DUNCAN — Patrons of a popular local coffee chain have again dug deep to show their support for Southwest Oklahoma mothers.
For the third consecutive year, Viridian Coffee — with locations in Chickasha, Duncan, Lawton, and new locations expected to open soon in Cache and Elgin — hosted a fundraiser for Charis Center of Duncan — a nonprofit organization formed to help women with unplanned pregnancies. Viridian customers quickly rallied around the cause.
Since first meeting Charis Center Founder and Executive Director Kimberla Treat in 2016, Viridian owners Shay and Lindsay Hayes have worked to support Charis’ mission of providing pregnancy and parenting resources to mothers in need.
“We met at a farmers market in Duncan,” Shay said. “We got to know about their mission, and we believe in a lot of the same things they do, and we just started working together.”
Lindsay said at the time, the Duncan area didn’t have a pregnancy center that assisted women with unplanned pregnancies. Lindsay said Treat told them she was coming along to assist these mothers, and to show them they have options.
“They’re not here to condemn, but to offer love and support,” she said.
With a doctor and two registered nurses on staff, Charis Center — 1700 W. Jones Avenue, in Duncan — provides women with a medical-grade pregnancy test for pregnancy confirmation. Treat said the facility can also provide ultrasounds to help determine the age of the baby and to ensure the pregnancy is viable. The organization also provides resources to growing families.
When the Hayeses became first-time parents to their adopted son, Teddy, in 2018, Charis provided items the couple needed to welcome the newborn into the home.
“Charis really came through by helping us with supplies and all the things we needed to take Teddy home,” Shay said. “Kimberla brought a car seat, baby blankets, diapers and bottles — everything we needed to bring Teddy home from the hospital.
“When we got home, Charis and several members of the community bombarded us with everything else we might need to take care of Teddy for a year or two.”
Charis’ mission won the hearts of the Hayeses.
“We love their mission; We love what they do, and we’re so excited to support them,” Lindsay said.
The Hayes’ said they began holding fundraisers for Charis Center in 2018, when Teddy was born. Contributions from customers and matched funds from Viridian Coffee have raised approximately $20,000 for Charis since 2019, Shay said.
While figures are not yet finalized for this year’s fundraiser, the couple estimates the effort has brought in close to $8,500, Shay said Monday.
“We’re extremely grateful for what Shay and Lindsay do,” Treat said. “The funds will go directly back into our center to provide ultrasound and education to our clients, and also, baby items. The awareness about our center and what they’ve done for us is priceless, and we’re very appreciative of that.”
Charis Center is hosting an open house to celebrate their fourth year of service from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Those who attend may tour the facility and get a better understanding of Charis’ impact in the community.
For more details on Charis Center, visit chariscenter.org, or call (580) 786-6000.