New Endowment to Support Pregnancy Ministries in Honor of Mary Jo Crowley

Royal Oak, MI – April 14, 2025 The Catholic Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce the establishment of the Mary Jo Crowley Crisis Pregnancy Endowment Fund. This fund, created by her birthson, Marco DeCapite, honors his birthmother who died September 6, 2024.

The Mary Jo Crowley Crisis Pregnancy Endowment Fund will provide comprehensive support to women in unexpected and difficult pregnancies by offering medical care, financial support, and adoption services. This fund will ensure that mothers and their infants receive necessary resources and proper medical care, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

Purpose of the Fund: The endowment fund will support the following initiatives:

Christ Medicus Foundation Operations: Funding the salary of key personnel who are advancing the Christ-centered Catholic identity at the Heart of Christ Clinic in Detroit.
Heart of Christ Clinic Operations: Covering the salary of the lead practicing physician and the costs of medical supplies and equipment.
Support for Single Mothers: Providing medical care, adoption assistance, and supplies for single mothers before and after childbirth.

Beneficiaries:

Christ Medicus Foundation: Aims to build up the Heart of Christ Clinic’s Catholic identity and provide bioethical training.
Heart of Christ Clinic: Offers medical care and support to mothers and infants in Detroit.
Other Approved Clinics: Depending on need and funds, clinics that adhere to Catholic teachings and strive to protect the lives of both mother and infant can also be considered, namely, Bella Wellness in Englewood, CO

To support this cause: One-time or recurring gifts to support this cause can be made through the Catholic Foundation of Michigan.

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About Mary Jo Crowley

Mary Jo (MJ) Crowley was a dedicated media librarian who worked for both the Philadelphia Inquirer and New Jersey Star-Ledger over a 40+ year career helping these newspapers adopt digital technologies. She was the wife of Michael Shoup for 37 years, the mother of two other sons, David and Benjamin, and grandmother of 9. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, and service continues to inspire all those she touched. Her birth son, Marco DeCapite, first met MJ when he was 23, after she had willingly released her contact information when he searched for his genetic history.

Mary Jo discovered she was pregnant at the age of 24 and made the courageous decision to bring Marco into the world despite the challenges she faced. She endured the emotional struggles of being an unwed mother and the discomfort of pregnancy and childbirth. She then seflessly turned her son over through a private adoption to a loving childless couple from Birmingham, Michigan who were able to express their deep gratitude for the gift of their son after having the opportunity to meet Mary Jo.