This post is dedicated to reminding people of the needs of the unborn and their mother's. I also hope to introduce you to Alpha Women's Center which is run by my mom, Carolyn Koole (or Kiki as most of you know her).
2005 was the last year abortion stats for the country WERE ALLOWED to be shared:
According to the American Life League, Planned Parenthood released the following statistics on abortion in the United States
Total number of abortions since 1973: 48 million +
Abortions per year: 1,200,000
Abortions per day: 3,288
Abortions per hour: 137
Abortions per every 4 minutes: 9
Abortions per every 26 seconds: 1
Alpha was founded in 1985 with the mission to reduce the increasing number of abortions performed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their services began with free pregnancy testing and mentoring women who were considering an abortion. Over the years as a community women’s and children’s center they have added services, such as, the ultrasound program, Earn-While-You-Learn parenting program, abstinence education program, sexual integrity program, a teen and young adult buiding awareness and self-esteem program called Step Up that includes preparing to take GED testing, etc. They also host a variety of community activities focused at building stronger family realtionships.
The Earn-While-You-Learn educational program supports women (and sometimes men or grandparents who are primary caregivers of children) in their decision to parent successfully through meeting with them at least once a month, offering them prenatal, parenting, financial responsibility, and spiritual/personal development classes. Through this program, they are also able to earn the material items they need for themselves and their children.
Alpha was blessed to have been able to move into a new building this year which is located in downtown Grand Rapids off of Division. This neighborhood is rough and has a lot of poverty. Alpha has already been broken into and tagged with graffiti because of their presence. It makes me sad because the organization is there to serve those same people who seem desperate for money and food. To service their women.
Here's where you come in… Alpha has many needs. First and foremost, they need prayer to keep their doors open to be able to provide physical and spiritual support to the community. Second, they need funding. It takes at least a $1,000 a day to keep their doors open (and with today's economy) this has been nearly impossible. God has somehow allowed them to continue their services despite the lack of donations they receive. Third, they need the necessary items to give the women who walk through their doors: diapers, wipes, food, clothing ect. (imagine if you had so little money you had to go to a center to get food for your newborn baby…. then imagine if that center ran out of food)… yah, breaks my heart too!
I just thought you all should know about Alpha. It's an amazing place that daily helps point women away from abortion and towards Christ. If you would like more information about the center visit:
www.alphawc.org (you can make donations online or just learn more about them)
They are also on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grand-Rapids-MI/Alpha-Womens-Center/150517861652582
I didn't know that your mom was working at Alpha! That's great. I was the Counseling Supervisor for a couple of years at the local CPC before Maren came along. It is a heart-breaking, difficult and rewarding place to work. Prayers for Kiki and Alpha. I know our center has really been hurting financially, too.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for a while now...Our moms ran into each other recently and it reminded me I've been meaning to get in touch while you're here. Are you interested in getting together sometime?
ReplyDeleteGreat post on Alpha too! It's such an important ministry.