HISTORY OF THE VENICE AREA PREGNANCY CARE CENTER

The Venice Area Pregnancy Care Center (VAPCC) was founded in September 1985 as a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer staff under the direction of Valerie Cooper, a parishioner of Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church, and Bishop John Joseph Nevins, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Venice. 

The initial mission of VAPCC was to offer walk-in compassionate support to local pregnant women regardless of race, color, creed or marital status. Support included counseling, referrals to other aid agencies and free disposable diapers. Volunteer nurses provided free pregnancy tests, vitamins and maternity clothing. Respect for Life assisted in recruiting and training volunteers. Funding was provided by donations from several Catholic parishes, organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, local clubs and individuals. During the first year of operation, there were 25 volunteers, over 800 clients and 645 packages of diapers, 55 car seats and 17 cribs were distributed.

Over the years, other organizations were formed in the community that focused more on counseling, pregnancy tests and healthy pregnancies. Bishop Nevins advised the VAPCC to focus more on providing for the babies needs. Eventually, the Diocese of Venice and Epiphany Cathedral provided a permanent location for our operation at 301 Bayshore Drive, adjacent to the Epiphany Cathedral Campus.

PRESENT DAY OPERATION

In 2025, we remain an all-volunteer 501-C3 Charity with over 60 volunteers who each give 8 hours per month to our operation. We are open 4 days per week from 9 am – 1 pm to meet with our clients and provide diapers, wipes, clothing and new cribs and car seats. We serve about 85-100 clients per month. Both Epiphany Cathedral and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes hold a diaper drive for us annually, as well as an annual Baby Shower. We are further supported by Grants from several area foundations including Plantation Community Foundation and the Venice Yacht Club Foundation. The Knights of Columbus at both parishes provide significant financial resources as well. Many other local churches and individuals make donations regularly also. 

The need for our services remains strong. We are grateful to ALL who have supported our efforts over the years, and intend to continue our support of young families in South Sarasota as long as the need is there and community support continues.