On January 19, 1993, twenty-four individuals met at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. Diverse ages and occupations were represented. One by one, each was invited to share observations specific to a pregnant woman alone in our society. A commonality of perceptions was immediately realized. Meetings continued and names for the house were discussed. We wanted a strong name, and finally chose Hannah from the Christian Bible. In reading her story, you realize that much of her experience of being a woman in her time is similar to being a woman today.

Months of planning began, and other individuals were consulted. At our attorney's advice, the Hannah Center was set up as a boarding facility to enable refuge for a broad spectrum of ages and backgrounds. We decided no federal or state monies should be accepted, believing that support for this mission should come instead from individuals and organizations. A large, comfortable house at the corner of Third Street and Cedar Avenue, in Marshfield, lay vacant. Two members of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society negotiated a favorable offer to purchase, and then offered the fledgling Hannah Center Board the opportunity to continue negotiations. The society donated the $1000.00 of earnest money.

The Hannah Center opened her doors on June 1, 1993. Her primary purpose has been, and remains to be, to provide options for pregnant women who can no longer remain in their home environment. Since that day, over one hundred women have called the Hannah Center their home. Their ages range from the teen years to the thirties. They have been single, married, separated, divorced, and with or without other children. Each woman chooses short and long term goals for herself; education and employment goals are of paramount importance. A women may come to the Hannah Center at any time during her pregnancy and remain for six months after the birth of her child.

The Hannah Center is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. We are not owned or operated by any organization, nor do we receive government funds. We are totally supported by contributions from individuals and organizations who want to reach out to women. Fundraisers supply nearly one-half of our yearly budget, while one-time gifts and monthly pledges allow us to continue, while reminding us of the strong community support.

Although first and foremost a home, the Hannah Center has a library providing accurate information on a myriad of women's and family issues. Donated maternity and infant clothing, furniture, housewares and baby items have made The Hannah Center a clearinghouse for the area. It is our hope that this home has truly become a Center of information and activity, a place any woman would be drawn to because of the affirmation and care she finds there.

Barb Schultz
· Recording Secretary

Kathy Gessert
· Treasurer

Karen Cummings
· Secretary

Brenda Veldman
· Office Manager

Jerold and Mari Bohman
· Resident Directors

"Providing Clothing
to the Orphanages
of the Ukraine"
P.O. Box 821
Woodruff, WI USA
54568-0821
715.356.7584
boxesoflove@excite.com

Catholic Charities
Lutheran Social Services
Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Marshfield Clinic — Healthy Birth
Marshfield Senior High
Mid-State Technical College
St. Joseph's Hospital
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Soup or Socks
715.387.6255
Women, Infants and Children
Wood County Public Health
Wood County Social Services

...was dedicated on a cold, rainy, wind-swept Sunday in October of 1997. Located in the old section of Marshfield's cemetery, The Healing Place is dedicated to all who have lost a child, through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or neonatal death. Soon, with the arrival of Spring, new growth will begin. Beautiful flowers and lush green will speak of hope and healing.