Here is how it works:
First, pick a date on the calendar that is special to you—perhaps your birthday, anniversary, or the birthday or anniversary of a loved one. For just $60.50 a month you can join an elite group of Alpha partners, Sponsor A Day at Alpha and make your special day even more special!
Our annual budget for 2008-09 is $265,000 covering all expenses: mortgage, utilities, programs and education for clients, pregnancy testing, STD testing, ultrasound, staff training, and salaries, all of what it takes to accomplish the mission of erasing the need for abortion here in Grand Rapids.
When we take our total budget and divide by 365 days we come up with $726 per day. Even weekends are added in because our marketing, utilities, etc. have to be paid even if Alpha is not open.
For many folks $726 per month to sponsor one day is a bit steep. But, if we divide $726 by 12 months we come up with $60.50 a month and that is a lot easier on the budget. Pick a date: a birthday, anniversary, etc., and commit to a $60.50 monthly pledge to Sponsor A Day and in 12 months you have covered all expenses for your special day!
To sign up to Sponsor a Day at Alpha, email Carolyn Koole at ckoole@alphawc.org or call 616-742-0242 ext 14.
Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause!
Who doesn’t like to go out for breakfast, especially if the restaurant open its doors just for you! Applebee’s Community Connections in conjunction with Alpha friend Tracee Meyer will host breakfast for all of Alpha supporters on August 2 at 8am. Proceeds from this event go to benefit Alpha’s programs.
Location: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar at 4488 Potomac Ave in Grandville
Cost: $5 per person
Contact: Tracee Meyer at 616-402-0454
Applebee’s Breakfast Invitation
Invest yourself in the lives of others.
An internship at Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids is a structured learning experience in a work setting that gives a student the opportunity to learn about a career interest and gain valuable knowledge and experience in a particular field. In an internship, you work just like an employee but your purpose is to receive mentorship, supervision, and training. Internships are designed to assist students in the career exploration process to determine if that career matches their interests and skills.
Are Internships Important?
Internships are very important to a college student preparing for the world of work. It should be seen as an integral part of your academics. To get this relevant experience, students should intern with employers who are doing the kind of work they are interested in pursuing after college. Here are a few reasons why internships are so important.
Internships:
- Test your skills and interests.
- Provide insight into prerequisites needed for employment.
- Develop a network of professional contacts for future opportunities and references.
- Increase your awareness of the skills you need to develop.
- Provide valuable work experience such as workplace communication skills.
- Build a strong resume.
Join the happy crew at Alpha pictured to the right (Ruth, Carmen and Carolyn) and discover the joy of serving the women of Grand Rapids.
Current internship opportunities include (but are not limited to):
Executive Management Internship
Prison Outreach Internship - Filled
Special Events Internship - Filled
Applicants please print and fill out the following applications and mail them to our office at:
1055 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids MI 49503. If you have questions feel free to contact us at 616.742.0242.
AWC Internship Application
Alpha Volunteer Application
A Trip with a Purpose benefiting Alpha’s new “Step Up” Program
In the past month alone, Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids saw approximately 30 teens either dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or who are already parents. Much of the work we do is in reaction to the life altering mistaken decisions that these young women make. In taking a pro-active stance in the lives of 15-18 year olds this fall Alpha opens a new program called “Step Up” addressing the growing needs of teens facing the challenge of unplanned pregnancy, STD’s (1 out of 4 teens has at least one sexually transmitted disease), unemployment and other issues. “Step Up” will teach the importance and value of abstinence, encourage self esteem through mentor education and completing a GED and the importance of job preparation through writing resumes and developing life and job skills.
