Our History

In 1974, a hotline, called Emergency Pregnancy Services, was established by a group of concerned citizens for the purpose of helping women in crisis pregnancy situations. EPS has remained a leader in the field of crisis pregnancy services. For over 40 years, EPS has been the preferred organization for women in crisis situations to make an informed decision in Duval and Clay Counties. It is known throughout the community as a place where women and families can receive information, practical assistance, compassion, empathy and hope. Emergency Pregnancy Services provides all of their services at no cost to their clients through a variety programs.

Emergency Pregnancy Services is a nonprofit agency with the mission to empower women to make fact based decisions about their pregnancy without judgment or pressure.

We know that knowledge equals power for women in crisis. Trained counselors provide a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where women can be educated about their choices. EPS believes that by doing all of this, we can empower women to make the right decision and choose life for their babies. In turn, we are helping build stronger and healthier families in our community. Your trust is important. All services provided at Emergency Pregnancy Services are free and are completely confidential.

CARING. COMPASSIONATE. CONFIDENTIAL.

Meet the Team

Andriea Thompson

Client Specialist/Receptionist

Andriea started as a volunteer with EPS in August of 2010 and came to us from Work Source which is a career path organization in Jacksonville is. During one of her volunteer shifts, the director overheard her speaking with a client and recognized the true empathy she had together with an ability to really connect with the client. She offered Andriea a position and she is now our Client Specialist-Receptionist. She is the face and voice of EPS for all clients who walk in or call over the phone. She greets the clients and checks them in before they meet with the Client Advocate counselors. She also manages our materials closet. Clients receive clothing for their babies as well as diapers, formula and baby food. She has 2 grown daughters and loves listening and watching the old-time television shows.

“I love listening and talking to the women who come in – no two stories are alike and often we are able to share ideas. Recently, I was able to help a young mom get here 5-year-old child started in the Head Start program. It is truly gratifying to be able to help.”

Dejah D'Amour (Dee)

Client Advocate/Sonographer

Dee has been with EPS for 5 years. She graduated from Ultrasound school with a specialty in OB/GYN because she loves working with women and their unborn babies. She has a beautiful 13-year-old daughter and in her words “bringing her into this world was a Godsend.” But sadly, her twin brother Ethan James, passed in utero at 32 weeks gestation due to a clotting issue that was found by doctors after delivery

“I never anticipated going that far in my pregnancy and experiencing loss so great. It was a journey and while it was difficult it led me to my career with EPS. I am so blessed to be able to offer prenatal counseling and education to young women who do not have the luxury of dependable support in their lives. We strive to empower these young women to take value in themselves to prepare them for motherhood and parenting. I am very proud to be a part of a wonderful and selfless team of women.”

Jamie Benda

Client Advocate/Sonographer

Jamie is one of our client advocate counselors who is a credentialed ultrasound technician. She has been with us for 4 years and her quiet calm demeanor is a great blessing to women in crisis. She is a mom of three children, 2 teenaged daughters and a young 4-year-old son and enjoys spending time with her family; and, in her spare time enjoys reading, doing arts and crafts, and learning/practicing to groom their family pet, a Goldendoodle.

“Every day, I have the opportunity to help women by giving them information to be healthy moms and have healthy babies. I can do ultrasounds in a more personal and intimate way with these women. Some days, counseling is very hard work, but most days are very rewarding, as I am able to make a difference for these women and their babies.”

Mary Stinson, R.N.

Client Advocate

Mary works part time for EPS and is a Registered Nurse (RN), International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). She taught Childbirth Education for 7 years. She has been practicing for 29 years and has been with St. Vincent's for 21 years. She joined Emergency Pregnancy Services in 2015. She continues to work with Seton Center for Women and infants Health, along with EPS. She has been married for 30 years and is the mother of two and a grandmother of three.

Working with our moms in crisis is a blessing for Mary as she says it is "a calling dear to my heart."

Tamara Williams

Client Specialist/Receptionist

Tamara Williams came to us 6 years ago as a volunteer. She is one of our Client Specialists who serves as the calming voice over the phone and smile at the door welcoming clients into our office in Arlington. She graduated from Florida Technical College (FTC) in 2011 as a Clinical Medical Assistant and is the mom to two young sons, Tyler and Trysten. In her spare time, she loves to read and to travel. Her most memorable experience was visiting her brother in Chicago when he graduated from basic training and she saw snow for the first time which was a real treat for this southern girl.

“I love my job at EPS because it gives me the opportunity to help our clients succeed and become strong and loving mothers to their babies and help their families. I also work with a great bunch of ladies who empower women every day.”