The Nurturing Network

The Nurturing Network, founded by American business executive and author, Mary Cunningham Agee, is an international charitable organization dedicated to relieving abuse, neglect and exploitation. The organization states that its purpose is to provide educational resources and support to those who are most vulnerable.[1]

The Nurturing Network
AbbreviationTNN
Motto"Compassion
... in Action"
Formation1985
Legal status501(c)(3) not-for-profit
PurposeService and education
HeadquartersNapa Valley, CA
Location
Founder
and CEO
Mary Cunningham Agee
Websitewww.nurturingnetwork.org

The Nurturing Network describes its strategic approach as collaborative. Their mission states that the provision of education, training, service and mentoring in cooperation with individuals, foundations, corporations and compatible organizations is an effective method for defeating all forms of human bondage.

History and Founding

The loss of her first child in a second trimester miscarriage in 1984,[2][3][4] caused Agee to examine the scope of resources available to women whose pregnancies are terminated through abortion. Agee reported research that revealed, "Nine out of ten women experiencing a crisis pregnancy feel they have only one option: abortion." [5][6][7][8][9][10] This awareness prompted Agee to found the Nurturing Network in an effort to increase the availability and range of alternatives for women confronting this situation. The Network's founding documents reflect the view that women wanting to exercise their choice for birth often do not have the financial, medical, social or emotional resources necessary to carry out this decision.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] In 1985, The Agee's sold their vacation home to generate start-up funds to form the 501c3 charitable organization.[22][23][24][25][26] Agee reported at the time of founding TNN and subsequently in "Senate testimony" that, "Most government and social programs were specifically designed to meet the needs of unwed teenagers. There was little support for college or working women who were expected to be able to take care of themselves."[27][28][29] Agee sought to fill this void by raising awareness that this segment of women were, "Most likely to face family rejection, social stigma, and educational or career discrimination."[30][31][32][33][34][35][36]

Founding Philosophy

Freedom of choice: TNN bases its program on the fundamental concept expressed by its Founder, Mary Cunningham Agee, that "freedom of choice without options is meaningless." [37][38][39] With access to complete information in a supportive, unbiased, non-judgmental environment, "women will be free to make sound decisions for themselves and their children."[40][41][42][43]

Personal worth: Documents about the organization's mission and philosophy written by Agee state that "The Network, through its connection to thousands of local volunteers and other programs, seeks to enhance the self-esteem of every woman served – without regard to race, creed or economic circumstances."[44][45]

Growth through suffering: The Nurturing Network's Founder emphasizes in her speeches and writing that, "Personal growth is often achieved through personal suffering. A positive response to a crisis pregnancy has the potential to catalyze significant personal insight along with a deepened compassion that will expand to benefit many others." [46][47][48][49][50]

Client service

Since its founding, the Nurturing Network (TNN) reports having served thousands of women by mobilizing volunteer resource members throughout the United States and in 33 foreign countries.[51][52][53][54][55][56] Mary Cunningham Agee's book, "Compassion in Action: Maternal Profiles in Courage," features the stories of the thousands of women whom TNN has helped in its first two decades of service.[57] One third of the women who seek assistance from TNN are the result of referrals from crisis pregnancy centers.[58]

Member resources and collaboration

The Nurturing Network leveraged its resources by recruiting local "Clusters" of resources in communities and college campuses nationwide.[59][60][61][62] TNN volunteer members offered services in core resource areas by providing a supportive home environment, emotional counseling, employment, legal and medical services, educational opportunities and other forms of support.[63][64] The Network's service program emphasized the importance of collaboration.[65][66][67][68] utilizing its website, word of mouth and media coverage to communicate its mission and support other programs whose goals are compatible.[69][70]

Inadequacy of the public debate

The Nurturing Network's Founder states that the experience of having an unplanned pregnancy, "Has, unfortunately, become synonymous with having only one viable option: Abortion. This has divided well-intentioned people and organizations into polarized camps of 'pro-choice' and 'pro-life.'"[71][72] Agee contends that "since these two concepts are not logical opposites, the issue can never be resolved through rhetoric or political debate." The organization's presents its non-confrontational style as a prototype of how many divisive issues could be approached in a healing way.[73][74][75]

The Nurturing Network has publicly taken the position that, "legislative battles, rhetorical debates and judgmental protests over abortion have tended to overlook the imminent and practical needs of the women about whom people are arguing."[76][77] In print and broadcast media, Agee repeatedly urges the need to "move beyond political differences in order to provide practical assistance to women and children at a vulnerable time in their lives."[78][79]

Broad objective

The Network describes its educational mission as, "Offering society a meaningful way to participate in building a society in which the dignity of each individual is respected."[80][81][82][83] A founding principle states that, "If we can communicate respectfully on pivotal issues, progress in achieving the broader goal of peace in our families, our businesses and our institutions, will be made." [84][85][86][87]

