Pregnancy Counseling Center Celebrates 40 Years of Service

The Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD) will celebrate its 40th anniversary April 30 with the Spirit of Life Gala.

The agency serves pregnant women and women who are parenting children younger than three. The PHD began as a crisis line and has developed into a comprehensive social service agency serving more than 1,200 women with professional counseling and support services such as Baby & Maternity Closet help.

"We are thrilled to be able to share this exciting moment with our donors and others in the community," stated Catherine E. Vincus, PHD's Executive Director, in a press release. "PHD has grown leaps and bounds over the last 40 years thanks to individuals and businesses who care so much about the clients we serve. This evening is really a celebration for all of us."

The Spirit of Life Gala will be chaired by Cathy and Bob Shanahan of Arlington Heights and will be held at the Chicago Marriott Northwest. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will feature cocktails, raffles, auctions and entertainment from Lori Shane and The Mix.

Kerry Lavelle from Lavelle Law also will be honored with PHD's Spirit of Life Award, the press release states.

“Kerry has a special place in our hearts. He has previously served on the Board of Directors and has also done a lot of pro-bono work on our behalf of PHD through his firm Lavelle Law,” Vincus stated. “We are grateful to him from the bottom of our hearts and so glad that we can honor him in this way."

Attendees of the gala also will have the chance to bid on bottles of wine in the Wine Auction.

“The wine table was a big hit last year,” stated Liz Noe, Director of Major Events. “It’s great to see our donors choose a wine that was specially selected. We hope they take it home, enjoy it and think about the wonderful evening with PHD.”

Event proceeds will help support professional counseling and support services provided to PHD clients.

PHD provides professional counseling in the areas of general pregnancy and early childhood parenting to women who are pregnant or parenting children under the age of three. PHD offers counseling for postpartum depression, grief and loss of a child, post adoption and post abortion. Counseling is offered to women and their spouse or significant other as well as grandparents.

PHD’s professional counseling, conducted by Masters level counselors and Social Workers, is offered at no charge regardless of income, geographic location, race, marital status or religion.

There are also no fees for supportive services, including PHD’s Baby & Maternity Closet.

PHD’s MOTIVATE Prevention Department offers programs to youth and parents addressing healthy sexuality, relationship development, how to say no, healthy communication, goal setting, anti-bullying and character development.

Tickets for the event are set at $140 per person. For more information about PHD or to reserve a seat, contact 847-359-4967 x25.