SGPOC & OLV Charities: Partners in Compassion

OLV Charities – the mission support partner of Father Nelson Baker’s charitable works – has become the new organizational sponsor of the activities and locations of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Centers in Western New York.

Inspired by the life and compassion of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Centers are a faith-based ministry established to uphold the value and sanctity of human life by aiding pregnant women, new mothers, new fathers, and families in need through material, emotional, and spiritual support.

The work of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach ministry, much of which has been grassroots and volunteer-led, has undertaken vital, life-affirming work for thousands of families and individuals for the past 15 years as pastoral outreach of the Office of Pro-Life Ministry of the Diocese of Buffalo under the leadership of recently retired Cheryl Calire.

The ministry will be led by Sarah Lindstrom, Director and supported by Miriam Escalante, Coordinator; their efforts are also aided by a group of approximately 50 volunteers. There are eight pregnancy outreach center locations throughout the region: Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, Niagara Falls, Olean, Fredonia, Perry and Holley.

The mission of the St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach ministry in Western New York aligns closely with the legacy of Father Nelson Baker and OLV Charities’ strategic plan, particularly in the shared commitment of serving vulnerable populations.

“Much like St. Gianna, Father Baker was a champion of hundreds of thousands of families, mothers, and youth all across Western New York,” said David Kersten, CEO, OLV Charities.  “It is a privilege to align the efforts of the Gianna Centers with OLV as the work of the ministry reconnects our organization to an impactful part of Father Baker’s saintly works.”