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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Care Net Pregnancy Care Center of Chilton County is expanding services to expectant mothers through Earn While You Learn.

The program allows moms-to-be and the baby’s father to earn mommy money or daddy bucks to spend at Care Net’s baby boutique, while learning good parenting practices.

In addition to clothes, the boutique includes cribs, strollers, bath time necessities and toys.

The boutique will be open to parents in the program starting Jan. 4.

Executive Director Ashley Liveoak said the Earn While You Learn bucks are earned through attending the classes, completing homework, writing summaries of pamphlets selected by a mentor and other opportunities.

The Earn While You Learn classes meet once a week for eight weeks. Each class is about an hour.

“Once they complete everything (the eight-week course), they get a free car seat, which is a huge expense that they don’t have to pay,” Liveoak said.

There are six individuals/couples going through the program right now.

Classes are offered on an ongoing basis. Those wanting to attend classes can contact Care Net at 205-755-6767.

Work on the boutique began in July 2020. Liveoak said she was grateful to Ebenezer Baptist for donating shelves, construction students in Robert Pittman’s class at LeCroy Career Technical Center for assembling clothes racks and Rebecca Lowery for painting the mural in the boutique.

Separate parenting classes are also available for those with children ages 2-18.

Liveoak said donations from the community keep the boutique stocked. Current needs are listed on the organization’s Facebook.

“The community has stepped up every time,” Liveoak said. “We always need diaper bags, baby wash and gently used (baby) clothes.”

Donations of new baby clothing, car seats and other baby necessities are also accepted.

Liveoak said those who are Alfa Insurance members have the opportunity to purchase up to two car seats a year for $25 each.

“Contact your agent and then they will send it directly to us here at Care Net,” Liveoak said.

Those wishing to order online and mail donations should use the mailing address of P.O. Box 2164, Clanton, Alabama 35046. Donations can also be dropped off at the office during regular business hours Tuesday-Thursday. Care Net is located at 5 Village Square (off of Highway 31) in Clanton.

Monetary donations are also welcome.