Summer 2004 ACTION NEWS | VOL. XXIII NO. 3
Veteran Counselor Founds WomanCare Services
by Ann Scheidler
![[Group Photo: Nelson, Paprocki, Scheidler]](womancare01.jpg)
Laura Nelson, Bishop Thomas Paprocki and Joe Scheidler at the WomanCare Services dedication, July 25 in Berwyn, IL [Photo by Ann Scheidler]
Laura Nelson began sidewalk counseling in the 1980's because she knew the anguish women were facing in a crisis pregnancy. She wanted to help women make a choice for life rather than go through the trauma of abortion.
In addition to the sidewalk counseling, Laura counseled women at a downtown Chicago pregnancy resource center (PRC), initially as a volunteer. Joe Scheidler, who believed it was essential to man the PRCs with trained counseling staff, helped to secure a grant for the center to give Laura a salary, making it possible for her to devote her full time to helping women.
Special Mission to Hispanic Women
With a heart for the growing Hispanic community in the Chicago area, Laura went to Mexico to perfect her Spanish. Her bilingual facility is invaluable in counseling many of the women who have limited English skills.
In November 1998 Laura became director of the North Riverside branch of the Women's Centers. Due to financial constraints the Women's Centers elected to close the North Riverside office in 2004, but Laura had seen a real need to minister to the Hispanic population in the neighborhood. She approached several pro-life friends and founded WomanCare Services, which opened its doors on June 15.
WomanCare is located in a medical building directly across the street from McNeal Hospital. Laura is working with hospital officials to arrange for ultrasounds for their clients at the hospital. Among the volunteer counselors are four professional social workers.
Bishop Paprocki Dedicates WomanCare Services
Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Paprocki officiated at a ceremony dedicating WomanCare Services on July 25, 2004. Members of the Board of Directors, supporters and friends gathered at the new center at 3240 S. Oak Park Ave. in Berwyn, IL to celebrate the opening of the new ministry. Following the dedication, nearly two hundred supporters of WomanCare enjoyed an ice cream social at St. Leonard's parish hall.
WomanCare's first Respect Life banquet on Sunday, November 14 will feature Joe Scheidler as honored guest and speaker. For more information, or to volunteer or donate to WomanCare Services, call 708-795-6000.
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