Clarity of South Central Indiana and Care Net of Central Indiana recently announced they have entered into a merger agreement, effective Oct. 1.

Together, with all current board and staff, the organizations will join as Clarity of Central Indiana.

Eric Allen is the new chief executive officer. He previously was executive director of Care Net of Central Indiana and will carry on his leadership of the newly joined organization.

“It is an honor to be a part of Clarity of Central Indiana, and I am excited to be a part of this new era of joining together,” Allen said in a news release.

Over the past year, both Clarity and Care Net recognized the opportunity to combine resources with a similar strong, healthy, like-minded organization.

“I look forward to this team coming together and making an impact in a larger geographic area,” Allen said. “We are literally doubling the population of those we serve, and that is significant. The people and the needs in our area are as great as ever. Nothing can change the needs for someone going through the sexually related trauma of an unwanted pregnancy and otherwise. Nothing is going to take that away, except for our care and love that shows ‘You matter.’”

As a merged organization, Clarity of South Central Indiana will serve Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Morgan and Shelby counties, helping those affected by sexually related traumas, defined as unwanted and unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive loss and sexual abuse.

Overall, Clarity now consists of 10 center locations and a mobile unit as well as education programs for students and restoration programs for those wanting healing from past traumas. Clarity’s headquarters will remain in Columbus.

For information, visit claritycares.org.