Welcome home a nationally recognized transformational leader whose 2020 Vision to end abortion has helped reduce abortions by 60%, sparing nearly 30,000 lives.
Jason's BiographyJason Shanks is a well-known name to many in Central Ohio. In fact, you could say that it was his vision for local organizational unity and faith-based community action that has seen the number of abortions performed locally decrease by nearly 60% - sparing more than 30,000 babies from the horrors of abortion. As we enter into this new era, with abortion enshrined in our state constitution, we are welcoming him back to share his story and reignite our vision.
By 2007, Jason was serving as the President of Columbus Right to Life. In his time as President, he stabilized operations, reduced costs, expanded partnerships, began 40 Days for Life, announced a 2020 Vision plan to end abortion in Columbus, and added “Greater” to the name - broadening our mission to surrounding areas. Jason’s vision and local impact is not limited to Greater Columbus Right to Life. He was a co-founder of Catholic Youth Summer Camp, now known as Damascus. Since leaving the Columbus area, he has served as Secretariat Leader of Evangelization and Parish Life for the Diocese of Toledo and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, where he successfully combined and reorganized five separate county-based social service agencies into one regional service agency. In 2014, Crain’s Detroit Business recognized him with their 40 Under 40 Award. Following his work in Detroit, he became President of the Our Sunday Visitor Institute, where he built a platform for entrepreneurs to share and fund their innovative ideas with the Church. Jason has also served as a consultant on the Committee of Religious Liberty for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on the Executive Committee for the National Eucharistic Revival since 2021, and as the founding treasurer of the National Eucharistic Congress from its beginnings. He was recently named President of the National Eucharistic Congress. Jason’s life is a testament to extraordinary leadership, a commitment to the sanctity of human life, and the ability of one person to make an impact upon generations. In 2020, he was intubated due to Covid19 and nearly died. Through the prayers of many, he experienced a truly miraculous healing. It is no surprise that he has twice been named as National Catholic Man of the Year. We are excited to welcome him back for our 50th Anniversary. Jason resides in Northern Indiana with his wife, Melissa, and their five children. |
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