Donor Booklet 2023

Meriane, Heather’s House Resident

Our History

Our Mission

Services & Programs

Maternity Homes

Client Stories

Statement of Activities

Parish Action Plan

Giving Opportunities

Volunteer Program

OUR HISTORY

Since 1978, Aid for Women has helped thousands of women each year in the Chicago metropolitan area who find themselves facing unexpected pregnancies. We currently operate five Pregnancy Care Centers, as well as two Maternity Homes (Heather’s House and Monica’s House).

Aid for Women understands that every woman’s situation is different and provides a confidential and comfortable place for our clients to meet with our medical staff and advocates to discuss her unique needs and situation.

Founded in 1978 by Deacon Thomas

Bresler

In 1973, abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy became legal in the United States after the historic Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton.

Thomas Bresler, a newly ordained deacon at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Deerfield, Illinois, found his new mission after the Roe decision, and in 1977, met with a small but eager group in his living room.

On October 6, 1978, Deacon Bresler, along with Nancy Corbett, Penny Crowley, Mary Kraychy, and Mona Lukas, opened Aid for Women, a pregnancy help center in suburban Deerfield, Illinois, to serve the needs of women in the area and offer alternatives to abortion.

In 1981, a second location was opened at 8 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s downtown Loop to confront the number of abortion facilities opening throughout the city.

Deacon Thomas Bresler

OUR MISSION

Founded in 1978 on the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church, Aid for Women helps thousands of women each year in the Chicago metropolitan area who find themselves facing unexpected pregnancies. Each woman is provided with the emotional, practical and spiritual support that she needs to choose life for her unborn baby and to provide a better future for herself and her child.

OUR 2022 RESPONSE

4,996 At-Risk Individuals Served

3,404 One-on-One Consultation Sessions

$110,346 Material Goods Provided

SERVICES & PROGRAMS

Cicero | 1400 South Austin Boulevard, Cicero, Illinois

Flossmoor | 3347 Vollmer Road, Flossmoor, Illinois

Wheeling | 115 North Wolf Road, Wheeling, Illinois

Waukegan | 1334 North Lewis Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois

Maternity Homes

Heather’s House

Monica’s House

Pregnancy Care Center Services

Aid for Women helps thousands of women each year in the Chicago metropolitan area who find themselves facing unexpected pregnancies. Each woman is provided with the emotional, practical and spiritual support that she needs to choose life for her unborn baby and to provide a better future for herself and her child.

Our life-affirming services are offered to clients free-of-charge and include:

• 24-Hour Helpline

• BrightCourse

• Pregnancy Tests

• Parents-to-Be Support Groups

• Ultrasound Exams

• Medical Referrals

• Abortion Pill Reversal

• Community Referrals

• Options Consultations

Heather's House

Monica's House

Wheeling

MATERNITY HOMES

Many Aid for Women clients consider abortion because they lack adequate housing or will be otherwise homeless if they choose life.

HEATHER’S HOUSE

Heather’s House provides a safe and nurturing home where pregnant women and their babies can live. Heather’s House offers residents an opportunity to develop the life skills, education and job skills necessary to become independent and loving mothers.

MONICA’S HOUSE

Monica’s House serves as a transitional home for Heather’s House residents who have had their babies and are either going to school or working. Monica’s House provides these new mothers greater independence while they work toward completing their goals.

Monica's House

VITAE CORPS

Live-in Volunteer Staff

Vitae Corps members are recent female college graduates who volunteer by living and working together in community at Aid for Women’s Maternity Homes (Heather’s House and Monica’s House) to help provide our residents with safe and nurturing homes.

Vitae Corps members are dedicated to Aid for Women’s pro-life mission and play a vital role in affirming and supporting each mother in her decision to choose life — providing her with the emotional, practical and spiritual support she and her baby need while living at our Maternity Homes.

For more information, please contact us at (312) 621-1107 or contact@aidforwomen.org and visit our website at helpaidforwomen.org/vitaecorps

CLIENT STORIES

SARIESE'S STORY

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was very, very scared. I just felt like I didn’t have any help, didn’t have anyone. I searched around, looking for help, and I found a place. Aid for Women shows me that there’s a power greater than myself, and that I have a reason to live. I have a purpose. I didn’t feel that way at first.

My Advocate was like my best friend. Heather’s House is a great support system. Even when you’re feeling down, they make sure that they got your back, no matter what. Before I came to Heather’s House, I was homeless – going house to house, riding the train, worrying that my things would be taken. Being a young homeless woman, I felt like I was risking my life every day.

