Sharon Copeland is the executive director of Emergency Pregnancy Services.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
In charge for a year now, Copeland has been on the board for three and a half years. She is responsible for all the administrative duties, acts as a spokesperson for the community, oversees the programs, functions as a liaison to the board and handles fundraising.
CLIENTS
The clinic serves women with unplanned pregnancies of all ages, with the largest population being in the 20 to 24 age range.
HOW DID YOU BECOME DIRECTOR?
While Copeland was attending law school, the president of EPS called and asked if she would consider the post. “I wound up pulling out of law school on a Thursday and starting here on a Monday.”
WHY SWITCH GEARS?
“It was a calling. I really believe in their mission. To educate women is to empower women. My role is to educate so they can make good decisions. I believe in the sanctity of life and feel adoption is a viable option.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT THE JOB?
“It’s the expression [on the girl’s faces]. When girls come in here you can see the fear in their eyes — they look like scared rabbits. Once she goes through the system you can see the relief, that she has direction.”
WHAT’S THE TOUGH PART?
“Money. We serve so many [5,000 are expected next year] and our budget is so small. It’s the financial issues and asking for donations. We have to budget very carefully.”
WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED?
A non-profit entity, EPS counsels girls on nutrition for their baby, walks them through the Medicaid process, offers childbirth and parenting classes, teaches them how to use car seats, administers sonograms, gives out prenatal vitamins and refers them for testing of sexually-transmitted diseases.
EDUCATION
She studied psychology and sociology at Jacksonville University.
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
FAMILY
Mandarin is home to Copeland, Dan, her husband of 27 years, and their two children, Brady and Justin.
HOBBIES
Copeland enjoys walking, quail hunting and playing with her dogs Mason and Moose. A lover of the classics, Copeland gives two thumbs up to the novel “Gone With the Wind” and the film “Out of Africa.” You can catch her dining at Morton’s of Chicago, and at home she enjoys the television show “Frasier.”
BRUSH WITH FAME
When former first lady Barbara Bush was in Ponte Vedra Beach attending a golf tournament, Copeland shared conversation with her over the shampoo bowl while they were getting their hair done. “That woman was incredible. I’ve never had more fun.”
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
Copeland is on the board of the Mandarin Community Club, the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board and First Coast Tiger Bay. She is also a member of Southside Business Men’s Club, chairperson of the Mandarin Water Advisory Committee and active in her church, the Church of Our Saviour.
LIGHTING THE WAY
EPS is hosting a candlelight vigil Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Landing. Candles will be provided. “We are trying to do something to make people more aware of what adoption is about. Most people think of adoptions as what they see on Jerry Springer. We’re hoping for it to be educational.” City Council member and mayoral candidate Alberta Hipps, who is adopted and has two adopted children, is scheduled to attend the vigil along with representatives from daniel, the Department of Children and Families and Catholic Charities.
—by Monica Chamness