AWC Internship Opportunities

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:

1. Test your skills and interests.

2. Provide insight into prerequisites needed for employment.

3. Develop a network of professional contacts for future opportunities and references.

4. Increase your awareness of the skills you need to develop.

5. Provide valuable work experience such as workplace communication skills.

6. Build a strong resume.

Join the happy crew at Alpha pictured above (Ruth, Carmen and Carolyn) and discover the joy of serving the women of Grand Rapids. Please contact our office at 616.742.0242

Current internship opportunities include (but are not limited to):

Executive Management of Women’s Organizations Internship

Prison Outreach Internship

Special Events Internship

“Just Us Girls” Trip to Grand Traverse Resort

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:

1. 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.”
2. Purchase a one person trip pass and provide an item for auction to support “Step Up”: Per person rates for the trip:
   1. 4 per room - $225
   2. 3 per room - $240
   3. 2 per room - $270
   4. 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

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Events

Support

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

Private: Downloads

Life Walk 2008 Poster

Life Walk 2008 Pledge Form

Life Walk 2008 Bulletin

Life Walk 2008 Lunch Tickets

Emails and Announcements

Private: Commitment

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Private: Bulletin/Emails

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.

Private: Talking Points

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.

Private: Sunday Ideas

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.

Private: Responsibilities

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)

Private: Liaisons

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.

Private: Register Online

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Private: Tips - Raise $500 in 10 Days!

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!

Private: Lifewalk FAQs

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 ‘08 Revisited

Volunteer

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

Lifestyle Statement

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:

1. Adherence, without mental reservation, to the AWC Statement of Faith.
2. Regular, faithful involvement in a theologically-conservative evangelical church.
3. Avoidance of behaviors, lifestyles and/or activities which are clearly prohibited by Scripture.
4. Exercise careful and prayerful Christian liberty in the use of potentially addictive substances, activities or relationships.
5. Never counsel for nor refer anyone for an abortion.
6. Avoid all forms of gossip, slander and evil speaking to or about others.
7. Faithfully pray for AWC - board, staff, volunteers, clients and supporters
8. Speak the truth in love when confronting wrongdoing

Statement of Faith

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.

Sexual Integrity

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.

Earn While You Learn

We believe the crisis does not end when the baby is born. Indeed, two lives continue to be at risk. We offer basic parenting education and Bible studies to embrace and nurture young mothers and their children in critical development years.

The Earn While You Learn program uses video lessons and worksheets to provide practical information about pregnancy and beyond.

There are a number of topics to choose from. By setting and keeping regular appointments, clients are able to design a lesson plan unique for their situation.

Earn While You Learn gives Alpha regular, at least, monthly contact with clients. A caring volunteer walks with clients through the challenges and joys of parenting.

Throughout the program, the client earns “Alpha Bucks” that can be used to buy items from the “Alpha Store.” The store is stocked with everything from diapers to maternity clothes.

Post-Abortion Counseling

Ministering in grace and truth means bringing a biblical, healing word to women suffering lifestyle or abortion decisions. Our Bible studies are available for women who seek healing and hope for their futures. We want these women to know the forgiveness found through Jesus Christ, and the freedom for living life which can only be experienced through Him.

Pregnancy Testing

Many young women come to Alpha wondering if they are pregnant and how they will be able to face the crisis alone. We offer a free pregnancy screening test. Because information is critical to making good decisions, our trained volunteers provide the facts on pregnancy, fetal development and abortion. We seek to create a warm, caring and non-judgmental environment during this critical time.

Services

All of our services are free and confidential!

Services include:

• Free pregnancy testing and counseling
• Abortion alternative counseling
• Referral for adoption, medical, housing, etc.
• Post-abortion counseling and support group
• Material assistance through Earn-While-Learn
• Prenatal and post-natal parenting classes
• Abstinence only education through Sexual Integrity
• Abstinence presentations for schools and youth groups

Information available regarding:

• Abortion and adoption
• Pregnancy
• Parenting community and medical referrals.

History

Alpha was founded in 1985 by a group of pro-life Christians who were dedicated to reducing the increasing number of abortions performed in Grand Rapids. Our services began with free pregnancy testing and counseling women who were considering an abortion. Over the years we have added services, such as, our ultrasound program, Earn-While-You-Learn parenting program, abstinence education program, sexual integrity program, and post-abortive Bible studies.

Soon after opening, it became clear that there was not only a need in Grand Rapids for sharing abortion alternatives with women facing a crisis pregnancy but also supporting them in their decision to choose life for their child. Our Earn-While-You-Learn parenting program sets us apart from other pregnancy care centers. Alpha believes that regularly supporting our clients in their decision can mean life or death for their unborn child. We support them in their decision by meeting with them at least once a month, offering them prenatal, parenting, financial responsibility, and spiritual development classes. Through this program, our clients are also able to earn the material items they need for themselves and their child.

We serve women who are in a crisis pregnancy, families that have children under the age of four and are seeking material support and encouragement, and women who are trying to heal from a past abortion. Our clients meet with the same client advocate at each visit. Through this, strong relationships and trust are developed. This has also allowed us to successfully lead many women to Christ. Alpha continues to look for ways to improve the services we offer, lead more women to Christ, and not only stop abortions from happening but reduce the number of crisis pregnancies that occur.