Women's Help Center

1519 Emerson Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 (904) 398-5143

The St. Joseph's Respect-Life Committee has always been very supportive of the Women's Help Center which is a very Catholic pregnancy crisis center on Emerson Street. The annual Rose Sale, which benefits the WHC, is held every Mother's Day and is the only fund raising that we do as a ministry.

In 1990 a group of very dedicated pro-life Catholics opened the Women's Help Center next door to an abortion clinic in the San Marco area. In a very short time that abortion clinic closed down. The Center has since moved to a donated location on Emerson Street and assists over one thousand girls each year. The WHC provides pregnancy tests, ultrasound, and counseling. They keep maternity and baby items on hand to assist with these girl's immediate needs.

The center operates with one paid employee and twenty-four volunteers and has an annual budget of $100, 000. Only 10% of the center's budget is provided by area churches and the rest by private donations. In February, Lt. Governor Toni Jennings announced at the Women's Help Center that she and Governor Bush are asking the legislature for a 4 million dollar assistance program for organizations like the WHC to provide counseling and support needy mothers.

The Rose Sale is an annual event, however; the Women's Help Center needs year round support. Please consider making a donation or help keep the Center supplied in baby items like diapers and baby food.

 WHC Director Colleen Garson with Lt. Governor Toni Jennings and Bishop Victor Galeone.

Lt. Governor Jennings announcing the proposed Pregnancy Support Services Program at a press conference held at the Women's Help Center, February 2005

WHC President Joel Johnson speaking at the press conference

WHC Chapel

Ultrasound and examination room