KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Answers is an organization was founded by JoAnna Weldon, who noticed there was a need for crisis pregnancy resources in Keystone Heights.

“When you grow up in a small community, you realize that there are not a lot of those resources,” JoAnna said. “Initially, I started Answers to help women in an unplanned pregnancy situation.”

To celebrate and raise money and awareness for the group, Answers held its 12th Annual Banquet at the cafeteria at Camp Keystone on Feb. 24.

Clinical pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds are just some of the no cost services Answers provides for the community. They also provide no cost prenatal vitamins, connections to other resources, and life skills in basic housekeeping and dealing with conflicts. In addition, they provide hope and advocacy to those who need it.

As Answers continued to help expected mothers, they realized a second office was needed to address the needs in other areas.

“We realized that the needs in Keystone Heights were very different than the needs in Starke,” she said.

They opened their second office in Starke, which is operated by the same staff.

When COVID-19 struck in 2020, Answers expanded their mission to helping everyone and not just women. They helped families and individuals who were struggling to get food, jobs, and other resources. In addition, JoAnna said that the Keystone Word of Mouth has really helped grow their clientele. Before COVID, Answers had 30 to 40 clients a month and now they have more than 200.

However, with the increase of clientele, Answers is currently understaffed and struggling to meet the needs of their clientele. JoAnna said that the donations and support the community provides is vital to Answers because it keeps their organization going. She says that they will continue to flourish in the future.

“I could even see us increasing even more as we see more people move into this area.” she said.

In order to show their support, approximately 400 people attended the Answers’ banquet. There was a cake auction to raise money which will help pay the bills for both offices. In addition, it will provide the resources needed to help those in difficult situations. JoAnna also shared with the audience her personal thoughts from her journal. She opened her world to the audience and shared how God has walked her through this journey. Afterwards the banquet ended with a time of worship.

If you would like to learn more or to donate, go to findanswersnow.org.