Serving Women & Men for Over 29 Years

About Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center

We here at Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center (LAPS) have our own experiences with unplanned pregnancies, abortion, difficult situations and many questions you may be asking about an unplanned pregnancy. Our top priority is being a judgement free zone, offering compassion, help and assistance to anyone in unplanned pregnancy situation.

Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center is a non-profit organization funded by the generosity of our local community. LAPS has been serving the Lakes Area in Minnesota for over 25 years, in Brainerd, Staples and Wadena.

Meet Dan Nichols

Executive Director

Dan was born and raised in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, living with his Mom, Dad, and two brothers in and around the communities of Garrison, South Brainerd, Deerwood, Ironton, and Nisswa. After graduating high school, Dan married his high school sweet-heart, Natika, and swept her off to the Twin Cities for the better part of 12 years.

After securing a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Bethlehem College and Seminary, Dan pastored at a church in Annandale for 6 years and then planted a church in the suburb of Roseville. In 2022 Dan and Natika uprooted from the Cities and moved back to the area with their three children, Elise, Alice, and Liam.

Dan is passionate about people and loves to imagine a future in which the Kingdom of God becomes more and more visible here on earth. When he's away from his office, you will likely find Dan preparing to fill the pulpit at a nearby church, meeting with people at one of the local coffee shops, or at home playing games with the kiddos.

Have you met our Staff?

LAPS Staff Photo sitting outside on a sunny day.

Top Row: Lisa, Sherri, Bryce, Melody, PJ
Bottom Row: Mavis, Kaydi, Darla, Julie

Messages From Our Staff

Watching clients come in the door that are heavy and down but leaving with smiles. This is so rewarding to know I am helping facilitate a positive experience for a hard situation.

~Mavis

I love working with families and bringing out my inner office geek. This is the perfect fit for my skill set.

~Julie

I was the teen growing up that fell between the cracks. I hid my thoughts & emotions well because I didn’t have a safe space to process them. My deepest passion is to make sure you feel seen and heard. I never want anyone to feel alone like I did.

~Melody

Connecting with people and networking them to the resources they need gives me joy! I get to be generous with our clients from the generous donations from our local community. It’s rewarding to support and save someone money who is financially strained.

~Kaydi

Having a supportive community has been the key to my growth in my roles as a wife, mother, and leader. I love serving families in the same way that I was built up!

~PJ

I believe every child entering this world deserves to be given the best start. Education for prenatal and parenting is vital during pregnancy for the parent(s) and the child. A support system has a powerful impact on all involved and I love providing it.

~Lisa

When I became a father, I felt lost and knew very little for this new role. I am passionate about educating men to support their partner and taking an active role in raising of their child/children. I want to be the encourager and resource that I didn’t have.

~Bryce

Here at Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center we are committed to your success as a parent navigating this new journey in your life.

It takes staff & many volunteers to make this non-profit possible. Choose how you want to volunteer! Fill out the form on this page and we'll get you connected.

Brainerd

Brainerd office: office@lakesareapregnancy.org

Voice: (218) 825-0793

Client TEXT: (218) 513-6701

Staples

Staples office: staplesoffice@lakesareapregnancy.org

Voice: (218) 895-5200

Client TEXT: (218) 296-6231

Wadena

Wadena office: 218-895-5200

Voice & Client TEXT: (218) 513-1677

LAPS Around Town

Wadena Jubilee Days Float

The Great Giveaway Event - Outside at LAPS Brainerd location

The Great Giveaway Event - People having fun looking for items

Giveaways at the Crow Wing County Fair LAPS Booth

LAPS Trunk or Treat Event with Donald Duck

Wadena Jubilee Days Sign with a Pickle on a Stick

Wadena Jubilee Days Pickle on a Stick

Girls Night Out at LAPS!

LAPS hosted the Hubbard Radio sponsored Girls Night Out in October 2023. We welcomed 276 ladies to our Brainerd location. It was a great turn-out and lots of fun - check out a few photos of our costumed guests!