On August 22-23, 2008 Alpha invites you to travel with “Just Us Girls” to Traverse City. On Friday we’ll enjoy Northern Michigan via a deluxe motor coach while we sip coffee and eat rolls enroute. We have an 11 a.m. admission to the Grand Traverse Women Magazine Luncheon with Kim Lavine, author of “Mommy Millionaire,” followed by the Grand Traverse Woman Expo at the Grand Traverse Resort along with many speakers and classes. Later we’ll enjoy Friday Night Live, a Block Party downtown Traverse city (shopping and eating!). We cap the night with accommodations at the Grand Traverse Resort. Saturday morning enjoy breakfast at the Resort (voucher provided), a visit to the spa if you choose (good pricing for groups, but not included with the trip) or more shopping! We’ll hop on the motor coach Saturday afternoon and travel to Gwen Frostic’s Prints, a 250 acre wildlife sanctuary where art is printed from wood blocks created by Gwen and we’ll enjoy a prime rib and seafood dinner at the Brookside Inn where we’ll also host our unique auction with items you’ve brought to share with each other to raise support for “Step Up.”
This is great “travel package with a purpose” for women’s groups, friends and family that provides foundational funding for the “Step Up” GED curriculum and testing center and establishes relationships with future program mentors.
Join us one of two ways:
- A $500 trip sponsorship underwrites one of the 15 girls who will participate in the “Step Up” program and provides you or a person of your choice with a single pass (double room occupancy) for the trip. Bring your own unique auction item to support “Step Up.”
- Purchase a one person trip pass and provide an item for auction to support “Step Up”: Per person rates for the trip:
- 4 per room - $225
- 3 per room - $240
- 2 per room - $270
- 1 per room - $359
Please feel free to contact me with questions regarding the trip at 616.742.0242 or regarding the new “Step Up” program. For updates on the trip please visit our website at www.alphawc.org.
Hope to see you there!
Carolyn Koole
Executive Director
awc-shopping-escape-registration1
Thank you for your decision to become a partner of Alpha Women’s Center. By giving regular, monthly donations, you will help Alpha reach more women facing unplanned pregnancies with practical help and the love of Christ. To set up your monthly gift, please choose from the options below.
Monthly Giving
1st Week
Alpha Women’s center will be holding its annual Life Walk on Saturday, June 14th. Start collecting pledges today by picking up a pledge form at the Life Walk information table. For more information, call Alpha Women’s Center at 616-742-0242, or visit alphawc.org.
2nd Week
Show how much you value life by walking in Life Walk 2008, on Saturday, June 14th! Pick up your pledge form and begin collecting pledges today! For more information, or to receive a pledge form, call Alpha Women’s Center at 616-742-0242, or visit alphawc.org.
3rd Week
You can bring hope and encouragement to women and their families here in Grand Rapids by gathering pledges and joining us for Life Walk 2008. It’s more than just a fun time-it’s a great way to take a stand for life. For more information on Life Walk 2008, or to receive a pledge form, call Alpha Women’s Center at 616-742-0242, or visit alphawc.org.
4th Week
Dust off your walking shoes and step out for life! Join thousands of others across the country for Life Walk 2008, on Saturday, June 14th. For more information, call Alpha Women’s Center at 616-742-0242, or visit alphawc.org.
Extra:
Did you know that 10% of college-age women get pregnant each year? Alpha Women’s Center wants to reach these girls before they make an irreversible decision. You can be part of this vital ministry by participating in Life Walk 2008, on Saturday, June 4th. For details and a pledge for, call Alpha Women’s Center at 616-742-0242, or go to www.alphawc.org
Church E-mail (use this for a church-wide mailing)
Alpha Women’s Center invites you to participate in Life Walk 2008, on June 14th. It’s a great way to put feet o your pro-life convictions. This event brings in 20% of their annual budget-so they are counting on our church to do our part! For a pledge form either respond to my email or go to www.alphawc.org
Personal E-mail (use this for friends, family, co-workers, etc.)
I am walking for Alpha Women’s center-a pro-life, Christian organization-on June 14th, for their annual Life Walk event. My personal goal is to raise $______. Would you help me reach that goal by sponsoring me for this walk? Thanks for supporting Life! If you would like more information about the ministry, please go to www.alphawc.org.
