(KIWA Staff Photo)
Orange City, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Nearly a decade after opening its doors in Orange City, Guiding Star Siouxland has officially entered a new chapter.
The organization is now operating as ZoeCare Orange City, joining the Yankton, South Dakota-based ZoeCare network in a move leaders say will expand services while maintaining its longstanding mission of supporting women and families facing pregnancy-related challenges.
Center Director Kaleigh Van Middendorp announced the transition last week, saying the change reflects the evolving needs of women and families in northwest Iowa.
Why the Change
Van Middendorp says the decision followed guidance from the Guiding Star Project, which has encouraged its locations to develop birth centers nationwide. After evaluating local needs, Orange City leadership determined that model wasn’t the best fit for the region, which already has hospitals, birth centers, and home-birth providers.
At the same time, the organization saw rising demand from women and families seeking support during unplanned or challenging pregnancies. That led to conversations with ZoeCare Founder and Executive Director Rachel Jones, an Orange City native, about joining the ZoeCare network.
The transition took effect July 1st, and leadership says the mission remains the same.
Van Middendorp says the organization has also seen growing demand from women seeking information about unplanned pregnancies and abortion, and believes those needs continue to exist in Northwest Iowa.
Expanded Services and Resources
Joining ZoeCare immediately expands what the Orange City center can offer.
New additions include:
- 24/7 chat services
- Access to ZoeCare’s mobile medical unit
- Expanded staffing
- Plans for longer office hours
- All services now free of charge
The center is also expanding parenting education through ZoeCare’s “Earn While You Learn” program, which allows clients to earn points by attending educational appointments and connecting with community resources. Points can be used to obtain baby supplies and other necessities. The program services families from early pregnancy until a child reaches age two and is available in English and Spanish.
What Isn’t Changing
Van Middendorp says clients will still see familiar faces. The Orange City location remains in the same building with the same staff, with additional nurses and expanded hours planned.
She says those changes and the added support from the ZoeCare network positions the organization to continue serving women and families throughout northwest Iowa for years to come.
those changes, combined with additional support available through the ZoeCare network, position the organization to continue serving women and families throughout Northwest Iowa for years to come.
Find out more about ZoeCare services.
