St. Mary Parish Benefits Needy Area Parents

St. Mary Parish Benefits Needy Area Parents

Members of the St. Mary Catholic parish in Crown Point recently contributed to a clothing and supply drive to benefit the Prenatal Assistance Program at St. Clare Health Clinic. Jim Larsen, shown, a parish finance council member, spearheaded the idea a few years ago. “Each parish group was asked to come up with an idea to benefit the community,” Larsen said, adding, “I came up with the clothing donation idea. I’m very happy with the results; each year we get a little more.” Parishioners brought the items to Sunday services Oct. 22 and they were delivered by Larsen the following day. Also shown, from left, are Jamie Donsbach, program manager; Laura Mannion, Franciscan Health Foundation development director; and patient service representatives Hillary Ray and Sandra Hoeckelberg.

The program serves needy area residents, who fall within established income guidelines. The program likewise offers free pregnancy testing, referrals and assistance with accessing community and hospital resources, along with nutritional and pregnancy-related education and regular and supportive contacts during pregnancy. It also offers a clothing closet for expectant mothers. The clinic and the prenatal program are under the auspices of Franciscan Health Crown Point. For more information, call (219) 663-5349.