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Counseling And More

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By DEREK MAUL, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 7, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights leaders of civic organizations and charities. This week's column features Mary Alice Hendricks, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, 304 N. Collins St. Contact the agency at (813) 759-0886 or www.plantcitypregnancycenter.org.>

PLANT CITY - Mary Alice Hendricks is passionate about her work at Plant City's Pregnancy Care Center, which provides counseling and pregnancy health care, but not abortions. "This is a gem," she said. "I'd compare the staff and volunteers here with any center in the country. We're not here to manipulate or control people. We want people to make totally informed choices. Eventually they're the ones who are going to have to live with that decision."

Q. How long have you been on board?

A. The center opened its doors in 1994 and I came in April of 2001. My background is in business, health care administration and finance. It's a ministry, yes, but to be effective we need to run it like a business.

Q. When did you become a clinic?

A. January 2007. We have our own ultrasound now. We're a nonprofit medical clinic with a budget just a smidge over $300,000.

Q. Is faith involved?

A. This is a Christian ministry, and there's nothing else that makes more sense in the universe. My goal is to be in as many churches as possible, but kudos to First Baptist Church of Plant City because it was people there who had the vision to get this going.

Q. What is your mission?

A. To provide care and provision for those facing unexpected pregnancy, to uphold the sanctity of human life, and to provide medical care and social services to help those who are wounded.

Q. Do you push your beliefs on clients?

A. The key word is respect; our staff are trained to be exquisite listeners. We listen to their story without condemnation or manipulation. We find out needs and present options, always with permission first.

Q. What if they want an abortion anyway?

A. We're woman focused, not a baby-saving organization. We're here to equip and empower and educate women to make an informed decision, and we're here with a recovery program to help later on.

Q. What is the cost?

A. There is no cost for any of our services. We can provide pregnancy testing that can be taken to your insurance office or physician. We can also provide an ultrasound. Only an ultrasound can truly diagnose a viable pregnancy. It can be a bonding experience and accelerates their desire to get early prenatal care.

Q. How many women do you see?

A. One thousand to 1,500 a year; we could see more. We want to be there as a resource throughout pregnancy and that first year. Centers such as this are touching only 1 percent of those who could benefit.

Q. What do you need?

A. We're literally on top of one another. We need space, we need additional staffing and volunteers.

Q. How did you get involved?

A. I've always wanted to serve God. When I was 7 or 8, I remember telling God I'd like to be a missionary some day. I had to wait a long time. In 1977 I was hired as executive director of a pregnancy center in San Marcos, Texas. Then, in 2001, I was able to move to Plant City for this position.

Q. Are you married?

A. Yes, my husband (Harry Hendricks) is retired. His big job is to take care of me. Between us we have five grown children and lots of grandchildren.

Q. Where are you from?

A. Born (1948) and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. I attended Texas Women's University and later the University of Mary Harden Baylor. I earned my BBA bachelor of business administration in finance and economics in 1985. I've lived and worked in Texas, New Jersey, Arizona and now Florida.

Q. Do you have a Scripture to share?

A. 'I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection ...'

(Philippians 3:10) There are so many promises that he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Q. What is God teaching you?

A. To walk by faith and not by sight. That his grace is sufficient. He's teaching me on a daily basis. Often in ministry we're so busy we don't take time to focus on God's word so we try to do daily devotions.

Q. What's your favorite hymn?

A. 'It Is Well With My Soul.'

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. When I'm really tired I go hug my grandbabies. And I love to collect antiques - especially Depression glass and quilts. I am a people person, so I enjoy just being with friends.

Q. What are you reading?

A. I like John Maxwell on leadership. I'm just finishing a book on the faith and courage of Winston Churchill. Then 'Searching for the Invisible God' by Philip Yancey and 'What's Your God Language?' by Myra Perrine. One of my earliest remembrances is reading the 'Little House in the Big Woods' (by Laura Ingalls Wilder).

Q. What is it about Plant City that appeals to you?

A. It has infrastructure and tradition built a long time ago, plus people truly care - that brings a lot to the table to keep this city growing in the right way.

Q. Are you optimistic?

A. We have a ways to go, but I'm optimistic because of what I see every day. People making every effort to be kind and thoughtful and good - it's happening all over this city. We're a city that can bring grace and character to the lives of others.

Q. Any misunderstandings about your work?

A. It's not all teenage girls. We have every socioeconomic level, every age and every conceivable situation. There is no typical client.

Q. Whose brain would you like to pick over lunch?

A. Christian writer and counselor Gary Thomas; then I've always wanted to talk with Margaret Thatcher.

Is there someone you would like profiled? Call Derek Maul at (813) 245-2304 or e-mail him at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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