby to the system,” and they can stay together, Shockey informed.
Construction will be handled by volunteers from Habitat for Humanity. Shockey encouraged those interested to seek out the organization for volunteer opportunities.
Regarding the center, he concluded, “This is a real need.”