Pregnancy can be a scary thing, especially when you are young or alone.

Care Net of Carbon County realizes the importance of having a support system in place to help guide a woman along this lifelong journey into motherhood; as well as form a lasting bond between mother and father who can give their child the love and necessities they need.For years, the nonprofit organization has served countless numbers of families through the trials of relationships, parenthood and beyond at a quaint half-double home at 531 Mahoning St. in Lehighton.But the more clients that came through Care Net's doors, the more director Suzi DeMara realized that there was an area of the county that was underserved."We have been looking to expand for a long time," she said. "As you know we don't have a bus system in Carbon County and I noticed that a lot of our clients in Lehighton walk there. We were missing a great segment of people from the Panther Valley area who wanted to come in but they would say they don't have a ride over."DeMara is happy to announce though that the organization is expanding to help serve those living in Nesquehoning, Lansford and the surrounding communities.Care Net recently purchased the home of the late Francis X. Koomar, who passed away on Dec. 30, 2015, at the age of 99, and volunteers are currently working to transform the Nesquehoning residence along Catawissa Street into a place to serve families on a number of levels."I have a heart for the folks who live in the Panther Valley," she said, "and I was disappointed in the past when they couldn't get to us here in Lehighton. Then this property opened up and God provided for us."We desperately needed this space," she said, noting that donations of appliances, architectural services and money have already been received for the second location, which is expected to open in the next few months.DeMara said that the new office will include area for a teen group room; meeting area to host anger management, parenting, relationship, emotions and other classes; a child care area; counseling rooms; and eventually "Lord willing," a thrift boutique where people could purchase necessities for babies and families.Care Net's second location will offer a number of the same services that are offered in Lehighton, including pregnancy tests, counseling and education opportunities, but DeMara hopes to add a medical license to include ultrasound options."We would like to get an ultrasound and it's going to be called the 'Frank Koomar's Ultrasound Room,' " she said. "A dream of mine has always been to provide ultrasound testing for the gals who come in. In fact, 80 percent of women and girls who see their baby on ultrasound reject abortion and choose life for that baby."Looking toward the future, DeMara also hopes to partner with laboratories in this area to provide STD testing.She commended the volunteers, contractors and everyone involved for making the expansion, which is expected to cost a reality.There are a few things though that the organization still needs help to obtain, including $10,000 worth of educational materials, three televisions with DVD capabilities, more volunteers to staff the new site and a sign for the front of the building.To help cover some of these costs, as well as renovation costs associated with the expansion, the organization is hosting its annual banquet and silent auction at 5 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Mahoning Valley Country Club. DeMara said that she opens to raise $63,000 through the event.Those looking to volunteer can contact Care Net's Lehighton office at 610-379-0411 or 800-395-HELP for additional information.To send a donation, checks should be made out to Care Net and sent to Care Net, 531 Mahoning St., Lehighton, PA 18235. Donations can be either for general purposes or earmarked for the Nesquehoning site or educational materials by writing where the donation is to go in the memo of the check.For television donations, contact Care Net's Lehighton office."We greatly appreciate the folks in this community because we get no government funding," DeMara said. "And we're still operating in the black. As people support us and care about what we're doing here, we're able to keep our doors open and help those who come in for help."