Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, a nonprofit that offers support to women experiencing a planned or unplanned pregnancy, recently has opened its fourth location in downtown Dade City.
The nonprofit, founded by Pete Castellani, got started in 2009 when it opened in Land O’ Lakes. Over the past 12 years, Oasis has successfully expanded into other areas like Wesley Chapel and Tampa.
In late 2020, Castellani got a call from two local Dade City figures about an opportunity for a fourth location.
Randy Huckabee, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dade City, and Larry Guilford, founder of Make A Difference, reached out to Castellani and suggested he take over a vacant center located at 37522 Meridian Ave.
“We brought the idea to our board, discussed it with the church, and low and behold we opened our fourth center on May 11,” says Castellani.
Castellani has been overwhelmed by the success and response he has received in Dade City.
“The whole community, including different organizations, churches, and political figures, has given us so much support. It’s been such a welcoming, friendly, great experience coming into this area,” said Castellani.
As of now, the center is only open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but Oasis Dade City Director Lora Novak hopes to expand those hours as more people take advantage of its services.
Every service that’s offered to mothers and their partners are completely free, including pregnancy tests, a free ultrasound at less than 22 weeks, and Bright Course lessons that are carried until the baby turns 1 year old.
Bright Course lessons, which are in both English and Spanish, educate mothers and their partners on what to expect in their pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and so much more.
Mothers earn points as they complete the different lessons, which can be redeemed at Oasis’ in-house baby boutique filled with new and gently used baby items.
“We provide bibs to cribs, and everything in between,” said Novak.
Oasis stresses the importance of mothers taking time to make their decision on childbirth.
“We always want them to choose life, but that’s ultimately their decision,” said Novak, “We would be there for them for counseling and services in the future, no matter what choice they decide to make.”
For more information on the Dade City center and its services, go to OasisPregnancyCenter.org, or to donate, visit HeartsForOasis.pronetwork.us.
By Nicole Sanchez
