Care Net of Carbon County will host screenings of the award-winning "October Baby" in our area this month.

Care Net director Suzi DeMara first heard of "October Baby" online. After watching the movie in its entirety, she knew that she would need to bring its message to our area."It's a wonderful movie and based off of a true story. It's entertaining, but it will definitely tug at your emotions," she said."October Baby" opens with a college student named Hannah collapsing on a stage during a theatre performance. While exploring the reasons behind her health problems, she discovers that she is adopted and embarks on a road trip to find her birth mother."This is a story of redemption. We all have things that we deal with, no matter what our past. Bad things happen to people but we are able to turn it into something good," said DeMara. "She finds that life can be so much more than what we had planned. This is a message that the community needs to hear."DeMara noted that a powerful theme throughout the movie is one of letting go, and of forgiving others for the wounds they have caused us."It's a story about forgiveness and love," she said. "Teens will love this movie. Parents and families will love this movie." DeMara noted that parts of the movie may not be appropriate for very young viewers.Care Net is a Christ-centered community resource that provides support for those facing pregnancy. Care Net also encourages healthy choices in sexuality, relationships and parenting.The Lehighton branch offers free pregnancy tests, options counseling, parenting and couples classes, and anger management counseling."Our desire is to help people and families become healthy emotionally and physically. We believe that families are the foundation of our society," said DeMara. "Even though we are a little agency, we have a big mission."As of press time, Care Net will host "October Baby" in the following locations:October 14, 6:30 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 6th and Coal Streets, LehightonOctober 21, 6 p.m. at Salem Bible Fellowship, 1105 Fredericks Grover Road, LehightonOctober 26, 6:30 p.m. at Benders Mennonite Church, 975 Benders Church Road, Pen ArgylOctober 28, 6:30 p.m. at Meeds Memorial Methodist Church, 126 Catawissa Street, NesquehoningNovember 5, 6 p.m. at Bethany Wesleyan Church, 657 Blue Mountain Drive, CherryvilleA Care Net volunteer will be available at each screening to speak with viewers who have questions about the organization's services. Additional dates and locations are pending, and DeMara is actively looking for more churches and groups to host screenings."We would love to come in and show this movie in more places," added DeMara. "This could be part of a family or teen movie night, or a good movie for a church date night."Local screenings are co-sponsored by Thermal Solutions in Lehighton. Area groups interested in hosting a screening of "October Baby" should contact Care Net at (610) 379-0411.