Robert P. Casey Jr.
Sen. Casey looks to help fund Women With Children Programs
February 21, 2008
Source: Scranton Times-Tribune
By Brian Jarvis
DALLAS TOWNSHIP — As a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Hazleton resident Christine Pierce knew that going on to higher education wouldn’t be a cakewalk.
Through Head Start, however, Ms. Pierce learned of the Women With Children Program at Misericordia University aimed to assist college-bound single mothers by providing financial support — not to mention a roof over their heads.
The next thing Ms. Pierce knew, she found herself majoring in psychology while living with five other women and their children in a group home next to campus.
“It’s been wonderful. You have a lot of issues as a single parent, but the campus has opened their arms to mothers by offering us a lot of structure and a lot of life skills,” said Ms. Pierce.
The program caught the attention of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., who found time on Wednesday to meet with Ms. Pierce as well as a roomful of students majoring in health sciences.
“Too often, society has told pregnant women they are on their own, but that’s not America,” said Mr. Casey, who is sponsoring legislation known as the Pregnancy Support Act to reduce the abortion rate by aiding women who feel they have no other options.
Mr. Casey also spoke of the need to recruit and retain health sciences professionals, given the growing needs of the region.
“As one of the oldest populations in the country, I think Northeast Pennsylvania is a testing ground for the rest of the country. The moral test of a government is how they treat people in the dawn, in the shadows and in the twilight of their lifetimes,” said Mr. Casey.
Misericordia student Toby Seward, who is majoring in medical imaging, however, said he would like to see legislators do more to combat rising premiums in malpractice insurance.
“Rural areas like Wayne County can’t afford to hire doctors because the insurance is too high. (Mr. Casey) could look into tort reform or putting a cap on settlements,” said Ms. Seward. “I really do like the area and like helping people, but other doctors can go a few miles down the road and make a lot more money.”
As for Ms. Pierce, after graduation, she aims to become a case manager and eventually earn a master’s degree in social work.
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Women With Children is set to expand to two homes for 10 students and 20 children, according to Sister Jean Messaros, vice president of student affairs. Free room and board is included with admission.
“I’m a nontraditional student, but I would assume this is a lot like normal college life. I still get to experience what it’s like. (My daughter) Olivia doesn’t want to leave. She thinks everyone is going to keep living with us.”
