For 25 years CareNet Pregnancy Center of Dane County has been offering free services to pregnant women and others, growing from a small office on Madison’s west side to a building offering comprehensive services on the east side. CareNet marked its 25th anniversary with an open house Sunday afternoon, April 18, 2010, at its offices at 1350 MacArthur Road.
“What does it take to make a difference in the world?” asked Executive Director Liz Osborn, during a brief program at the center. “In the 1980’s a small group of women learned that there was no place in Dane County where a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy could go for free, to be listened to, respected, and provided with life affirming options and support.”
The women launched the Pregnancy Information Center, which later became CareNet. Over the past 25 years more than 9,000 women have been served with pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, plus childbirth and parenting classes.
Three women who had received such life affirming support during their pregnancies briefly told how CareNet had helped them at a difficult time in their lives.
“I can’t imagine a softer place to fall,” said Sarah. “I felt undeniably supported no matter what decision I made and because of that I made the right decision.” Carrie said, “I received two things from CareNet: a son and a faith in Christ.” All three of the women credited CareNet for helping get them to where they are now, married with additional children.
Ann Flynn, a board member and past board president, recalled that when she joined the board in 1995 Carenet assisted about 200 women per year from a small office. Today it offers four thriving programs that assist thousands, has an annual budget of a half million dollars, and operates from its own building. Those freely offered services include Elizabeth House, a residential program for single, pregnant women.
“The hearts and minds of our culture are being changed,” Liz Osborn said, observing that in the last two decades 1500 abortion clinics have closed. She offered thanks for the hundreds of volunteers who help CareNet offer its many services. Many volunteers stopped in during the open house.
photo: CareNet director Liz Osborn with pastor Roger Olsen (Grace Church-New Glarus) and Sandy Olsen.