Support is expected

Casa Teresa, an Orange County organization, helps single, pregnant women. It has assisted 2,000 women since opening its doors in 1976.Jennifer Kahlenberg started school Tuesday.

While not a momentous occasion for all, it is for 36-year-old Kahlenberg -- two years ago, she never thought about higher education or about her future. Two years ago, she used drugs and alcohol almost every day.

Around the same time she decided to stop using drugs, Kahlenberg found out she was pregnant. Knowing that she was not ready to raise a child, she made the decision to give the baby up for adoption.

While working with Kinship Center -- an adoption services organization -- Kahlenberg learned about Casa Teresa, an Orange County organization that provides assistance to single, pregnant women.

“It was the best thing that ever happened,” she said. “It was the best move I ever made.”

Casa Teresa -- named for Mother Teresa, who believed in helping everyone without prejudice -- has helped more than 2,000 people like Kahlenberg since it opened its doors in 1976. This would not have been possible if it weren’t for volunteers raising money and donating their time.

Newport Beach resident Mary Frome has been involved with Casa Teresa, which is now based in Orange, since it was founded. She started the first fundraising guild for Casa Teresa, the Founders Guild, in 1984. Two years later, a Central Guild was formed to do more hands-on volunteer work.

“I do not believe in abortion, and this was an alternative for me to help in that way,” Frome said. “Also, when you see the girls and see the help they need ... I just sort of had a feel for that, that I would like to help them.”

Frome is being honored for all her hard work with the organization at an upcoming gala fundraising event Oct. 15 at Bower’s Museum in Santa Ana.

“Mary is extremely dedicated and hard working,” said Lissa Callahan, Casa Teresa’s executive director. “Every nonprofit, every charity, needs a real strong supporter to not only give money, but to get out there and work hard. She’s given her time and she’s just truly motivated. We’re very grateful to her.”

Frome said volunteering is second nature for her. She said she has always volunteered with various churches and at the schools her children attended. She was a founding member of the Tustin Assistance League and plans to volunteer for the Special Olympics.

Frome, a mother of seven and a grandmother of 18, said Casa Teresa is a cause that remains close to her heart.

“Many of these girls are living out of their cars or are disowned by their families, and they have really no place to go,” Frome said. “The wonderful stories that come out and where they’ve progressed -- all because of Casa Teresa helping them. They’re just beautiful stories.”

Casa Teresa now consists of three houses, and a fourth was recently purchased, Callahan said. Hannah’s House, where Kahlenberg lived, is for mothers who are giving up their babies for adoption. The parenting house is for mothers who plan to keep their babies, and the transition house is for mothers who need some extra help after their babies are born.

“They’re such a huge part of my recovery,” Kahlenberg said of the staff and volunteers at Casa Teresa. “I just needed a break, I just needed to breathe, and I needed to put things in perspective. It gave me that chance to sit down, breathe and restart my life.”

Kahlenberg said before she moved into Hannah’s House, she planned to resume using drugs and alcohol once the baby was born. Instead, she said, amazing things started happening. Through the counseling she received while living in Hannah’s House and the wonderful people she met, she realized her life needed to change -- and she began a journey of full recovery.

Kahlenberg gave birth to her son in June. He was adopted, but it was an open adoption, which means Kahlenberg is still in contact with him and his family. She said she knows she made the right decision and has no regrets.

Now Kahlenberg is going back to school with plans of becoming a drug counselor, so she can help others the way she was helped.

“Some have just gone on to do wonderful things,” Frome said of past residents. “That’s what keeps me going -- is just listening to the stories.”

* LINDSAY SANDHAM is the news assistant. She can be reached at (714) 966-4625 or lindsay.sandham@latimes.com.

20051012io7xrqknCOURTENAY NEARBURG / DAILY PILOT(LA)Newport Beach resident Mary Frome has volunteered many years for Casa Teresa, homes for single, pregnant women.