Executive Director Retirement

After 15 years of supporting women in choosing life for their unborn babies in the St. Croix Valley, Pat Burns, the Executive Director of Options for Women St. Croix Valley (“Options”) will retire at the end of May to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests.

Throughout her time at Options Pat has been the hands and feet of God to the women and their families who have passed through our doors. Pat is well known for the compassion and love she shows to our clients, many of whom still seek out Pat when they come back to Options. Indeed, in announcing her retirement to the Board, Pat stated, “there is so much to be thankful for, however, my greatest joy and accomplishment has come from working with the clients that have come through our doors over the past 15 years.”

Pat began with Options as a client advocate where she approached each client with love, understanding and acceptance. She helped to address all the needs our clients may have, whether it be housing, employment, mentoring or material assistance. Whatever assignment Pat was tasked with as a client advocate, whether it be mentoring, housing or client services, she found a way to improve and expand our client offerings. In 2015, Pat was promoted to the position of Executive Director. She has flourished in this role being a beloved mentor and support for our staff. Pat has also taken every challenge thrown her way head on to great success. It was Pat that encouraged all at Options to “Be Bold!” As a result of her enthusiasm and vision, the center was relocated from a residential area near Stillwater Boulevard to a commercial area along Highway 36. Due to Pat’s heart for our mission she has helped Options to connect with donors to obtain the funding for this relocation. In addition, Pat led the charge to increase our outreach to abortion-minded and abortion-determined women via a change in our marketing and client process.

As a result of this training, Options has not only been able to reach these women but has been able to help these women choose life. Pat was recognized for her dedication to promoting life and her outstanding work for Options when she was awarded the Sister Jean Therese Award, from Elevate Life in October 2019. The Options Board is so proud of all that Pat has accomplished and we will miss her dearly. But, we trust in God’s providence and know that He will send us someone to continue the work Pat has begun in building families and restoring hope for the women we serve.