Feast Day: March 19

St. Joseph is the spouse of Mary the mother of Jesus and the legal father of Jesus according to Jewish law. Joseph is a model of humility and obedience to God’s will. He followed God’s instructions, given by angels in dreams, and took the pregnant Mary into his home as his wife, protected her and Jesus at the child’s birth in Bethlehem through the family’s sojourn in Egypt, and provided for them as a carpenter in Nazareth. (Catholic News Service)

St. Joseph’s Helpers looks to St. Joseph as its model and inspiration and also as its principal patron and provider.

St. Joseph’s Helpers was founded by Fr. Joseph Neilson, a Carmelite priest with a passion to serve women facing unexpected pregnancies. He began his ministry and life's work shortly after the passage of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. 

St. Joseph’s Helpers was incorporated as a nonprofit, tax-exempt Catholic organization on September 25th, 1987. The Articles of Incorporation were signed by Ann G. Covey, Anne T. Raney, Julia H. Campbell and Beverly B. Toney. 

The location of the pregnancy center has moved several times to be near abortion clinics. The location has been critical in serving women experiencing difficult pregnancy decisions.

Maria Maldanado began her work with St. Joseph's Helpers in 1992 and was instrumental in carrying on the work that was started by Fr. Joseph and the original founders. Maria continued her work for 16 years as a fearless supporter of the unborn, but also a friend and advocate for mothers. 

Today, the Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center is located at 2 Office Park Drive in Little Rock. The staff includes 6 women who work under the guidance of the Board of Directors.