Featured Member: Pathways Pregnancy Center
Featured member Pathways Pregnancy Center has been quietly serving families in northern New Hampshire for more than 25 years, offering compassionate support, practical resources, and meaningful relationships to individuals navigating pregnancy and parenting.
Serving Northern New Hampshire Since 1998
Established in 1998 and originally located in Whitefield, Pathways later moved to Littleton and has remained a steady presence for families across the region. The organization began with six founding members, and its roots remain strong today. “Two of the six founding board members are still active,” says Board Chair Mary Pat Simmons. “Most of them all still give donations.” That long-term involvement speaks to the strength of the mission and the continued belief in the work being done.
Pathways serves families in Littleton, Whitefield, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Jefferson, Gorham, Franconia, Sugar Hill, and surrounding communities. The center is supported by donors, volunteers, and municipal contributions from towns such as Littleton, Whitefield, and Carroll.
Relationship-Based Support for Families
At the core of Pathways Pregnancy Center is a commitment to building trust. “It’s not like we just hand out supplies,” Simmons explains. “We try to build a relationship with the person so that they feel safe.”
In 2025, the center served 69 clients who made 334 visits. Those numbers reflect ongoing engagement rather than one-time assistance. “The majority of people that come in come in to talk,” Simmons says. “Some of our clients just come by to talk. They don’t always need something.”
Each new client completes an intake process and meets one on one with trained volunteer client advocates. “We take personal interest in each person that comes through the door,” Simmons says. The emphasis is on listening first and responding with care.
Pregnancy Services and Parenting Education
Pathways offers free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. Options counseling is also available for men and women navigating pregnancy decisions. “We don’t force anything. We just tell them what there is,” Simmons says.
Parenting education is delivered through the BrightCourse curriculum, which includes topics such as trimester development, postpartum depression, newborn care, toddler milestones, budgeting resources, and healthy relationships. Course details are available at the Parent Education page and the BrightCourse class list.
“Parents are looking for guidance,” Simmons explains. “We try to be very flexible.” Parents may complete courses online or in person, making participation accessible for busy families.
Client advocates receive structured training through Pathways services and programs. “They’re not able to continue as a client advocate if they don’t pass the course,” Simmons notes, reflecting the professionalism behind this volunteer-driven organization.
Material Assistance with Dignity
In addition to education and counseling, Pathways provides material support through its Baby Boutique and material assistance program.
“If someone’s coming in need, we want to give them the best we possibly can,” Simmons says. “Rather than giving them something worn and torn, because we care about them.” The center carefully selects donated items and ensures families receive safe, high-quality supplies such as diapers, clothing, car seats, and strollers.
Support is not limited to pregnancy. When asked whether families must begin services during pregnancy, Simmons responded clearly: “Oh, no, no, not at all.” Grandparents and other caregivers raising children are also welcome.
Inclusive, Compassionate Care
Pathways Pregnancy Center welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. Addressing misconceptions, Simmons says, “We welcome anyone that comes and knocks at our door and wants help.” She adds, “It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, or if you go to church or if you don’t. A person is a person.”
For families who may hesitate to reach out, her message is simple: “We’re here, we care, and we’re not going to charge you. We don’t have any expectations of a person that comes to us.” Answers to common questions can be found on the FAQ page.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Community Awareness
Like many nonprofits, Pathways Pregnancy Center is in a season of renewal. “Some people don’t know that we’re still here, and some people don’t know that we’re here at all,” Simmons says. Increasing awareness across northern New Hampshire is a priority.
“We are in a rebuilding phase,” Simmons shares, “but we have a lot of hope.” For Simmons, the most impactful aspect of the work remains deeply personal. Reflecting on her time serving as interim director, she points to “the trust that’s built in those moments and those relationships.”
Community members who wish to support the organization can visit the donation page.
Partner Organizations and Community Collaboration
Pathways Pregnancy Center works closely with other organizations in northern New Hampshire to ensure families can access support beyond what the center directly provides. When a family needs additional services, staff and volunteers help connect them with trusted community partners.
These partner and referral organizations include the Family Resource Center, Head Start programs, The Womb Initiative, and local food pantries. Client advocates also receive training through Care Net, which equips them to provide informed, compassionate support to individuals and families facing pregnancy and parenting challenges.
By working alongside these organizations, Pathways Pregnancy Center helps families navigate multiple systems of care and access resources related to early childhood education, maternal health, nutrition, and family support. This collaborative approach strengthens the regional safety net for parents, caregivers, and children throughout the North Country.
