Clare Grochocki, right, of the Pregnancy Care Center, goes over some material with Sally Smith, who is there to learn how to take care of her grandchildren.

Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

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If volunteerism is on your list of New Year's resolutions, Clare and Frank Grochocki can help make that resolution a reality.

"Our philosophy is that we live here in this community and we want to give back, and the Pregnancy Care Center is an opportunity for us to do that as well as providing the opportunity for others in the community to volunteer and give back, too," Frank said.

The husband-and-wife team opened the nonprofit Pregnancy Care Center in Oracle three years ago, a year after their relocation from Lake Havasu City. The only organization of its kind in the area, it's on a mission to provide education in child development, health and safety and parenting skills for young mothers and fathers.

The center also offers free pregnancy tests and material assistance to parents in need and provides education on sexual integrity, sexually transmitted diseases and prevention for local young people through schools and churches.

Last year, the organization provided services to 300 mothers and 400 students. In November, a new facility in Winkelman expanded services in Pinal County, which is tied for the second-highest teen-pregnancy rate in the state, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Clare emphasized that parenting classes and support services are resources for a wide range of families. She said the center works closely with a referral network of community social service agencies, schools, the county court system and other government agencies to provide assistance to clients ranging in age from mid-teens to grandmothers raising their grandchildren.

"It is a misconception to think that only teen moms need help. All moms need help and encouragement and someone else to support them," Clare said. "With the stress of being a mother, it is nice to be able to look to someone to confirm, 'Yes, that is the right way to do this.' "

Mothers and/or fathers can participate in the Earn While You Learn program, a curriculum providing information on prenatal care, child development and parenting, budgeting and establishing a household. Classes and homework can be cashed in for "Mommy Money" to spend at the on-site store, which stocks items such as diapers, formula, baby clothing, furniture and other necessities.

Frank said these items can be a lifeline, particularly for single parents who may not know where to turn for help.

"There is a lot of need in this part of the state. There are developments of high-end homes near us, and a couple miles away you find people living under the poverty level, so you have two extremes," he said.

The Grochockis' goal is to ease the burden of poverty and improve the lives of children and families.

They hesitate to set specific goals for 2007 since the growth of their all-volunteer nonprofit has far exceeded their expectations.