Jennifer Kahlenberg started school Tuesday.
While not a momentous occasion for all, it is for 36-year-old
Kahlenberg -- two years ago, she never thought about higher education
or about her future. Two years ago, she used drugs and alcohol almost
every day.
Around the same time she decided to stop using drugs, Kahlenberg
found out she was pregnant. Knowing that she was not ready to raise a
child, she made the decision to give the baby up for adoption.
While working with Kinship Center -- an adoption services
organization -- Kahlenberg learned about Casa Teresa, an Orange
County organization that provides assistance to single, pregnant
women.
"It was the best thing that ever happened," she said. "It was the
best move I ever made."
Casa Teresa -- named for Mother Teresa, who believed in helping
everyone without prejudice -- has helped more than 2,000 people like
Kahlenberg since it opened its doors in 1976. This would not have
been possible if it weren't for volunteers raising money and donating
their time.
Newport Beach resident Mary Frome has been involved with Casa
Teresa, which is now based in Orange, since it was founded. She
started the first fundraising guild for Casa Teresa, the Founders
Guild, in 1984. Two years later, a Central Guild was formed to do
more hands-on volunteer work.
"I do not believe in abortion, and this was an alternative for me
to help in that way," Frome said. "Also, when you see the girls and
see the help they need ... I just sort of had a feel for that, that I
would like to help them."
Frome is being honored for all her hard work with the organization
at an upcoming gala fundraising event Oct. 15 at Bower's Museum in
Santa Ana.
"Mary is extremely dedicated and hard working," said Lissa
Callahan, Casa Teresa's executive director. "Every nonprofit, every
charity, needs a real strong supporter to not only give money, but to
get out there and work hard. She's given her time and she's just
truly motivated. We're very grateful to her."
Frome said volunteering is second nature for her. She said she has
always volunteered with various churches and at the schools her
children attended. She was a founding member of the Tustin Assistance
League and plans to volunteer for the Special Olympics.
Frome, a mother of seven and a grandmother of 18, said Casa Teresa
is a cause that remains close to her heart.
"Many of these girls are living out of their cars or are disowned
by their families, and they have really no place to go," Frome said.
