One Man

One man and God
It seems but a few years back when Len Vercellotti an fellow member of Grand Citizens for Life and a brother knight explained that he was going to form a Birthright chapter south of the Strand. Len set about to gain the necessary licensing and approvals and financing with his wife Marita lining up the volunteers. Len is a prayerful man and directed by God, Birthright of Georgetown opened its doors on March 25, 2002.

The center was established by members of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, Pawleys Island, SC with the assistance of K of C Council 11028 (Pawleys Island). Birthright is an interdenominational organization, where women facing unplanned pregnancy found a place where they could receive support and understanding.

Birthright of Georgetown, Inc., incorporated in South Carolina, is an all volunteer organization serving the women in Georgetown County and from surrounding areas. With a board of directors, it is staffed by 30 volunteers. Affiliated with Birthright International, which has 400 centers in the U.S. and Canada, it maintains a hotline (800-550-4900), which is staffed by trained counselors and is available 24-7. Calls are referred to the center at 1905 Front St. There are no paid members of the organization and all services are offered free of charge. The mission of the center is to assist women facing unplanned pregnancy by offering them understanding and information related to community services. Besides friendship, the center offers free pregnancy tests, prenatal information, and referrals on medical help, financial assistance, parenting skills, legal help, adoption and continuing education.

In 2007, Birthright of Georgetown handled 737 calls, had 589 office visits, and received 93 abortion minded contacts. Of the abortion minded women, 29 clients made decisions to continue their pregnancies. The numbers of clients served were 101 adult clients, 40 teenage clients, and 34 clients who received help on a one-time basis. Continuing funding comes from GSCL, surrounding churches, KC Council 11028 and grants from several foundations. Len is proof that with God’s help an ordinary man can do extraordinary things.