Dec 8, 2014 By Terry Kish 4 min read

The Caritas group, a band with a musical style that combines classical and acoustic folk, plays mostly in churches in the South Hills. But in addition to performing, every two years, the group reflects the meaning of the word caritas – charity – and records a CD for a nonprofit group, donating both their time and the finished CDs to the organization. The CDs are sold and/or given to donors, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the organization.

Caritas’ first CD was “As Water to the Thirsty,” which benefitted the St. Louise de Marillac Parish Ladies of Charity. Two years ago, they produced “Carols for Christmas,” which raised money for St. Louise de Marillac School and Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides service dogs. This year’s CD, “Season of Hope,” benefits the Pregnancy Resource Center of the South Hills, promoting their mobile PRC clinic, a new and unique way to reach out to woman who cannot get to a center or clinic.

Lisa Boyd, development director for the PRC, said the mobile PRC clinic, an RV with the words “Womens Mobile” on it, is ordered and hopefully will be in service by February or mid-March. With a reception area in the front of the vehicle and an exam room and counseling area, the mobile PRC clinic will offer free pregnancy testing, STD testing, ultrasound and counseling.

The mobile PRC clinic concept is to meet the needs of clients who are dealing with the crisis of an unplanned pregnancy, but have a hard time getting here, Boyd said. For example, clients can take the trolley to the T-station, but then have no way to get the center. “We’re trying to make the area accessible for them.”

Boyd said that while the plan is for the mobile PRC clinic to stay in the South Hills area, if they find out there’s an area in need of their services, they would be ready and willing to travel to provide them.

The PRC sees approximately 1,000 clients each year, and while stating that it is hard to estimate a number, Boyd said that the mobile PRC may see an additional 200 clients.

According to Boyd, the mobile PRC clinic has been funded through various sources, including grants, company donations, individual donations and fundraising events. The project is now in the second phase of raising the first year’s operating funds for the mobile clinic.

Boyd said the great thing about this fundraising effort was that Caritas member Jim Caprio approached the center about receiving the proceeds from the CD. Caprio said that his wife had been on the board of the PRC for many years, so he knows about work they do.

“Chris and Jim Caprio have been PRC donors in the past,” Boyd said. “He and Chris did all the work on the CD for us, with Chris designing the cover and jacket. It’s marvelous.”

Because Boyd wanted to be able to give the CD to donors throughout the year, there is a mix of Advent and Christmas songs, along with contemporary Christian music. Some of the seasonal songs featured on the CD are “Joseph’s Song,” “Maranatha,” “Gabriel’s Oboe” and “Beautiful Mother.”

In addition to Caprio, who sings and plays acoustic guitar, the musicians featured on “Season of Hope” include Brian Buckley on piano, Amanda Sage on flute, Mary Amrhein-May on cello, Charles May on violin and vocalist Ryan Kok.

“Season of Hope” can be purchased at the St. Louise de Marillac Parish office or by contacting Jim Caprio at 412-720-8200.

Boyd said donations for the mobile PRC clinic can be made at www.shwomensmobile.com.

The PRC is located at 101 Drake Road in Upper St. Clair. For more information, visit www.pregnancyoptionspittsburgh.org.