The YWCA Lower Cape Fear will host an Open House celebrating the new location of its Early Parenthood Program (EPP) in Whiteville on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 310 Jefferson St., Whiteville.
The EPP program, which has served teen parents in Columbus County since 2018, provides support and resources to young women ages 12-19 who are pregnant or parenting. After years of operating from a shared space in the Smart Start building, EPP now has a home of its own, which was made possible through a meaningful partnership with the Columbus County Health Department.
“I’ve been a proud Board of Director for the YWCA over the last three years, and I’m a representative of Columbus County for the Lower Cape Fear Region,” said Rachel Dunbar, YWCA Board Member and Chief Operating Officer at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. “I’m grateful to the Columbus County Manager Eddie Madden and the Columbus County Commissioners for working with the YWCA to identify space where the Early Parenthood Program (EPP) services can be provided to those that will benefit the most,”
The YWCA in Columbus County will also bring its Grandparent Support Network (GSN) to the region by early 2026. GSN offers essential support and services to grandparents and other kinship caregivers raising their grandchildren or kin, many of whom have taken on parenting roles unexpectedly due to crisis or loss.
“This new facility marks a new chapter for our program and the teens we serve! It is a safe space where our young parents can build for themselves and their families with support and confidence,” said Cynthia Love, YWCA EPP Coordinator. “ I’ve served as the Coordinator since September 2024. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with the participants and our community partners. We cannot wait to welcome new mothers into our program and create a strong community together,”
The Open House will include tours of the new space, light refreshments, and a short program with remarks from the Columbus County Chamber of Commerce, YWCA leadership, and community partners. Attendees will also be able to learn more about how to get involved with or support the YWCA’s growing efforts in the region.
“The YWCA has proudly offered services for teens and mothers in this community since 2018,” said Velva Jenkins, President and CEO of YWCA Lower Cape Fear. “We are thrilled to announce our expansion, which will further support families and enhance parenting skills. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the County, Smart Start, and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for their support.”
This event is free and open to the public. Community members, service providers, youth advocates, educators, supporters, and anyone interested are encouraged to attend and learn more about the YWCA’s mission-driven programming in Columbus County.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Brennin Fleisher at communications@ywca-lowercapefear.org.
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