history
humble beginnings
Since 1973, Willow Pregnancy Support (previously Birth Choice) – which originally thought it would operate as a referral service – found itself providing services for pregnant women that simply did not exist in Oklahoma. Our services included free pregnancy tests and material goods such as baby clothes, maternity clothes, diapers, and formula.
In 2019, the organization was rebranded Willow Pregnancy Support. Our growth continues. Today, Willow Pregnancy Support is a resource center for pregnant women with two offices in the metropolitan Oklahoma City area (Bethany and South Oklahoma City) and other affiliates nationwide.
through the years
1973
March 5
The Journey Begins
Birthright opens its first office with two folding chairs and a phone at Lakeside Methodist Church as a referral service to help support women who were experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.
1974
Birthright moves to 3021 South Western, known to many as “The Little Yellow House”
1986
To provide safe housing, Rose Home, our shelter for pregnant women and their children, opens its doors in the Paseo district.
1994
May
Name Changed to Birth Choice
The Board of Directors adopts a new name, and Birth Choice of Oklahoma is officially launched. Along with the new name, a revised Declaration of Principles and updated by-laws are also introduced.
1998
November 1
Offering Ultrasound
Birth Choice introduced the Ultrasound Program at all office locations to provide women with additional tools and more accurate information about their pregnancies.
2004
Groundbreaking took place for the new 5,500 square foot south office at 4701 S. Western made possible through the Beacon of Life Capital Campaign. This will allow for more impact on our community.
2005
The South Office construction is complete, and Birth Choice celebrates with an open house on Mother’s Day, and a dedication by Archbishop Beltran.
2007
Through our partnership with SSM Health, we began offering prenatal care at the south office to ensure early intervention, improve outcomes, and help overcome transportation barriers to healthcare.
2014
After receiving a substantial donation, expansion of the south office takes place to include an expanded prenatal clinic. The clinic is dedicated and named the Carol Brown Prenatal Clinic.
2018
February
Rose Home Fire
A fire on the second floor of the original Rose Home caused significant damage. Thankfully, everyone escaped unharmed. The Board of Directors and staff began to dream of a facility that would be more appropriate for living and learning for generations to come.
2019
Full Rebrand to Willow Pregnancy Support
Birth Choice rebranded to Willow Pregnancy Support and rededicating themselves as guardians of life, caregivers to women, and advocates for children who have yet to be born.
2021
JUNE
Willow Pregnancy Support breaks ground for the newly 7,200 square foot Rose Home to expand our services and meet the needs of the residents we serve.
2023
May
Thanks to the generous donation and lifelong commitment of the Greiner Family, Willow Pregnancy Support is proud to announce that the Rose Home is renamed the Leitner Greiner Rose Home.
2023
SEPTEMBER
Celebrating 50 Years
At the Life of the Party Gala held at the Oklahoma Golf and Country Club, Willow Pregnancy Support celebrates 50 years of serving pregnant women, their children, and families in our community.
2024
Barbara Chishko, Executive Director, retires after 51 years of service. Her daughter, Carrie Rossow is selected by the Board of Directors to be her successor. Barbara will remain as an ex officio Board Member.