Local Young Adult Catholics Announce Result of Fundraiser for Maternity Home

“Pro-Life Standouts”, a local group of young adult Catholics, is excited to report on its successful fundraiser for Friends of the Unborn Maternity Home. During this past November and December, they sold religious Christmas cards to many residents of Dedham, Westwood, and surrounding towns, ultimately raising over $1,400 to help mothers in need of safe shelter.

“This was a great opportunity to put our pro-life beliefs into action in a new way” says Gabriel Dionisi, a 21-year-old Westwood resident and leader of Pro-Life Standouts. “We have done many demonstrations in the past to share our message, but it’s also very important to provide tangible help for women who are struggling. Many women who consider abortion feel trapped by financial difficulties and external pressures. Pro-life charities like Friends of the Unborn do great work to give these women the support they need to choose life for their babies.”

Friends of the Unborn was founded in 1984 by Marilyn Birnie of Hull, a pro-life Catholic who wanted to support pregnant mothers in her community. Beginning from Birnie’s own house, they now own a large home in Quincy and house about ten young women who are pregnant or have infant children. Women who find themselves pregnant and need a safe place to live can come and stay for up to a year after the birth of their child.

In addition to food and shelter, residents receive parenting classes and learn about important topics like managing finances, searching for jobs, and (for many residents) speaking English. They also receive help to search for a more permanent housing situation. Many of the women in the maternity home have immigrated from other countries or have fallen on hard times, so the volunteers at Friends of the Unborn work to give them skills to be successful after they leave.

“I first learned of Friends of the Unborn when I heard a speech from the current director, Joan Bailey,” said Gabriel. “More recently I had the idea of doing a fundraising project with my group, and it seemed like a great local charity to support. I also visited their home before beginning the fundraiser and I was really impressed by everything that they do.”

For the fundraiser, the Pro-Life Standouts group sold packs of religious Christmas cards which they had bought in bulk from Life Cycle Books. Most of their sales happened at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Dedham. Several young adults volunteered for shifts selling the cards after the weekend Masses (Catholic services) on November 25th and 26th.

Photo courtesy of Pro-Life Standouts. At St. Mary’s, the young adults sold cards and gave out free pro-life items like pins and bracelets.

One of those young adults was Marcel Bonnici, who helped after the 7AM Mass that Sunday. “When I helped the pro-life group with the Christmas card fundraiser, it was touching to see how nearly everyone wanted to pay beyond the asking price,” said Marcel. He remarked that “although people are feeling more isolated than ever,” people are eager for opportunities to help others and “do their part as a community member."

“It was a great response from people at my Church” said Gabriel. “Dozens of people bought cards, and some even donated without taking any. In addition to supporting a good cause, I think many of them liked how these cards are a way to keep Christ in Christmas”. With the help of a few more Masses and sales to friends and family, the group ended up selling over 1,900 Christmas cards.

When it was finished, Gabriel brought Joan Bailey two checks totaling to $1,419, a result that exceeded his expectations. In addition to the financial support, he is glad for the opportunity to spread awareness about Friends of the Unborn and the important work that they do. “There are a lot of organizations like Friends of the Unborn across the country, but many people have no idea that this support exists,” said Gabriel. “It’s good to know about these resources in case we ever come across someone who needs the help.”

Joan Bailey was contacted for this article and had this to add: “I like to remind people that Friends of the Unborn is unique. We are not simply a shelter but a home. We empower women to choose life by providing a caring, loving environment to begin their journey of motherhood. Through the Grace of God and your faithful provision, we will continue to teach the value of each human life to the women and children we are privileged to meet.”

Gabriel Dionisi would like to encourage other young people to learn about the pro-life movement and to get involved if they feel so called. If you would like to learn more about Friends of the Unborn or consider volunteering, please visit www.friendsoftheunborn.org! You can also connect with Gabriel at his website, www.ProLifeStickers.com.

Thanks to Pro-Life Standouts for contributing this article to Westwood Minute.