When I saw my room with a bed at Heather’s House for the first time,

that was a big deal for me. It has a rocking chair, a place to put my clothes… little things, and I really appreciate that. It’s important to have positive support during such a stressful time. Being at Heather’s House is so positive. I feel very empowered by being here because they give us choices. I like the fact that we can do things ourselves. I like to cook dinner. They ask us what we want to cook, and if it’s not in the house, they will go out and get it, no matter what the weather is like. Being here makes me feel so happy.

To all the people that support Aid for Women and the women at Heather’s House, thank you very much because you give us a second chance at life. Thank you for all your love and support because it’s greatly appreciated.

FELICE AND KAMARI'S STORY

Felice came to Aid for Women’s Flossmoor center. She was nervous about her pregnancy because she lacked insurance, prenatal care and support. Aid for Women provided her with referrals for prenatal care and insurance and offered parenting classes. Felice was excited to join the Earn While You Learn program and moms’ support groups. She welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Kamari.

“I drove past this place a few times because it was in my area. After finding out I was pregnant, I finally built up the courage to call and ask

what type of services they offer. Needless to say, ever since our first phone call and initial sit-down, they have been nothing but phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system of women to assist me during my pregnancy. There was never a time when I didn’t feel safe or comfortable talking to these ladies in person or over the phone. I have completely changed my habits to prepare for my son’s arrival, all because of the instructional videos given to me from these women. I don’t believe in coincidences. I truly believe God placed them in my path for a reason!

I’m hoping to develop a lifelong relationship with them, even after my son is born.”

MADI'S STORY

When I found out I was pregnant, I was in complete shock, even in denial for quite some time. I grew up Catholic and had always thought if something like this were to happen, my life would be over, and my family would disown me. Little did I know that at 25 and not married, my biggest fear would come true. I had just moved into my own place, my career was taking off, and I was in my first “adult” relationship. As soon as I made my discovery, I had no idea what to do. I kept this news to myself for many months, as I was contemplating how I would handle this. I finally broke down and told my family. We all went through many emotions, but the one thing my family did was turn to our faith. We spoke with our pastor many times. In one of

our conversations, he suggested I contact Aid for Women. I made an appointment as soon as I could. That was the moment everything changed. I went from feeling absolute dread and confusion, to being a bit more at peace after sharing my situation and gaining more support than I ever thought I would. After my initial visit, I was placed with my Advocate. She was absolutely instrumental in my decision-making process. Rather than thinking about all the ways my life would change for the worst, she helped me realize my life wasn’t ending. It was just shifting into a wonderful new chapter. After seeking some of her recommended resources and many long chats with

I went from feeling absolute dread and confusion, to being a bit more at peace after sharing my situation and gaining more support than I ever thought I would.

of my life. My beautiful Charlotte was born on December 7th. I have received more love and support than I ever knew was possible from friends, family, and even strangers. Although I am raising Charlotte on my own, with the help of my wonderful family, I am determined to continue growing in my career, making sure Charlie is in an environment where she is never lacking love, and raising her to be a strong and independent

girl, who perseveres through all adversity. This program has been the biggest blessing to us both. I now hope to become involved volunteering at Aid for Women, while also attending the Moms Support Groups. I hope my story encourages and supports other women who feel lost and hopeless, as I did. I could not be more grateful that my pastor led me to Aid for Women.

EMELY AND ESTRELLA'S STORY

When Emely found out she was pregnant, she felt lost, scared, and alone. Her sister told her about Aid for Women, and she immediately set up an appointment. There, she found the support she needed to choose life for her unborn baby. Because of Aid for Women, she was able to enjoy her pregnancy and gain skills along the way, learning about pregnancy and motherhood while earning material items through Aid for Women’s online education program. She attended an Aid for Women support group as well which allowed her to meet other mothers and learn new skills.

“I’m so grateful to have Aid for Women in my life. They have been so friendly and helpful. I now can focus on providing my daughter with everything she needs and always being there for her.”

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022

REVENUE

Where our support comes from...

EXPENDITURES

Where your contributions go...

$1,843,473

$229,474

$98,971

$2,171,918

$557,663

Aid for Women is grateful to Dr. Carl J. Johnson for establishing an endowment fund in memory of Margot A. Johnson and in honor of Mary Anne Goldberg. As of December 31, 2022, the endowment fund was valued at $635,833.

