Pregnancy center hires part-time director

The Woman's Enrichment Center of Andrews is pleased to announce that Gala Whitehead has been appointed its first Center Director, effective August 1st.

Just six months after opening, the outpouring of resources and the response of women needing services, has made it possible to hire a part-time center director for the Andrews Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Executive Director Chris Scoggins made the announcement at the end of July, and had this to say about Whitehead. "Gala has served as a volunteer at our Blairsville location, and has been such a vital part in getting things started in Andrews. I just know that her sweetness and faithful servant's heart will be mightily used by the Lord for the future of the Woman's Enrichment Center of Andrews."

A resident of Andrews, Gala was a volunteer at the Blairsville center for over two years before playing an important role in getting a center in Andrews opened in February of this year.

Gala first became involved in volunteering at the center after attending the Woman's Enrichment Center's annual banquet, which is held on the first Thursday in November each year. While at the banquet, the mission of the ministry was presented, and she felt a desire and calling to support their efforts.

She says, "I had always wanted to share with others how important life is and that abortion should not be an option, but didn't know how to do that."

Uncomfortable with the idea of counseling, she wasn't sure how she could help. She met with Scoggins, and asked his guidance in finding an area where she could serve. When he mentioned a need for child care, she felt like God was saying, "That's it!" Within two weeks, she began to care for the children of clients while they were in classes or counseling sessions at the Blairsville center. During this time, she also became a liaison for her church, Beaver Creek Freewill Baptist Church, who are longtime supporters of WEC.

Gala has served as a lead volunteer coordinator for the Andrews center since it opened February 2, 2007. In this position, she was responsible for scheduling volunteers to staff the center, as well as overseeing daily operations, a responsibility she shared with Lead Volunteer Pat Litchfield.

While Gala is pleased with the response from those needing services, she is quick to say that one of her goals as director is to reach more women in the community who need help. "The services we provide are not only for pregnant women, but for all women who need our help. Sometimes women just need someone to talk to." Gala's number one priority is not just to provide much needed material support, but to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.

The center also hopes to expand its hours in the near future. Currently, the center is open on Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The center is located in the Andrews Family Eye Care Center on 29 Chestnut Street. For more information on how to support the Woman's Enrichment Center of Andrews, or to inquire about services, you can call the center at 321-3848.

If you would like to have a staff member share with your organization more about the ministry of the Woman's Enrichment Center, please contact Crystal Sparks, PR Coordinator at

828) 321-3679.