Women in the greater New Holland area who are in need of pregnancy services or testing for certain diseases have a free and confidential service nearby on Thursdays and in both English and Spanish.

The Cornerstone Reproductive Health Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is located in the parking lot at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, 685 W. Main St., New Holland, each Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each Thursday, the MMU is at Yoder's Country Market, 14 S. Tower Road, New Holland. Cornerstone Reproductive Health, 5380 Lincoln Highway, Gap, is an organization with a vision to empower individuals to embrace life-honoring choices.

The MMU is staffed by Erica Sanchez, client services coordinator, and Margo Oberholtzer, nurse stenographer. Together, they provide a variety of services, including a multimedia presentation options consultation including all available options. For patients who suspect they are pregnant and are considering parenting the child, Sanchez, whose first language is Spanish, will go over fetal development and may discuss adoption. "We talk about their concerns and what brought them (to the MMU). We do an intake," explained Sanchez. Based on the information she receives, Sanchez can offer information and further resources.

Cornerstone also offers Journeys classes, which are free and facilitated by Sanchez. "It's a parenting incentive program," explained Jennie Straub, director of Cornerstone. "They can get education and earn items for their baby, and it's all free." Straub listed an infant car seat, playpen, and crib and mattress as possible options that could be earned by completing the classes. She noted that childbirth classes are available at Cornerstone, as well.

Oberholtzer administers ultrasounds that confirm the status of a pregnancy, and she often witnesses the "wow" moments a mother experiences when first seeing her baby on the screen. Sometimes women who know they are pregnant and looking forward to delivering bring their partners to see the growing child. "It's refreshing and positive (when that happens)," shared Oberholtzer.

In addition to ultrasounds, Oberholtzer can test and treat chlamydia and gonorrhea. "There are a lot more (sexually transmitted diseases) than that, so I always recommend they get the full panel of testing," pointed out Oberholtzer, who recommends a free clinic in Lancaster in those situations. If a test is positive, she has access to the necessary antibiotics for patients.

MMU personnel may be alerted to certain situations by a checkmark on the intake form. "They can mark on here if they are experiencing abuse," noted Straub, who added that an abuse assessment similar to those done in a doctor's office is also included. "Some people won't write it or say it," added Straub, who has devised a method patients can use to let staff know their situation in a confidential manner. "We meet with the patient alone first," added Straub, who noted patients often have a relative or partner along.

Straub noted that the MMU had been on the wish lists of Cornerstone board members for some time. "It's brand new," she said, noting that Cornerstone acquired the MMU after partnering with a Colorado ministry called Save the Storks at the suggestion of Cornerstone director of development Olivia Imchen. "Save the Storks does everything for free because they are a nonprofit. They help us when we need repairs," shared Straub.

Some women come to the MMU planning to deliver and parent their child. Others are unsure what to do. "They are afraid of what the family will say, or they are in college or high school," said Oberholtzer. To provide patient confidentiality, signage is placed on the MMU door whenever a patient is being seen.

Straub recalled a woman who had called in the summer of 2024 and was very upset because she was pregnant and had undergone a bad experience with a previous pregnancy. "She had an options consultation," said Straub, who noted that what the woman learned prompted her to choose life and to place her baby for adoption.

Often, however, women leave without having made a decision. "We know we said what we needed to say and she saw what she needed to see," stated Oberholtzer. "We give it to God to do His thing. We have had people come in determined to (end the pregnancy) and leave here life-minded," she added. Straub said that the MMU has saved approximately 16 babies in the few months that the vehicle has been available. On Mondays, the MMU is at the Parkesburg Point Youth Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The MMU is at Solid Rock Youth Ministries in Quarryville from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. each Monday. To make an appointment at an MMU location, readers may call 484-552-9333. More information about Cornerstone may be found at https://pacornerstone.org.