our mission
Helping women and children thrive during and after unplanned pregnancy.
our vision
Through our holistic Pregnancy Counseling approach, Caris aspires to be a leader in addressing the cultural, social, spiritual, and economic essentials involved in unplanned pregnancy, ensuring women and children thrive.
Our History
1985
The birth of the ministry. 4 Christian women wanted to offer a compassionate, trusted place for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
2006
After an extensive internal audit, Caris began the process of shifting its model and approach to focus on both the woman AND child involved in an unplanned pregnancy.
2009
Caris made the shift to a professional counselor model only employing counselors with a master’s degree in a counseling field.
2011
Caris moved into its new headquarters in the Chicago Loop.
2012
Caris adopted the Prograce® Approach
2016
Caris created the C25 Project—extending resources and support to women and children until the child’s 5th birthday
2020
Caris is expected to open a satellite location on the Southside of Chicago (in Partnership with Progressive Baptist Church)
Our Approach to Service
Caris aims to show the love of God to each and every person that comes through our door. We do that by extending grace, compassion and respect to the clients that we serve. Caris does not coerce women into making decisions regarding their pregnancies or any other decision that they might be facing.
Through the use of licensed and professional counselors (all Caris counselors are Master’s-level therapists) we help women and men work through potential barriers, conflicts, triggers, and influences that may affect their ability to reach a decision regarding their pregnancy.
Additionally, through our robust mental health support (specifically as it relates to pregnancy involved issues) women, men, and couples are able to receive counseling that will equip them to be better parents and co-parenting adults, while also giving them the skills to be a healthier and more whole version of themselves.
Our Staff
Laura Castillo, MSW
COUNSELOR
Kelley Coser
RDMS AB OB RVT, SONOGRAPHER
Martine DeCase, MPA
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS & OPERATIONS
Kalynn Dunn, LPC
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
Jillian Henry, LCSW
COUNSELOR
Monique Schlichtman, MPA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
Jackie Taves
MARKETING MANAGER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Mary Toyama
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Careers
We are Christ followers and seed planters. We receive with grace and serve with love. And we’re on a mission to see women and children thrive during and after unplanned pregnancy. We are on the lookout for people who have a passion for service and who are committed to exhibiting Christ’s love, compassion, and grace to women and families facing unplanned pregnancy. Want to be a part of what God is doing through Caris to impact lives and families? Explore our job openings and join the team.
Message From the CEO
Finding out you’re pregnant unexpectedly can feel overwhelming. We want you to have a safe place to figure out your next steps. Our promise is to be there for you as you’re making a decision, and figuring out what to do next. We’ll also help you find the support and resources you need and all our services are completely confidential.