References
  1. The Nurturing Network 2009 Annual Report, Frye Printing, Napa, CA, 2010
  2. The business of nurturing, Alica Blaisdell-Bannon, Cape Cod Times, August 20, 1987
  3. Mary Cunningham's Nurturing Network, Theresa Rebeck, St. Anthony Messenger, Vol.96 No.12, May 1989
  4. For Women in Trouble, a Network of Care, Lisa Ferguson, New Covenant, December 1991
  5. Network of Hope, Una McManus, Reader's Digest, November 1991
  6. Mary Cunningham Agee, Pro-Life Christians, Heroes for the Pre-Born, Joe Gulotta, Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford, IL, 1992
  7. Turning Sorrow into Joy: The Nurturing Network, Ellen G. Pearson, Celebrate Life, July–August 1997
  8. Choosing Birth, Una McManus, The Catholic Digest, November 1990
  9. Executive for the Unborn, Ellen Santilli Vaughn, Christianity Today, March 7, 1994
  10. Nurturing Network's founder addresses needs of women, Loretta Pehanich, The Valley Catholic, June 1992
  11. Compassion in Action, Maternal Profiles in Courage, Mary Cunningham Agee, Cypress Press, Monterey, CA 2006
  12. A Working Woman's Network Into Motherhood, Tim W. Ferguson, Business World, The Wall Street Journal, September 4, 1990
  13. The Nurturing Network, Helping Women to Choose Life, Laura White, The Family, May 1989
  14. Nurturing Network, One woman's vision helps many, David Proctor, The Idaho Statesman, November 3, 1991
  15. Boardroom to the Battle for Life, Karen Walker, National Catholic Register, Vol.74 No.8, February 1998
  16. The Nurturing Network, Jean Libman Block, Good Housekeeping, November 1991
  17. A Dream on Canvas, Stacy Mattingly, Crisis Magazine, XIII, No.11, 1996
  18. A Pro-Nurturing Alternative to Abortion, Colman McCarthy, The Washington Post, July 26, 1994
  19. Choosing Life, With a Little Help, Aimee Howard, Insight on the News, The Washington Times, June 1999
  20. What One Woman Can Do, Terry Martin, The Forum, March 1993
  21. They bring life out of chaos and pain, Karen A. Walker, Our Sunday Visitor, Vol.87, No.23, October 1998
  22. A practical compassion, Deirdre Frontcazk, North Coast Catholic, April 2011
  23. Mary Cunningham Agee's nature is to nurture, Mitch Finley, Our Sunday Visitor, January 19, 1992
  24. The Nurturing Network offers 'choice', Colette Cowman, The Idaho Register, Vol.XXXII, No.33, January 12, 1990
  25. For Women in Trouble, a Network of Care, Lisa Ferguson, New Covenant, December 1991
  26. Mary Cunningham Agee's Nurturing Network, Columbia, January 1991
  27. Whole Lotta Love for Moms & Babies, Culture of Life, Gina Giambrone, National Catholic Register, January 14–20, 2007
  28. Foot Soldiers for Life, Mary DeTuris Poust, Our Sunday Visitor, January 21, 2007
  29. Pro-Life -94: A New Life for Women in Crisis, Mitch Finley, New Covenant, January 1994
  30. From Tears to Joy, Una McManus, Today's Christian Woman, November–December 1997
  31. Say Less, Do More, Eleanor K. Schoen, The Catholic World Report, February 2009
  32. Taking the Crisis out of Crisis Pregnancy, Brain K. O'Neel, Franciscan Way, February 1998
  33. From the Boardroom to the Battle for Life, Karen Walker, National Catholic Register, February 1998
  34. The Nurturing Network: An Option for Life, Empowerment, Patricia Hogan and John Carlisle, April 1993
  35. The Nurturing Network, Jean Libman Black, Good Housekeeping, November 1991
  36. Helping Unwed Mothers is What I Was Meant to Do, Virginia Evers, Living World, Winter 1988
  37. Mother Nurture, Tracy Moran, Envoy Magazine, July–August 1999
  38. Network of Hope, Una McManus, Reader's Digest, November 1991
  39. Mary Cunningham Agee, Pro-Life Christians, Heroes for the Pre-Born, Joe Gulotta, Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford, IL, 1992
  40. The Nurturing Network, Jean Libman Black, Good Housekeeping, November 1991
  41. Say Less, Do More, Eleanor K. Schoen, The Catholic World Report, February 2009
  42. Healing Broken Hearts One at a Time, Joann C. Webster & Karen Davis, A Celebration of Women, Watercolor Books, Southlake, TX, 2001
  43. Choosing Life, With a Little Help, Aimee Howd, Insight in the News, The Washington Times, June 1999
  44. A practical compassion, Deirdre Frontcazk, North Coast Catholic, April 2011
  45. Two Roads to Success, Deirdre Sullivan, Management Review, August 1998
  46. Compassion in Action, Maternal Profiles in Courage, Mary Cunningham Agee, Cypress Press, Monterey, CA 2006
  47. A Win-Win Answer to Abortion, Caryn Kirby Coulter, Catholic Twin Circle, July 10, 1994
