In this Issue of Hey Cherokee County…

✅ Former Andrews Health Building Reopens With New Purpose

✅ Youth Sports Programs Looking for More Players

Cherokee County Events

August 1st

August 4th

August 11th

August 15th

August 20th

August 22nd

August 26th

September 16th-19th

September 26th

October 31st

November 21st

A county-owned building that sat vacant for more than eight years is serving the community again — this time as the new home of the Pregnancy and Parenting Center of Cherokee County.

The faith-based nonprofit began seeing clients at the former Andrews health center building on Main Street June 22 after volunteers spent months repairing and renovating the property. The center is leasing the building from Cherokee County for $1 per year through 2035.

The move gives the organization more space, room for outdoor activities and relief from the rent it paid at its previous location. However, Jackie Mueller said the new building is ultimately a tool for carrying out a mission that has continued to grow since the organization first came to Andrews in 2007 as an outreach of the crisis pregnancy center in Blairsville before becoming an independent nonprofit three years later.

“We’re pro-abundant life,” Mueller said. “As the Bible teaches, love your neighbor. And so, how can we love our neighbor?”

At the heart of the ministry is its work as a crisis pregnancy center, helping women facing unexpected pregnancies by offering emotional, spiritual and practical support. But Mueller said the organization's mission extends well beyond pregnancy itself.

The center provides pregnancy and parenting education, fatherhood programs, mentoring, and material assistance for families. Clients can receive diaper bags and other essential baby items, while also earning points through parenting classes, educational videos, Bible studies and other programs. Those points can then be redeemed for necessities such as diapers, wipes, clothing, car seats, cribs and high chairs.

“If they come in at the beginning of their pregnancy, by the time they’re ready to deliver that baby, they could conceivably have absolutely everything they need to care for that baby when it’s born,” Mueller said.

But the center's work doesn't always begin—or end—with pregnancy. Mueller recalled one man who had recently been released from jail and wanted to apply for a job but didn't have appropriate clothes to wear. Through donated clothing, the center was able to help him prepare for a job interview. 

“I don’t ever want to limit what God would have us to do to help someone in the community,” Mueller said.

That philosophy, coupled with a need for more space to serve families, ultimately led the organization to seek a larger home. Approximately $40,000 in donated funds went into renovating the building, in addition to countless hours of volunteer labor. Volunteers renovated the interior, constructed a pavilion, installed a playground and added a storage shed for donated items, creating a space better suited for serving families and expanding the organization's programs.

The pavilion provides outdoor space for Bible studies, fatherhood programs and one-on-one mentoring while children play nearby. The center is also developing a computer lab and exploring a partnership with Tri-County Community College to offer programs such as GED preparation, English as a Second Language classes and other life-skills courses.

“I can’t think of anybody that lives in Cherokee County or beyond that couldn’t participate in our services in some fashion,” Mueller said. 

The Pregnancy and Parenting Center is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. A parenting class is held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays.

Mueller said the center hopes to expand its hours as more volunteers become available. 

An open house and dedication service celebrating the center’s new location will be held Tuesday, July 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 224 Main Street in Andrews. 

The center is operated entirely by volunteers and supported through donations from individuals, churches and businesses.

Physical donations can be left in the donation box at the center even when the building is closed. Financial contributions can be made at ppc-care.org or mailed to P.O. Box 866, Andrews, NC.

Two local youth sports programs are still looking to add players before their seasons begin.

Murphy Middle School Boys' Soccer needs three to four more players to complete its roster. Anyone interested in playing or learning more can contact Coach Rocky at 828-557-1758.

Andrews Youth Football is also accepting registrations through Aug. 1 for children ages 5 through 12. The program offers Peewee (5–6), Termite (7–8), Mite (9–10), and Midget (11–12) divisions.

Families interested in Andrews Youth Football can contact the Andrews Recreation Department or email [email protected] for more information.

Organizers say youth sports help children build discipline, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and lasting friendships while staying active and engaged.

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