Meet The Team
Our Team
Anne Reed
executive Director
Anne is married and the proud mother of two grown sons. She worked in healthcare administration for fifteen years as a physician recruiter, medical staff coordinator, and medical practice manager. She has served as a full-time volunteer for an international disaster/medical mission organization and facilitated post-abortion healing classes for 12 years. She also worked as a writer and policy advisor for national pro-family/life organizations in Mississippi and Kansas before co-founding Hope Pregnancy Resource Center of Fulton.
Leigh Gentry-Hickman
director of client services
Leigh has lived in Tupelo most of her life and anticipates relocating to Itawamba County in the near future. She is blessed to be the mother of two beautiful young ladies. As a registered nurse of 15 years, she is thankful for the abundance of opportunities and experience she has gained throughout her career. As Hope Pregnancy Resource Center’s director of client services, she is excited to witness how the Lord will use the center to help so many.
Our story
In 2009, Anne Reed and Leigh Gentry-Hickman met during a women’s Bible study in Tupelo, Mississippi. Their friendship began quietly, but a spark of connection was formed. Years later, that spark grew into something extraordinary.
Though they stayed in touch, their paths fully reconnected in 2018 when Leigh moved into a home on the same street as Anne. From that point forward, the two women became true neighbors and even closer friends.
That bond took on a whole new depth in August 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leigh noticed she hadn’t seen Anne or her husband, Jeff, in several days. Trusting her instincts, she reached out and quickly realized they were both very sick and in need of immediate medical attention. Drawing on her background in nursing, Leigh took charge and got them safely to the hospital. It was a night filled with pouring rain, uncertainty, and urgent decisions—but her actions made all the difference.
Anne’s illness was severe, and doctors were unsure she would pull through. Jeff shared regular updates as friends, family, and communities across Mississippi offered prayers and encouragement. Against all odds, Anne made a full recovery—a blessing she credits in part to Leigh’s watchful care and quick response.
Anne affectionately calls her “Lifesaver Leigh,” and their friendship has only grown stronger since those difficult days.
In 2024, the two began talking and praying about a new way to give back together. Their shared vision soon became a reality: Hope Pregnancy Resource Center of Fulton. The center officially opened its doors on September 1, 2025, inside Fulton First Baptist Church, which has generously provided space during the start-up phase. [Moved to 604 East Main Street in November 2025.]
The center offers free, confidential services to individuals and families in Itawamba County and beyond. Support includes pregnancy testing, resources for healthcare access, peer counseling, parenting education, adoption information, and practical assistance with baby and prenatal needs. Plans are already underway to expand into medical services, including ultrasound capabilities.
The mission of Hope PRC is simple but profound—to provide compassionate, judgment-free support to those facing uncertainty, empowering them with knowledge, resources, and encouragement.
For Anne and Leigh, the journey from neighbors to lifelong friends has been remarkable. What began with one act of lifesaving love has now blossomed into a mission of hope for others.