  48. The Shepherd Speaks, Donald W. Trautman, Lake Shore Visitor, September 28, 1990
  49. In the eye of the needle, Mitch Finley, Our Sunday Visitor, January 26, 1992
  50. A Call to Effective Action: When Being Right is Not Enough, Mary Cunningham Agee, Respect Life Program, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2004
  51. The Nurturing Network: Serving the Urgent and Practical Needs of Mothers in Crisis for 25 Years, Mary Cunningham Agee, Frye Printing, Napa, CA 2007, Second Printing 2010
  52. The Nurturing Network 2009 Annual Report, Frye Printing, Napa, CA 2010
  53. Hana and the Nurturing Network - A Love Story, Mitch Finley, Liguorian, January 1992
  54. Network of Compassion, Mary Cunningham Agee, Lay Witness, June 1992
  55. Connecting Responsibility with Freedom, Mary Cunningham Agee, Ideas Matter, Quarterly Newsletter of the National Policy Forum, Fall 1994
  56. Communicating a Culture of Life, Mary Cunningham Agee, Lay Witness July–August 1998
  57. Compassion in Action, Maternal Profiles in Courage, Mary Cunningham Agee, Cypress Press, Monterey, CA 2006
  58. http://www.nurturingnetwork.org/whatwedo.html
  59. A practical compassion, Deirdre Frontcazk, North Coast Catholic, April 2011
  60. The Nurturing Network, Joan Kurkowksi-Gillen, North Coast Catholic, April 27, 1994
  61. The Nurturing Network, Campus Ministry Bulletin, Loyola College of Maryland, April 1993
  62. The President's Corner, Father Michael Scanlan, The Troubador, Franciscan Life, September 1997
  63. A Working Woman's Network Into Motherhood, Tim W. Ferguson, Business World, The Wall Street Journal, September 4, 1990
  64. The Nurturing Network, Helping Women to Choose Life, Laura White, The Family, May 1989
  65. Arms Unfolded, Todd Whitmore, The Notre Dame Magazine, Summer 2005
  66. Golden Treasures for the King: The Nurturing Network at the Sisters of Life, Sisters of Life, Issue 15, Winter 2002
  67. Nurturing Network cluster forming in Palm Beaches, Gema Fernandez, The Florida Catholic, October 15, 1998
  68. A Call to Effective Action: When Being Right is Not Enough, Mary Cunningham Agee, Respect Life Program, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2004
  69. Mary Cunningham Agee, Women's Activists' Writings - An Anthology, 1637-2002, Kathryn Cullen-Dupont, Cooper Square Press, New York, New York, p.544-556, 2002
  70. Building a Culture of Life, Mary Cunningham Agee, The Human Life Review Vol.XXVIII, Nos.1 &2, pg 53-75, Winter-Spring 2002
  71. Compassion in Action, Maternal Profiles in Courage, Mary Cunningham Agee, Cypress Press, Monterey, CA 2006
  72. A Win-Win Answer to Abortion, Caryn Kirby Coulter, Catholic Twin Circle, July 10, 1994
  73. A Pro-Nurturing Alternative to Abortion, Colman McCarthy, The Washington Post, July 26, 1994
  74. Choosing Life, With a Little Help, Aimee Howard, Insight on the News, The Washington Times, June 1999
  75. The Nurturing Network: An Option for Life, Empowerment, Patricia Hogan and John Carlisle, April 1993
  76. The Next Civil War, ABC News Forum, Peter Jennings, November 1, 1990
  77. Neither revolutionary nor revealing, John P. Gallagher, The Catholic Advocate, November 14, 1990
  78. Backstage at the TV Debate, John P. Gallagher, OpEd, Catholic New York, November 29, 1990
  79. Arms Unfolded, Todd Whitmore, The Notre Dame Magazine, Summer 2005
  80. Communicating a Culture of Life, Mary Cunningham Agee, Lay Witness July–August 1998
  81. Compassion in Action, Maternal Profiles in Courage, Mary Cunningham Agee, Cypress Press, Monterey, CA 2006
  82. Lessons from a Child, Commencement Address, Mary Cunningham Agee, Loyola College of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, May 20, 1990
  83. Motherhood at the Heart of the New Feminism: A Vocation of Love and Service, International Conference on Women, Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy, March 8, 2002
  84. Practical Idealism: Compassion in Action, Address to The Foundation, Palm Springs, CA September 29, 1994
  85. It is Better to Light a Candle Than to Curse the Darkness, Christophers Award Presentation, New York, New York, February 23, 1995
  86. Network leads pregnant women to a better way, Mary DeTurris Poust, OSV in Focus, Our Sunday Visitor, January 21, 2007
  87. Mary Cunningham Agee, A Celebration of Women, Our Feats, Our Stories, Our Riches Legacy, Joann C. Webster & Karen Davis, Watercolor Books, Southlake, TX, pg 148-9, 2001
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