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About VFL: Our History and AccomplishmentsOur History Volunteers for Life began in November 1997 by Sister Paula Vandegaer. Sister had worked in the pro-life movement since 1967 and was constantly frustrated by the numbers of things that needed to be done but could not get done, either because of lack of funds or because of lack of personnel.
In the summer of 1997, Sister obtained permission from her community, the Sisters of Social Service, to begin a volunteer program that would be designed to meet some of these unmet needs. Cardinal Roger Mahony of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, who was also acutely aware of the needs of the movement, quickly gave his blessing and approval. The program is designed for work and prayer. We are trying to effect a change of our culture from a culture of death to a culture of life. This involves not only a change of law and structure, but a change of heart. Conversion of heart always involves prayer and sacrifice.
We live together in community and share a simple life. We take turns shopping, cleaning and cooking. All housing, supplies and transportation are taken care of. Volunteers receive a stipend of $100 monthly. Weekends are generally free but once a month we try to have some community event, such as a trip, prayer time, educational opportunity, birthday celebration, etc. We have a small chapel and have Mass at least once a month in our home chapel.
Our Accomplishments
Following the success of Los Angeles Pregnancy Services, Volunteers for Life and International Life Services opened a second Spanish language pregnancy service center in East Los Angeles, another poor Hispanic area, serviced by abortion providers, and without a pro-life center. Another group that began with the help of the Volunteers for Life is Physicians for Compassionate Care. This is a group of doctors dedicated to opposing the growing euthanasia movement. One of our Volunteers served as staff for it in the beginning, coordinating all of the work necessary to start such a group.
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 Volunteers For Life 2900 Sunset Place #109 Los Angeles, CA 90005 tel: (213) 382-2702 fax: (213) 382-2702 |
The Volunteer is devoted to prayer and work. Volunteers are placed in services that need their help or in some instances they have created new services and programs. They also dedicate themselves to the morning and evening prayer of the Church and to daily Mass. We pray for each other and for the work that God has given us. Spiritual growth, education and development are fostered.
One of the areas of unmet need was the downtown area of Los Angeles. This part of L.A. is populated by very poor Hispanic immigrants from Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. There are seven abortion clinics in this one mile section. Volunteers for Life and International Life Services partnered to start a new Pro-life counseling center in the midst of the seven abortion clinics. Since it opened in May 2000 it has served hundreds of abortion minded women. Many babies are alive and healthy today due to the good work of this center. Volunteers for Life continue to provide significant staffing.