Most nonprofit organizations grow from a vision held by their founders, but few begin from circumstances as personal as the Paul Stefan Foundation in Orange, Virginia.

In 2005, Randy and Evelyn James were celebrating the upcoming arrival of their sixth child when they learned that their unborn baby suffered from a rare and often fatal condition known as diaphragmatic hernia. The disorder creates a hole in the diaphragm that allows internal organs to protrude into the chest cavity, preventing the lungs from developing properly. Doctors suggested terminating the pregnancy, given the likelihood that the baby would not survive long after delivery.

The Jameses, following the recommendation of Catholic priest Father Stefan Starzynski, decided to continue the pregnancy supported by prayer for a healthy delivery. Despite the heroic efforts of the medical team, baby Paul lived only 41 minutes after birth.

As the family grieved their loss, they learned that a friend of Father Stefan had been praying for a home for unwed mothers. The idea resonated deeply with them, and they began planning what would become the Paul Stefan Foundation, named in honor of their son. In a recent conversation, Randy James told The Breeze, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

After establishing the foundation, they secured a lease on a property and building in Orange for one dollar per year through a pipeline company that had made similar arrangements elsewhere in the country.

The Paul Stefan Home opened its doors in 2006 and has since served as many as twenty young women and their children at a time, with no set limit on how long residents may stay before or after delivery.

Since its opening, the home has supported more than 150 expectant mothers. Major medical needs, including delivery and postnatal care, are covered through Medicaid. During their stay, residents are encouraged to participate in programs designed to help them build stable, productive lives. “Our mission from the start has been saving babies, one mom at a time,” James said.

While the foundation does not provide walk-in services, it responds to community requests for essential items such as diapers and baby food.

Funding comes from a mix of individual donations and support from roughly thirty partner churches. Staffing consists of Director Evelyn James, Business Manager Randy James, and an administrator, supported by up to fifty volunteers who assist with everything from facility maintenance to licensed nursing and physician care.

Long-term, the foundation hopes to establish additional locations in several states. While no new sites have yet opened, efforts in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, are the most active.

People of faith often say that seemingly unanswered prayers can lead to greater blessings that are not immediately visible. The tragic loss of little Paul, and the powerful purpose that grew from it, is one such blessing.

Barry Schaeffer

Barry grew up and completed his schooling in southern California, moving to Virginia in 1980.

As a communicator, Barry was a regular columnist for CMSWire, as well as Intranet Development and Newspapers and Technology Magazines, and was a reporter for his local newspaper, The Central Virginian.  He was also one of four consultant/authors for the landmark congressional study “Informing the Nation” (1987.) 

As a customer service provider: while finishing college, he spent four years in the retail beverage industry, dealing directly with customers.

As a corporate manager, he was a successful manager with several firms, including:

• At Pacific Telephone, he managed groups of up to 150 people and was rated Outstanding among managers in Southern California.
• For Arcata Data Management, he took over a 100-person division known for significant monthly losses and late delivery penalties, taking it to profitability in less than six months.
• For Planning Research Corporation, he managed a staff of 100 contractor personnel in the computer center for the White House (EOPCC), taking the Award Fee contract from zero award to maximum in six months.

As a project manager, Barry successfully led and completed major projects.

• For the private sector: Pratt & Whitney Canada, Boeing Helicopter, Sikorsky Aviation, Ford Motor Company (through Tweddle Group,) World Book Encyclopedia, The Bureau of National Affairs.

• For the Federal government: Congressional Research Service (CRS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U. S. Office Management and Budget (OMB), Executive Office of the President (White House), Department of Defense (Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), Air Force Material Command, Naval Sea Systems Command.)

• For State Governments: Administrative Code systems for Texas and Oklahoma.

As an entrepreneur, he co-founded and led two successful firms including X.Systems, (founded in 1993 and acquired by XyEnterprise in 2009.) 

He is a graduate of California State University/Los Angeles with a BA in psychology, and of the rigorous Bell System Management Achievement Program.