Living Local with Stacy Bishop

In Episode 29 of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, Ed sits down with Stacy Bishop, Executive Director of Open Arms Pregnancy Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The conversation highlights the organization’s mission of supporting women, babies, and families throughout pregnancy and early childhood with free services, practical resources, and emotional support.Open Arms Pregnancy Center has been serving Henderson County since the late 1980s and has continued to grow as the need for family support increases throughout Western North Carolina. Stacy shares that the center currently serves nearly 300 families annually, with thousands of client visits each year for diapers, wipes, baby clothing, ultrasounds, counseling referrals, and wraparound support services.Located at 4005 Asheville Highway in Hendersonville, Open Arms provides services completely free of charge. Families can receive monthly assistance from pregnancy until a child reaches 18 months old. The center also offers limited ultrasounds from six to fourteen weeks with a nurse on staff to help support mothers during early pregnancy.One of the most impactful parts of the episode is Stacy’s explanation of the center’s involvement with the Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) Network. Open Arms works with women who have taken the first abortion pill and later change their minds, helping connect them with progesterone-based reversal treatment. Stacy explains that more than 8,000 babies nationwide have been saved through the abortion pill reversal process.The discussion also touches on the emotional side of the ministry, including support for women dealing with:Unexpected pregnanciesPrevious miscarriagesAnxiety during pregnancyDomestic violence situationsFinancial hardshipParenting challengesAs a faith-based nonprofit, Open Arms focuses on creating a welcoming environment where women and families feel valued, supported, and cared for during difficult seasons of life.Stacy shares ways the community can support the pregnancy center, including:Donating gently used baby itemsPurchasing needed supplies through the center’s Amazon wish listFinancial donationsVolunteer applicationsParticipating in the “Baby Bottle Boomerang” fundraiserThe episode also includes some fun local recommendations around Hendersonville and Western North Carolina. Stacy highlights favorite local spots including:Mini Batch Bakery & Café in HendersonvilleSalty Landing for seafoodGreen River Barbecue in Saluda, especially the fried green tomatoesFor families looking for pregnancy support, parenting resources, or ways to give back locally, this episode offers a helpful look into one of Henderson County’s long-standing nonprofit organizations.To learn more about Open Arms Pregnancy Center, volunteer, or donate, visit openarms329.com.As always, keep living local.