Elevator Speech:
Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids’ annual Life Walk is coming up on Saturday, June 14th at 9:00 AM. Alpha is a pregnancy care center dedicated to assist women of at-risk pregnancies. It is funded entirely by donations and Life Walk is, currently, the biggest fundraising event of the year. Families and individuals find sponsors; walk the route mapped out by Alpha, and turn in their proceeds to the ministry. Alpha still needs people to get involved this year, whether they walk, sponsor another person to walk, or volunteer the day of the event. If you are interested or want more information, please pick up a form at the Alpha table in the foyer starting May 4th, or call Alpha’s administrative offices at 742-0242, to see how you can show your support.
Main Points to Talk About:
- Alpha Women’s Center’s Life Walk, Saturday, June 14th begins at 9 AM.
- It’s the biggest fundraising event of the year, where people are sponsored to walk in the Life Walk.
- Alpha still needs walkers, sponsors, and volunteers to help.
- Please pick up a form at the Welcome Center or call 742-0242 for more information.
There are six Sundays until Life Walk.
Try to do something every single Sunday starting May 4th!
1st Sunday
Run the bulletin inserts
2nd Sunday
Set up a display table and run a bulletin blurb (leave the table set-up for as long as your church allows).
3rd Sunday
Talk about it in your SS class or group. The leader should be just fine with giving up 5 minutes of his/her time!
4th Sunday
Have the pastor announce the event. Feeling brave? See if you can present Life Walk to the congregation or group yourself! This would be a great Sunday to utilize the power point presentation.
5th Sunday
This is a holiday weekend. Invite visitors to stop by the display table or encourage non-walkers to sponsor someone who is walking. Yet another great weekend to show off that power point presentation!
6th Sunday
Spend some time this Sunday afternoon calling your committed walkers (utilize their pre-registration form). Use the time as a “pep” rally by encouraging them in getting sponsors.
What it means to be a Liaison.
Participate in Life Walk by walking and raising pledges.
Promote Life Walk in church, Sunday school, or small group by doing any or all of the following:
- Invite your pastor to attend the walk
- Make a presentation in front of the church
- Request a booth or display table
- Distribute pledge forms, bulletin announcements and posters
Ideas for presenting Life Walk at your church.
Always announce the main details of the event first:
- Alpha Women’s center is hosting their annual Life walk
- Saturday, June 14th
- Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville, MI
- Registration begins at 9am and the walk begins at 10am. Lunch will be served around 11am.
Run a power point presentation.
Promote it as being a part of the bigger picture by supporting the pro-life cause, a time to bond with your group and to show your support to the community!
Utilize the church’s mass e-mail list and send out a church-wide informative email.
Setting up a display table.
Ask permission from the church office to sest up a display table.
We will equip you with all the materials you need.
Bulletin Announcement, Inserts, Posters & Emails. (Click to download)
Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids
Life Walk 2008
Liaison Brunch - April 24, 2008
Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids (AWC) is a women’s pregnancy care center dedicated to reaching abortion minded or abortion vulnerable women with love and compassion in the name of Christ. In doing this we also seek justice and mercy for their unborn children.
More than 1,000 women per year walk through our doors seeking help. This year’s Life Walk coming on June 14, 2008 will provide 20% of our annual budget. AWC is extremely blessed to have many wonderful liaisons to promote Life Walk within their organization, but more help is needed. Life Walk liaisons are vital to our success!
Thank you for partnering with Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids (AWC) for this year’s Life Walk on June 14, 2008. As a Life Walk liaison you can promote Life Walk in several ways. AWC will supply all the materials to do this.
- Do a presentation
- Set up a table display
- Hang posters at your organization
- Provide inserts or have Life Walk information printed in your organization’s communications.
Day 1: Sponsor yourself for $50.
Day 2: Ask 2 family members to sponsor for $25.
Day 3: Ask 4 friends to sponsor you for $20.
Day 4: Ask 5 co-workers to sponsor you for $20.
Day 5: Ask 4 neighbors to sponsor you for $10.
