A faith-centered “life center” that helps women facing crisis pregnancies has recently opened a new, expanded facility in Austin, Texas, to better meet the growing demands for its services.
The John Paul II Life Center was founded in 2010 by two married couples, Tim and Pat von Dohlen and Chris and Sherry Denz. They wanted to “learn about” the Catholic Church To protect human life from conception to natural death and to help those in need and put their faith into action.”
As a result, the John Paul II (JPII) Center was opened with the aim of providing woman-centered “holistic care” to those experiencing unexpected or crisis pregnancies – completely free of charge.
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“Every JPII Life Center customer receives a free pregnancy test, free sonogram and a customer advocate who walks her through her options and answers her questions,” JPII Center said.
Here is an in-depth information about the services provided.
Every woman receives a free sonogram from the John Paul II Life Center. The center recently expanded into a new, larger campus in Austin, Texas. (John Paul II Life Center)
‘all walks of life’
There is no “typical” client at the JPII Center.
“The women we serve come from all walks of life, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, circumstances or status,” the center says, adding that “the majority of our clients are: income/poverty levels, and are increasingly immigrants.” ,
still, “anyone pregnant or a child under (age) three can receive free services and non-judicial care,” the JPII center said.
Once it is confirmed that the woman is indeed pregnant, and she decides not to have an abortion, she can choose to receive free prenatal care from the Vitae Clinic or another doctor.
“We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, circumstances or status.”
Vitae Clinic is located next to the JPII Center and is a Catholic-based OBGYN practice. Both work together.
“Vitae” is the Latin word for life.
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“No matter which doctor a woman chooses, we can provide the practical resources, financial assistance, education and care she needs to help her achieve financial and emotional stability,” the JPII Center said.
About 25% of Vitae Clinic’s patients receive services through the JPII center, and many of these women are underinsured or do not have insurance.
The other 75% are women who “desire our more holistic model of care” and have traditional insurance.
“Vite Clinic uses natural procreative technology (neprotechnology) to provide specialized care that works in concert with a woman’s body,” Dr. Jeremy Kalamarides, medical director of Vite, told Fox News Digital.
John Paul II Life Center and Vitae Clinic are located in Austin, Texas. About a quarter of Vitae’s patients are underinsured or uninsured. (John Paul II Life Center)
He added, “This allows us to address the root cause of a woman’s medical issues rather than treating her symptoms alone.”
This unconventional way of operating ensures that Vitae Clinic is able to survive financially, while also serving those who are less fortunate.
“The goal of our unique model is that the revenue generated from Vitae Clinic patients covers the clinic’s operating expenses as well as the medical services needed by JPII clients,” JPII Center said.
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The relationship with Vitae Clinic also means that the JPII center has more medical personnel than a typical pregnancy resource center.
“We are alone center in texas“To our knowledge, it is staffed daily by two full-time OB/GYNs as well as nurses, sonographers, medical assistants and client advocates who help vulnerable women facing unplanned pregnancies make informed decisions,” JPII Center. told Fox News Digital.
Tim Van Dohlen, right, and Pat Van Dohlen, left, are the two co-founders of the John Paul II Life Center. The center celebrated its transfer on 4 April. (John Paul II Life Center)
far beyond the scope of conception
The services provided to women at the JPII Center go beyond pregnancy support and prenatal care.
A program called Work Wheels helps women get car repairs or purchases so they can safely get to and from jobs, the JPII Center said.
This program was developed in partnership with? Local Catholic Parish Men’s Ministry.
“All JPII clients who have received help from Work Wheels are now working and regaining control of their lives and families,” the JPII Center said.
JPII also has programs to help pay rent and utilities.
“All of our services and programs are meant to provide hope for the future. (It’s) a help – not just a help,” the JPII center said.
By mid-2022, 51 of the 54 women receiving rental assistance no longer need help and are “on the path to financial stability.”
One of the programs offered at the John Paul II Life Center, Work Wheels, helps women find a safe car so they can get to and from work. (John Paul II Life Center)
The expansion of the JPII Center comes at a time when demand for its services is increasing rapidly. In 2024, JPII centers are on track to serve three times as many women as in 2021.
“Demand for services has increased greatly since 2021. This is partly due to Dobbs’ decision, but mainly due to inflation and job insecurity as well as immigration and population growth in Central Texas,” JPIII. said Sandra Rodriquez, director of customer services. told Fox News Digital.
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Women who come to the JPII center are “abortion-sensitive” – and many have already had one or more abortions. They often believe that their circumstances dictate that abortion is their only option.
“Their ‘crisis’ is not the child, but the circumstances surrounding their pregnancy; once they realize that we have resources available to help them,” JPII Center client advocate Gloria Lizcano told Fox News Digital. , so many people feel empowered to choose life.”
Anyone who is pregnant or has a child under the age of three can receive assistance from the John Paul II Life Centre. (John Paul II Life Center)
As some states take steps to restrict abortion access, the JPII Center hopes its model of holistic care for pregnant women in need can be replicated across the country.
The center works with other centers in other states to help provide a framework.
“Every woman deserves access to these services, which are essential to making an informed decision. Education is our national influence,” the JPII Center said. “Our programs empower the next generation with knowledge and compassion for human life and can be used to connect communities across the country.”
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“We strongly believe that JPII can be a catalyst in encouraging other states to take notice and provide practical solutions and life-affirming options to women,” the center said.
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