Hillsdale College Students For Life partnered with Alpha Omega Women’s Care Center to offer the first of six training sessions aimed at educating and involving students in the work of the local crisis pregnancy center
“This is an opportunity for students to get more informed about the reality of women having to make a very difficult decision about whether or not to have an abortion,” said Erin Furmaga, vice president of Students For Life.
The new program aims to educate students about issues related to abortion information, parenting and adoption options, and the role of the local pregnancy resource center.
“At Alpha Omega, we want people to come to us for help. We are an informational source that offers hope and healing instead of judgment. Our goal is to advocate for informed decision-making and educate people on all the resources that they have,” said Nancy DeBacker, executive director at Alpha Omega.
DeBacker led the training session on Nov. 9 and plans to continue this role for the remainder of the new program.
“This was the first official training I’ve had, which was neat because Nancy walked us through the current situation, gave us resources and helped us learn more about how we can get involved,” said Magdalena Olson, volunteer at Alpha Omega.
During the session, students learned about the physical process of fetal development, medical procedures for abortions, and the potential psychological and physical consequences of having an abortion, based on current medical information.
“It’s really important for people to understand what’s going on. I thought I was knowledgeable on the subject, but I realized that I only knew the tip of the iceberg,” Olson said. “This program is going to help me be more well-rounded and make better decisions.”
A small group of Hillsdale College students already volunteer with Alpha Omega on a weekly basis. In addition, a handful of students called “cleaning angels” visit Alpha Omega once each semester to sort through baby clothes and clean around the building.
“I can very easily say that the two hours I work at Alpha Omega every week are the highlight of my week,” Olson said.
“Everyone is really nice to work with at the center and I think it’s important for students to get involved,” cleaning angel Anna Pfaff said.
No final decision about what will happen after the training program ends next March has been reached between DeBacker and the leadership of Students For Life.
“We love working with students and are very excited to see so many who want to be active in the community,” DeBacker said. “After training, those who would like to could very well provide encouragement and support for the people we serve.”
According to Students For Life leaders, the opportunity for Hillsdale College students to volunteer at Alpha Omega as a resource for local women considering having an abortion would be an option after students finish a training program with Alpha Omega.
“We want women to know that we’re there for them if they need to talk to someone,” Furmaga said. “Our interest is in developing connections and real relationships with people in the community.”
Interested students should contact Alpha Omega and participate in job shadowing under the direction of a veteran volunteer or the executive director before working at the pregnancy resource center.
“Students For Life reached out to us as one way for students to learn about different options for crisis pregnancy situations,” DeBacker said. “Our goal is to educate and answer questions so when they go back to their circles of impact they are able to be involved in this very important issue.”
Students For Life encourages all interested students to attend the next training session on Jan. 18, but will make the meetings available on video for those people who have prior obligations, according to Furmaga.
“I feel like we are in a bubble sometimes on campus,” Olson said. “It’s easy to relax because we have similar beliefs. Go downtown and talk to people. I’m inspired by all the women who work at Alpha Omega and am proud to play a small part in it.”