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</content:check --> Planned Parenthood seeks boost in clientele
By Patty Pensa
Staff Writer
Posted December 21 2001
National statistics point to declining numbers of teen pregnancies, but Mary Capobianco isn't complacent.
As the new chief executive of Planned Parenthood of South Palm Beach & Broward Counties Inc., Capobianco is looking to increase the number of teens -- and parents -- the organization serves. She also wants to bring home the message that Planned Parenthood is "more than you think."
The 21-year-old service organization offers education about responsible sexual behavior, mental health counseling, life-skills training, career assistance and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. This year, the organization served 17,000 people -- a 12 percent increase from 2000.
But census figures show there are about 450,000 people under age 18 in south Palm Beach and Broward counties. Planned Parenthood is serving a slice of that community, and Capobianco said she wants the agency to do more.
"There are many more people that we can help," she said. "It's difficult to work in public schools, but we want to see an increase. The goal would be to be in every single school in Palm Beach County and Broward."
Capobianco, 41, started at Planned Parenthood as its director of education five years ago. She became CEO about three months ago. Sexuality educator Richard Siegel said Capobianco is part of a younger generation of leadership that has taken over the agency's helm recently.
The spirit of the group, Siegel said, is like a "return to activism that was popular 30 years ago." But that doesn't mean the organization wants to be political, he said.
"A lot of people hear Planned Parenthood and think of that old political debate," said Siegel, referring to abortion. "The ongoing challenge is to get the marketing out there."
Like Capobianco, Siegel wants to lengthen his reach in the community. Instead of just talking to teens about responsible sexual behavior, educators want to talk to their parents. This year, the organization has reached about 100 parents or professionals who work with parents. Ideally, he'd like to educate between 400 and 600 parents and professionals each year.
"I know all parents agree that it's terribly important to raise sexually healthy kids," he said. "I really think we could reach a lot more kids. The best way is to get past the barrier of school board politics."
Capobianco and Siegel said public schools are reluctant to allow sex educators in their doors because they think the focus of their programs is just sex. Carole Shetler, superintendent for Boca Raton and Delray Beach schools, said the school district is not opposed to Planned Parenthood. Before organizations are allowed to spread their message, they must be approved by district officials.
"The district has curriculum planners, and they are especially careful about things controversial in nature," she said. "There's a disagreement as to how we should teach sex education. It's not as simple as just opening the door."
High school freshman go through a half-year district course called "Life Management Skills," which talks about drugs, sex and nutrition.
Planned Parenthood's programs touch on mental and physical health issues, protection against sexually transmitted diseases and making responsible decisions.
"Planned Parenthood is determined to protect and expand the tradition of choice in the local community," Capobianco said.
For the 2001-2002 budget year, the United Way of Palm Beach County gave the agency about $140,000.
Eileen Boyle, a senior vice president at United Way, said Planned Parenthood is a "well-run organization."
In some communities, United Way affiliates do not finance their local agency if the agency performs abortions on site.
Boyle said it's possible the agency would get more money next year to accommodate its goal to reach more people.
"I hope that every teenager, parent or caregiver feels comfortable to call or come to Planned Parenthood," Capobianco said.
Patty Pensa can be reached at ppensa@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6609.
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Copyright © 2001, South Florida Sun-Sentinel |