Aid for Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by tax-deductible gifts from private donors. The 2022 statement of activities is unaudited. Audited financial statements are available upon request.

PARISH ACTION PLAN

Aid for Women offers a Parish Action Plan, under the USCCB’s Walking with Moms program, that allows parishes to support Aid for Women’s pregnancy care centers and maternity homes.

Host a Baby Shower or Diaper Drive

Aid for Women will provide a list of needed items, and parishioners can bring the items to church or order the items on our online gift registry.

Become a Mom Mentor

Provide one-onone support to a mom who needs additional help.

Maternity Home Graduation

Host

a Gift Card Drive

Donated gift cards allow us to purchase basic items for our moms such as cribs, strollers and car seats.

Host a Food Drive

Help stock the pantries at Heather’s House and Monica’s House by providing food items and paper products.

Help a mom transition from our maternity homes to her own apartment by providing basic household supplies and helping with the move.

Become

a Nursery Helper

Help our moms at the maternity homes when they are feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities and need extra support.

Host a Fundraiser

Operating five pregnancy clinics and two maternity homes requires substantial financial resources. Your parish can help by hosting a baby bottle drive, second collection or becoming a sponsor at our annual benefit dinner.

Pray with Us

Pray for our moms or come join us in the celebration of Mass or a holy hour at any of our five locations where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Print

Volunteer as a

BrightCourse Instructor

BrightCourse is an online tool that Aid for Women uses to help our moms learn about pregnancy and parenting. Topics include prenatal care, parenting, relationships, life skills, and more.

Volunteer as a Tutor

Many of our moms and children need additional help in pursuing their educational goals, and one-on-one tutoring can be extremely valuable.

Commit to printing pregnancy resource information in your bulletin every weekend.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

The services offered at Aid for Women require substantial financial and material resources. Please consider providing your support, at any level, so we may continue to help women choose life for their unborn babies and provide them with safe and nurturing homes.

Here’s how your monetary gift to Aid for Women can have a real impact on the lives of the mothers and babies whom we serve:

$5,000 $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $75 $25

One month of digital marketing to reach at-risk women.

One month of groceries for the residents at Heather’s House

One month of outdoor advertising for one billboard

One month of materials for our pregnancy/parenting classes

One month of materials for our support groups

An ultrasound exam that allows a woman to see her unborn baby

One-hour consultation for a woman considering abortion

Donate monthly, quarterly, or annually, see if your employer has a matching gift program, or give gifts of appreciated stock. To donate online, please visit our website or contact us at (312) 621-1107 or donate@aidfrowomen.org.

OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

BABY BOTTLE FUNDRAISER HEATHER’S HOUSE GROCERY LIST

Your church or school group may consider taking up an annual monetary collection by participating in our baby bottle fundraiser.

Provide a week’s worth of groceries for the mothers and babies at Heather’s House.

GIFT CARDS BABY ITEM DRIVE

Donate grocery, gas and store gift cards. Help stock our pantry, fill the house van gas tank or help residents purchase personal items, such as clothes and toiletries.

A baby item drive will provide mothers with new baby clothing and other items so they and their babies can be off to a good start.

SPREAD THE WORD PRAY WITH US

Help us spread the word about Aid for Women by adding an insert in your newsletter, church bulletin, event program or by posting a link on your group’s website.

Please pray for our clients and their families that they may witness the peace, strength and guidance of God’s love and choose life for their unborn babies instead of abortion.

For more information on how you can support Aid for Women, please contact us at (312) 621-1107 or contact@aidforwomen.org and visit our website at: www.helpaidforwomen.org

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Volunteers are the heart and core of Aid for Women! Without their time, talent and dedication, we could not impact the lives of so many. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to Aid for Women’s mission of serving God by promoting and defending life.

INDIVIDUALS

Volunteers serve at our Pregnancy Care Centers and Maternity Homes (Heather’s House and Monica’s House) as front desk greeters, BrightCourse instructors, support group presenters, life skills mentors, parish outreach coordinators and more!

GROUPS

Service group opportunities for students, families and organizations are available at our Pregnancy Care Centers and Maternity Homes (Heather’s House and Monica’s House).

For information on volunteer opportunities with Aid for Women, please contact us at (312) 621-1107 or volunteer@ aidforwomen.org and visit our website at helpaidforwomen.org/volunteer