Teen’s Giving Spirit Touches St. Monica Home

Rebecca-Hauser-St-MonicaRebecca Hauser, 16, of Crete, Ill., a junior at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, says she was raised with a spirit of helping others in her family. She has carried that philosophy since seventh grade, when she and a friend started efforts to assist single, less-fortunate young women and pro-life causes.

Her most recent campaign involved collecting, through her church, St. James the Greater, in Sauk Village, more than 4,000 diapers, wipes and other items, since October, to assist women who reside at St. Monica Home, on the grounds of Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer.

It’s admirable and important for these young women to walk the walk and choose life for their babies. It’s a long journey for them and they can’t do it alone – they need help,” Hauser said. She and her mother, Lorri, brought the items to St. Monica on Nov. 26, even though the teen is recovering from knee surgery. She also collects and donates necessities to St. Clare Health Clinic in Crown Point and its Prenatal Assistance Program, which provide free medical and referral services, as well as food, clothing and other assistance, to needy residents in six area counties.

Hauser credited fellow parishioners for assisting her efforts, adding, “They are so great, always willing to help, and God is so good.”

Liz Guzman-Arredondo, St. Monica manager, said she was “overwhelmed and excited” by Hauser’s “refreshing” efforts. “It is good to see someone so young taking up the pro-life cause. Kids today need more awareness about the ramifications of abortion and the harm it causes to a life and the mother. If they realized those, they never would do it,” she said.

Since 1994, St. Monica Home has offered a medically sound and emotionally healthy residential environment for women aged 12 to 21 who are awaiting the birth of a child. Residents, whose average length of stay is nine months, learn positive relationships and parenting skills under the guidance of experienced resident advisers.