HOMEPAGE for this issue: September 19, 2012 // Download PDF Version // Click to install/update Adobe Reader on your computer

Catholic pregnancy center dedicated

By Julie Filby

Following three years of planning and renovations, a formerly dilapidated building that sits in the shadow of the country’s second largest abortion facility will soon open as a source of light, support and hope for women in Denver.

Lighthouse Women’s Center, housed in the 100-year-old, 1,300-square-foot, brick house at 3894 Olive St. in Denver, will open Oct. 1. The licensed medial center will offer pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, basic medical care, counseling, and reproductive health-care education. All services are free and all interactions confidential.

“Lighthouse is a place that is peaceful, safe and caring,” said Lynn Grandon, executive director. “Clients can ask questions in confidence and get honest and medically accurate answers.”

Lighthouse will be staffed by Grandon, as well as a full-time registered nurse, an office manager and a team of extensively trained volunteers.

On Sept. 12, some 300 supporters came together on an unseasonably chilly evening in the parking lot of the newly transformed property as it was blessed by Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila.

“Jesus Christ will be present in the work that is done here,” Archbishop Aquila said in his comments following the proclamation of the Gospel. “I too express my deep gratitude to those who have made this possible.”

The archbishop made his way through the center, blessing the warmly painted plum-colored rooms, each complemented with inspirational artwork and comfortable furnishings. The secured center includes a reception area, two counseling rooms, a chapel, office space, and is highlighted by a $13,500 ultrasound machine donated by the Colorado Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative. It is the fifth ultrasound machine placed by the initiative.

Many who attended the blessing had contributed to the overhaul of the house from picking up trash, to raising funds, to overseeing construction of the building that had been “gutted to the stud walls.”

“I remember being here when this was a dirt lot full of weeds,” said Maria Nelson, 14, freshman at Regis Jesuit High School and parishioner at St. Thomas More Church in Centennial. “Every single window in the house was broken.”

Steve Paul, president of SPCS Inc. Construction Services, and parishioner at Our Lady of Loreto in Foxfield, served as general contractor on the project.

“It’s been amazing how many people have come out of the woodwork to help,” he said.

The Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado “overwhelmingly supported” the project from its beginnings, according to president Gerald J. “Bud” Laber.

“Gifts (received) were integral in quickly expanding the new center from pure vision to a beautiful reality,” he said. “This cooperative effort beautifully represents The Catholic Foundation’s heartfelt mission to transform lives by preserving life in the womb.”

It will cost about $200,000 a year to run the center. As a component of Catholic Charities’ continuum of care, Lighthouse personnel can also connect clients with services such as emergency assistance, new parent counseling and adoption assistance.

Lighthouse Women’s Center will be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made by phone or online, and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit www.lighthousedenver.org, call 303-320-8352 or email info@lighthousedenver.org.

Julie Filby: 303-715-3123; julie.filby@archden.org; www.twitter.com/DCRegisterJulie