Day 6: Ask 5 people from church to sponsor you for $10.
Day 7: Ask your employer to sponsor you for $20, or better yet, see if your company will match the amount you raise!
Day 8: Ask 3 local merchants to sponsor for $20.
Day 9: Ask 2 businesses you frequent to sponsor you for $25.
Day 10: Take a break and pat yourself on the back!
Do you have some more ideas? Please share them with us below!
Do I need to collect all of my pledges prior to Life Walk?
We would prefer that you collect all of your pledges prior to the day of the walk. This saves us both time and money, and allows us to most effectively use the money that is raised from this event. We do understand that there may be some pledges left uncollected by the event. If this is the case a letter will be sent to the walker asking them to collect their remaining pledges. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but we feel it is the only financially responsible solution to managing uncollected pledges.
Do you need to collect a certain amount in pledges to participate in Life Walk?
No, we would like to welcome everyone to this event, even those who are able to collect very little or nothing in pledges. While this is a major fundraiser for the organization, and all the money raised is used to stop abortions and help women get their lives back together, it is also an event to show support for the work we are doing in the community. The opportunity for us to walk together, as a group dedicated to the pro-life movement, has the potential to make a great impact on the community.
Are pets and small children welcome?
This is a family event. All children are welcome, regardless of their age, and pets that have been well socialized are also welcome. Please remember that this event will be held at a city park and the law states that pets must be on leashes at all times.
How long is the walk?
Since there will be the option to walk, run, or bike this year, the length for each trail will be different. We are however expecting the actual walk portion of the event to not take more than an hour.
Who’s invited?
Everyone! This is a great opportunity to introduce friends and family to Alpha. There will also be fun and games for the kids, a praise and worship band in the morning, and lots of food. Bring as many people as you can.
Will everyone who pledges receive a receipt?
Typically for events such as this, our policy is that any donations of $10 or more will be sent a receipt. If an individual pledges less than $10 and would still like a receipt, please write a note on the pledge form indicating this.
How many walkers can use a pledge form?
Each walker who collects pledges must use a separate form, even if they are part of a family walking.
How would I receive another pledge form if I fill mine or loose it?
You can either contact our office by calling 616-742-0242 and we will send you one, or you can download one.
Life Walk 2008 - Looking Back
On Saturday, June 14 Alpha Women’s Center welcomed more than 200 guests for Life Walk 2008. Volunteers accepted pledge registrations, played praise music, served brunch and lunch, cotton candy and popcorn and provided games for the many children walking with parents, friends and dogs. In addition over forty businesses or individuals provided event underwriting or prizes for a drawing for participants at Life Walk.
Life Walk is the biggest fundraising event of the year seeking to provide 20 perce
nt ($46,000) of Alpha Women’s Center’s $230,000 2007-08 annual operating costs. Families, businesses, churches and individuals find sponsors to support their walk, ride or run with routes mapped out by Alpha, and turn in their proceeds to the ministry. Moms, dads, children, grandparents, extended family and friends, etc., are all welcome to join this fun community-wide event! We’re thankful for everyone who participated and who donated to this year’s Life Walk 2008, held at Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville, Michigan. The event raised almost $25,000 leaving another $21,000 to reach our goal.
Special thanks to Alpha’s incredible staff and board and to Chapel Pointe for hosting the event.
