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| A pink awning calls attention to the Women’s Care Center, located across the street from the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic on Madison’s east side. (Catholic Herald photo/Mary C. Uhler) |
MADISON — Since it opened in January of 2012, the Women’s Care Center-Madison (WCCM) has affected the lives of over 435 families, including at least 50 who had a change of heart and chose life for their baby.
WCCM is located at 3711 Orin Rd. on Madison’s east side, right across the street from the Planned Parenthood abortion facility. A dedicated group of volunteers purchased the property for the WCCM, hoping to provide an alternative for those seeking an abortion.
Their hopes have been fulfilled as many pregnant women have crossed the street, sometimes being encouraged by the presence of pro-lifers praying outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic.
Relies on volunteers
The WCCM is funded 100 percent by volunteer donations and relies on many volunteers to help the three paid staff members.
“From the newborn who were given a chance at life because of the joy their mothers experienced when they saw their first ultrasound, to those who utilized WCC-Madison’s counseling and educational outreach, all are living testaments to you and to your generous donations,” said Greg Wagner, Middleton, volunteer board chair of WCCM, in a recent letter to donors.
WCCM Counselor Janeen Otis, one of three paid staff members, talks about one of the mothers she helped. “She came in here abortion minded, and left here after meeting with me feeling much better and deciding to parent,” she said.
“The family signed up for and came to many group classes as well as met with me a few times. They did do some shopping in the Crib Club and a larger item that they bought
was a car seat.”
Importance of volunteers
Besides Otis, the other two paid WCCM staff members are Jean Janderweil, the lead counselor, and Sarah Martin, counselor and ultrasound nurse.
“Since the staff is very small, we rely heavily on volunteers and donors,” said Lisa Schuebel, the WCCM’s volunteer Volunteer Coordinator.
Schuebel has been involved with the WCCM since it opened in January of 2012. “As soon as I heard about it, I wanted to be involved. I strongly support it,” she said.
“It became clear that many duties and responsibilities would have to be delegated to volunteers so that the staff would be free to deal with clients. We need volunteers for one-time jobs and on-going jobs,” she said.
Some volunteers teach parenting classes. They are experts in their field, including licensed teachers, La Leche League instructors who teach about breast-feeding, and firefighters who give lessons in fire safety.
Some volunteers assist with the Crib Club, which offers diapers, cribs, car seats, and baby clothing for clients who obtain “coupons” by participating in WCCM classes. The volunteers receive donations, sort items, and keep the Crib Club stocked with seasonally appropriate clothing. Volunteers also are needed to help with lawn care, snow removal, and other “odd jobs.”
“We also have people on call who help with special projects such as mailings, W Club work at the Kohl Center or Camp Randall, or with occasional special events,” said Schuebel.
“It’s such a positive environment for all involved. Everyone is happy to contribute whatever they can and share a passion for helping women and families,” she said.
Groups involved
Besides individual volunteers, there are also a number of organizations and church groups helping with the WCCM. One of them is Sigma Alpha Omega, a new national Christian sorority at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“This is the first chapter in the Midwest,” said Schuebel. “One of the things the women had to decide was their primary philanthropy. They chose the Women’s Care Center. These young women are very enthusiastic about the mission of the WCC to help women and families.”
Also involved are the Knights of Columbus and Students for Life at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison.
“We’re always accepting new volunteers,” said Schuebel. Interested persons can call her at 608-241-8100 or go to the WCCM website at www.womenscarecentermadison.com
Special event
The staff and volunteers of the WCCM are planning a special event, “Stories and Songs of Faith,” on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave. The evening of music, fellowship, and prayer will feature stories and songs of faith with Michael John Poirier, a Catholic singer who started the Holy Family Apostolate. Everyone is welcome to attend.