Nurturing Network Opens Doors
California based company packs up and moves to Franciscan's J.C. Williams Center
By Kate Larose, Staff Writer, The Troubadour, Friday, Oct. 3, 1997

Nurturing Network, a nationwide charitable organization dedicated to serving the needs of women facing unplanned pregnancies will be opening its doors in the J.C. Williams Center.

Moving its base from California to Franciscan University founder Mary Cunningham Agee and the Rev. Scanlan T.O.R. made the joint decision that the relocation of this operation could be beneficial to both the network and the school. Agee’s visit to campus for her graduation speech last spring prompted the subsequent desire to move the network to the University. Further conversations between president Scanlan and Agee, along with approval from both Boards of Trustees, finalized the decision. Renovations on the old computer lab began with moving the computers to the library and will end with a new Office dedicated to the support of women facing a crisis pregnancy.

The University Board of Trustees has provisionally approved this first step cowards permanent residence with Scanlan’s encouragement. While students did lose a computer lab to this agreement, they sacrificed the room alone because no computers were lost in the transfer. Dean Cirner said that "the Nurturing Network has a lot to offer the pro-life movement- this adds another dimension to what our students are able to get involved in."

Agee says that FUS was chosen to host the network because it is, in her opinion, "the most authentically pro-life campus in America." She has faith in the students’ abilities to use the resources now available on campus to reach even more needy women around the world. The founder is impressed by "the devotion and the dedication and the authentic pro-life fervor of the students here who naturally seek a meaningful form of expression for their pro-life sentiments."

Agee desired that the network reside on a college campus as a catalyst for reaching their target group-middle class women between the ages or 20 and 26 which, in her opinion, are the most overlooked and yet most needy group. Relying upon a deep faith and prayer life, she concluded that this is a necessary merge for both the network and the University. She says that, in conjunction with Father Scanlan, "...it’s been written on both of our hearts that this (move) is what is needed, at this time and this location."

While some ignorance remains as to the true nature of the Nurturing Network, many students agree with the decision. Senior Maria Finley acknowledges that it will be a "wonderful resource for us to use at the abortion mill and in all of our pro-life efforts." The absence of a computer lab does not bother her as long as the computers are preserved. Transfer student Patrick Whoriskey thinks it "is great the Franciscan University is doing all of these wonderful things." President of Human Life Concerns Tess Howey is excited because "they’re going to increase student awareness and involvement by their presence." She also sees the great possibilities for student volunteer work in ensuring a smooth transition for the network and subsequent aid in the office.

The Nurturing Network is equipped to help women across the country with its toll free 1-800-TNN-4MOM number, it is a fountain of resources which provide the practical necessities for women who feel that their only option to an unwanted pregnancy is abortion. With a database of 22.000 volunteers across the country, the organization has offered jobs, host homes, counseling, medical assistance, and educational opportunities to 9,000 women through their various "member categories." The network functions on the generosity of professionals and philanthropists who dedicate their time, skills, and financial assistance to the care of unplanned pregnancies. "The heart of the "Nurturing Network will be here at the center of this campus, and it will shine forth into Steubenville and all the way around the world," says Agee.