Thanks also to:
- Chapel Pointe’s Junior High Youth, Justin Powell and his leaders for organizing the children’s games
- Viv and Brad Lane as Life Walk Campaign Coordinators
- The amazing praise band from Heritage Baptist Church led by Dennis Long
- The precious staff of Baptist’s for Life who joined Nancy Lothamer to handle registration
- Pat and Dick Wyma for the incredible lunch provided
- Nate and Barb Sheler for whirling mounds of cotton candy
Highlights from Life Walk:
Number of pledge participants: 150+
Number of walkers, runners and riders: 200+
Amount raised and pledged to date: $25,000+
Participating Churches: 20
Acts Gospel Ministries
Ada Bible
Berean Baptist
Blythefield Hills Baptist
Calvary Baptist
Calvary Church
Chapel Pointe
Goodnews Baptist
Jamestown Baptist
Maplelawn Baptist
Northland Baptist
North Park Baptist
Olivet Church
Pathway Church
South Boston Bible
Standale Baptist
Trinity Baptist
Wellspring Community
West Leonard CRC
West Cannon Baptist
Church raising the most pledged funds:
Jamestown Baptist
Top two pledgers:
Jenifer Fields: $2,076
Betty Schut: $1,560
Food Sponsors
Bagel Beanery
Serv-U-Success
Zeeland Bakery
Prize Sponsors
Bennigan’s
Binder Park Zoo
Boulder Golf Club
Briarwood Golf Club
Carabba’s Italian Grill
Cosco Wholesale
Curves
Design 1 Salon Day Spa
Evergreen Golf Course
Forest Hills Foods
Gleneagle Golf Club
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Gracewill Golf Club
Grand Haven Golf Club
Hair Masters/Hudsonville
Henry Ford Museum
Hidden Valley Golf Club
Innovative Promotions
Ironwood Golf Course
John Ball Park Zoo
KB Toys
O’Charley’s Restaurant
Outback Steakhouse
Pilgrim’s Run Golf Course
Ravines Golf Club
Southland Auto Wash
The Meadows Golf Course
The Rouge Golf Club
Walker Roadhouse
Willow Wood Golf Club
Sherrie Bronkema (Berean Baptist Church)
Rachel Graveling (Fellowship Covenant)
Jenifer Fields (Jamestown Baptist)
Aliesia Visser ((Jamestown Baptist)
Tracee Meyer (Jamestown Baptist)
Eric and Heather Dickinson (Ada Bible)
Bonnie Phebus (Northland Baptist)
Jodie Koster (Northland Baptist)
Betty Bouwman (West Leonard CRC)
Viv Lane (Chapel Pointe)
Nancy Lothamer (Calvary Baptist)
Bonnie Haveman (Pathway Church)
Lisa Ellison (North Park Baptist)
Shelly Werner (North Park Baptist)
Tom Lothamer (Baptists for Life)
Debbie Harrington (Grace Immanuel Reformed Baptist)
Sandy Fleming (Evergreen Missionary)
Lori Charron (Jenison Bible)
Kelly Gessler (Maplelawn Baptist)
Krystie Hagne (Highland Hills Community)
Brittany Reed (Aquinas College)
Kerri Alley
Troy Anderson
Deb and Vic Crater
Doenier Family
Gentit Family
Kelly Gessler
Lisa Haan
Rachel Harper
Dan Hoffman
Noelle Johnson
Danisue Klomparens
Rick Koole
Kendra Kooiker
Karah Kornoelje
Sharlene Lade
Ashley Lane
Brad and Viv Lane
Dennis Long
Tom and Nancy Lothamer
Geoff and Christina Malone
Mark and Laurie Malone
Kirsten Matthews
Jason Merryman
Dennis and Cindy Morse
Mary Mulligan
Justin and Cathi Powell
Sandra Sal
Carol Scott
Michele Shoun
Bob Schneider
Nate and Barb Sheler
Ernest Tisdale
Don Thomas
Autumn Van Ham
Kate VanHaitsma
Mary VanNus
Dick and Pat Wyma
Thank you Underwriters!
You are a special blessing.
DYKSTRA AGENCY INC.
Volunteers are a tremendous asset to Alpha Women’s Center. They help the director in many ways and allow the center to function smoothly. This type of atmosphere welcomes and comforts clients who come to us with different areas of need.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please download the volunteer application at the bottom of this page. Upon completion, please return it to Alpha Women’s Center.
