About Us
Overview :: Our Mission
:: Staff :: Newsletter
The Pregnancy Help Center has helped young women and their
families for more than 20 years. We are the oldest  operating
center of its kind in Southern California, growing out of
the original volunteers who founded the first 24-hour Pregnancy
HelpLine in 1970.
The first Pregnancy Help Center opened its doors in 1975
in offices at St. Philip's Church in Pasadena. Director Harold
Brady supervised counseling services and referrals. His wife,
Mary, coordinated a church outreach program that involved
parishes and churches throughout the area.
In 1980, the Center moved to downtown Pasadena in donated
office space, and within a few years the Center moved again
to its first rented location on Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel.
At the Las Tunas location, the Center expanded services and
hours to include walk-in counseling, assistance with baby
and maternity clothing, and free pregnancy testing.
In November 1993, the Pregnancy Help Center relocated to
its present high-visibility site on Rosemead Boulevard in
Temple City. With state licensing as a medical clinic, the
Center now offers professional assistance from volunteer doctors
and nurses in addition to lay counseling from the trained
volunteer staff who answer the 24/7 HelpLine. Last year, the
Center answered over 3,500 calls from clients who needed a
caring, understanding person with whom to confidentially talk
about their crisis pregnancies and other social issues.
The Pregnancy Help Center is supported by a generous network
of paid staff, trained volunteers, medical professionals,
community supporters, and a 400-member Women's Auxiliary.
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 The
Pregnancy Help Center exists:
1. To create a safe, confidential, loving and caring haven
in which sound alternatives to abortion may be provided to
women experiencing a crisis pregnancy, in the hopes that they
will make a sound decision for themselves and their child.
2. To provide practical services related to a woman’s
pregnancy, childrearing, and relationships.
3. To exemplify and promote sanctity of life principles in
the community through education.
Our Commitment of Care
1. Clients are served without regard to age, race, income,
nationality, religious affiliation, disability or other arbitrary
circumstances.
2. Clients are treated with kindness, compassion and in a
caring manner.
3. Clients always receive honest and open answers.
4. Client pregnancy tests are distributed and administered
in accordance with all applicable laws.
5. Client information is held in strict and absolute confidence.
Client information is only disclosed as required by law and
when necessary to protect the client or others against imminent
harm.
6. Clients receive accurate information about pregnancy, fetal
development, lifestyle issues, and related concerns.
7. We do not offer, recommend or refer for abortions or abortifacients,
but we are committed to offering accurate information about
abortion procedures and risks.
8. All of our advertising and communications are truthful
and honest and accurately describe the services we offer.
9. All of our staff and volunteers receive proper training
to uphold these standards.
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Staff
 Center
Administrator
Carol Melvin, R.N., B.S.,
Center Administrator
Carol Melvin is the nurse administrator of the Pregnancy
Help Center. She is a graduate of Queen of Angels School of
Nursing in Los Angeles, receiving her Bachelor of Science
degree from the University of La Verne. Her main focus of
work over the years has been in psychiatric nursing with a
focus on drug abuse programs, serving as a Director of Nursing
and program manager. Carol is a commissioned Stephen’s
Minister. She currently is president of California Nurses
for Ethical Standards, an organization for professionals.
 Lead
Counselor
Mary Jo Bobie,
Lead Counselor
Mary Jo came to the Center as a volunteer 8 years ago. From
that part-time involvement evolved a staff position and advancement
to Lead Counselor. She is at the Center four days a week and
is available to counsel on all life issues, especially domestic
violence and addictions. Mary Jo enjoys working with youth
groups, and is currently doing public speaking to students
in public and private schools about all issues facing teens
and young adults in our world today.
 Counselor
Luisa Day,
Lay Counselor
Luisa Day joined the staff of the Pregnancy Help Center in
2002. She counsels on Mondays, 12 noon to 6 pm. She has been
involved with teaching and counseling since her two daughters
were small. She has taught first and second year Confirmation
classes at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Monterey Park and
has taught a series of classes on the Ten Commandments to
high school age youth at St. Therese Church in Alhambra. More...
Counselor
 Denise
Limon,
Lay Counselor
Denise Limon joined the staff of the Pregnancy Help Center
in 2002. She counsels at the Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
She received her A.A. from Marymount College in Palos Verdes
and her B.A. from Loyola Marymount University. While in college,
she was an advisor and peer counselor for her dormitory, where
she learned and developed the skills needed to help the students
cope with the stress and pressures of college life. Denise
says these same skills are assisting her with her position
as lay counselor at the Center. More...
Administrative Assistant
The Pregnancy Help Center is supported by a generous network
of paid personnel, trained volunteers, medical professionals,
and auxiliary community volunteers.
* Young women visiting the center will meet Center Administrator
Carol Melvin or Assistant Mary Jo Bobie.
* Help-Line Callers will speak with one of the scores of trained
volunteer counselors.
* Women seeking medical assistance will be referred to the
doctors and nurses who offer FREE services.
* Mothers needing maternity clothing, or baby clothing or
furniture will be aided with items provided from the PHC Auxiliary
and other community volunteers.
Newsletter
 Spring
2005 :: Winter 2005 :: Fall 2004 :: Summer 2004
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