St. Mary’s Gabriel Project supports pregnant women across Wayne County

St. Mary Catholic Church in Wooster houses a ministry that is a lifeline for pregnant women in Wayne County: The Gabriel Project.

Named after the Archangel Gabriel, who, according to the Gospel of Luke, announces the good news to Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God, the program has helped almost 1,200 women since its inception in 2009.

“The Gabriel Project was started in 2009 as a way of accompanying women in their pregnancy journey," said Mary Dugan Wood, director of The Gabriel Project. "Two volunteers assist each woman who needs help. We have the ability to walk with the women we serve through their pregnancy and to assist them on a one-on-one basis in a unique way that emphasizes relationship. The Gabriel Project helps women regardless of their faith background.”

The Gabriel Project has the ability to help with myriad needs. Assistance is provided free of cost and on a confidential basis.

“When a woman seeks our help, our first step is to find out what the needs are," Wood said. "Sometimes there is an immediate need. One example is a recent situation where a woman had an immediate need for infant formula. We were able to get formula to her, as well as some additional necessities, within an hour or two. We triage any case. We have to determine the urgency of the need and what we can do to help. We have infant and toddler clothing up through size 2T, and we also have car seats, cribs, pack 'n' plays and other baby gear, which is checked against current safety standards and requirements.”

The organization also has connections to and partners with organizations throughout the county to assist women and their children. If there is a need the organization cannot meet on its own, The Gabriel Project can partner with other agencies in the area.

Assistance is not limited to Wooster. The Gabriel Project helps women in all corners of Wayne County. Even if there is a referral to assist someone outside the county, Wood has a network of providers she can call on to help out, as there are similar organizations at other parishes within the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.

The goal of the program isn’t just to provide baby gear or financial assistance to women in need, but also to serve as a support system and form relationships with women who may not have that connection otherwise available to them.

“Many women who seek our help may be struggling with relationships in their lives," Wood said. "Many of our almost 20 volunteers are either mothers or grandmothers, and often the women see our volunteers as mother- or grandmother-type figures. Sometimes women will seek out our help multiple times throughout their lives.”

The Gabriel Project accepts donations of new and gently used baby gear, as well as financial gifts to assist with purchasing items for mothers and babies and in helping with utilities, gas and other financial difficulties pregnant women often face. The project also is seeking some expertise in setting up a website and raising its social media profile.

Those interested in making a donation, assisting with the program or seeking help may call Wood at the St. Mary Catholic Church office at 330-264-8824 and ask for The Gabriel Project.