Those who apply to be volunteers must sign the Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Statement.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Client Advocate - When clients visit Alpha Women’s Center, lasting impression is made by the client advocate. Our advocates are the face of Alpha. They mentor these women through the challenges, difficulties, and exciting experiences of parenting.Advocates mentor once a week for three and a half hours. They see up to three different women during this time. Client advocates walk through our Earn While You Learn program, help women learn valuable skills and gain insight, and shop for needed items in our store.All of our advocates complete training with Alpha Women’s Center. They also job shadow current client advocates to gain knowledge and understanding of their role.An advocate must be a mature, Christian female, at least 18 years old, who can make a one-year commitment.
- Office Assistant - Our office assistants at Alpha Women’s Center help us to serve our clients to the best of our ability.They have the initial contact with clients who call or walk in to the center.Organizational skills and a courteous manner are extremely important to the function of the ministry of Alpha and its effectiveness in the community.General office work is accomplished by the office assistant including, but not limited to, filing, copying, data entry, sorting, stocking, etc.Office assistants volunteer at least once a week for three and a half hours. Training for this position will be provided.The office assistant must be a mature, Christian female, at least 18 years old.
- Bilingual Assistant - Mature Christian female, at least 18 years old, to translate for clients during consultation sessions.
- Material Aid Assistant - Sorting material donations and making sure that they are in good condition for our clients. This requires a time commitment of at least once a month (Once a week is preferable).
- Building and Maintenance - Volunteers with special skills such as plumbing, carpentry, decorating, gardening, computer/technology, etc.
- Church Liaison - The liaison is an individual, or a group of people such as a Sunday school class that helps with spreading the word about Alpha’s events and acting as a liaison in a church.The Church Liaison is very important to this ministry. Without a voice in the church, Alpha would not be able to function as effectively. It is vital to have these individuals or classes involved with our organization to provide updates and information to the larger church body. This type of volunteer relationship allows people to spread enthusiasm in their own communities of worship, not always requiring a stranger from Alpha to come and present the ministry. We believe face-to-face contacts are the most influential and powerful ways to get others excited and involved in what we are trying to accomplish.
Next Volunteer Training - June 3, 2008 at Alpha Women’s Center located at 1055 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids MI.
Alpha Volunteer Application
Alpha Women’s Center is a theologically conservative Christian ministry whose mission is to promote the sanctity of human life, the family and Biblical sexuality. As an organization representing the Lord Jesus Christ, all board members, staff and volunteers are expected to live their personal and professional lives in a manner that brings honor to God by adhering to biblical standards of holiness and godliness. In light of this high calling, the Alpha Women’s Center Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers are committed to the following principles:
- Adherence, without mental reservation, to the AWC Statement of Faith.
- Regular, faithful involvement in a theologically-conservative evangelical church.
- Avoidance of behaviors, lifestyles and/or activities which are clearly prohibited by Scripture.
- Exercise careful and prayerful Christian liberty in the use of potentially addictive substances, activities or relationships.
- Never counsel for nor refer anyone for an abortion.
- Avoid all forms of gossip, slander and evil speaking to or about others.
- Faithfully pray for AWC - board, staff, volunteers, clients and supporters
- Speak the truth in love when confronting wrongdoing
WE BELIEVE in the authority and sufficiency of the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, as originally written, inspired, infallible, and inerrant.
WE BELIEVE there is one and only one true and living God, with equality and deity revealed in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
WE BELIEVE in the reality and personality of Satan, the Devil.
WE BELIEVE that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christ the Lord bore our sins in His own body on the tree, rose from the dead and He is now enthroned in Heaven.
WE BELIEVE in the imminent return of Christ, and that at that moment, the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies, and the living in Christ shall be given glorified bodies without tasting death.
WE BELIEVE that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of Salvation. Repentance is a change of mind and purpose toward God prompted by the Holy Spirit and is an integral part of saving faith.
WE BELIEVE that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ.
Over 60% of the women who come to Alpha learn they are not pregnant. Challenging lifestyle choices with the truth about behaviors that are physically, emotionally and spiritually damaging is important to Alpha. Our volunteers share the option of secondary virginity and help clients assess their current relationships in light of the value of their own life and longing for unconditional love.
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