Helping Hands pregnancy center hires ’21 graduate as new director

Home City News Helping Hands pregnancy center hires ’21 graduate as new director
Helping Hands pregnancy center hires ’21 graduate as new director
Bryce Asberg shows a book about pregnancy development.
Collegian | Elyse Hawkins

Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center recently hired Bryce Asberg, a ‘21 Hillsdale graduate, as their new executive director. 

The center, located in Hillsdale, Michigan, provides both spiritual and material services to men and women in the community facing challenging pregnancy situations. 

“There was a need and I was asked to consider filling it,” Asberg said. 

He said it was an unexpected offer, but after some consideration and prayer, he decided to take it. “It was the perfect fit for me.”

The other staff at Helping Hands said they are excited to have Asberg as their new executive director and also appreciate the connections he will have with Hillsdale College.

“We are glad to have someone from the college,” said Susan Cogswell, Helping Hands Volunteer Coordinator.

Asberg said he hopes he will be able to serve both the local community and the larger pro-life movement.

“I firmly believe that men have a part to play in the pro-life movement and ultimately abortion isn’t going to end until men stand up and take responsibility,” Asberg said. “It’s an honor to get to be a part of that.” 

A new director is just the first of many changes coming to Helping Hands. 

Just this week, Helping Hands had an ultrasound machine delivered. They will now be able to provide ultrasounds to the community at no cost to their clients. 

“That’ll be huge to get more clients through our doors,” Asberg said.

This also means that Helping Hands will be transitioning to offering medical services above and beyond those offered at a normal pregnancy center. 

“We will now be insured and operating as a medical clinic,” Asberg said. “That’s huge.” 

Helping Hands’ designation as a medical clinic is made possible through a partnership with local medical professionals who offer their time and services to provide ultrasounds to women in need.

“It’s hard to overstate the power of an ultrasound,” Asberg said. “For a lot of women who are in challenging pregnancy situations, it can be a way to keep going.” 

Helping Hands also continues to grow its volunteer base and community outreach programs. This includes building relationships with local church youth groups and area school districts. 

Asberg said he believes there are many people in the community vulnerable to abortion who don’t know there are services available to get them the help they need. 

“We are so eager to help the men and women in those situations,” he said. 

Hillsdale students can also get involved with Helping Hands and its mission.

“There are many, many ways students could be a help to us in the center,” Asberg said. 

Junior Lawson Doden has volunteered with Helping Hands since his freshman year. 

“The people here are really great to work with and talk with,” he said.

Doden said he often hears objections to the pro-life movement, claiming that pro-lifers only care about babies before they are born. He said he finds that notion to largely not be the case. 

“I like that this place does care,” Doden said. “I want to show support for them by volunteering.”

Cogswell said she has also had a positive experience working at Helping Hands. “You get paid in blessings.” 

Asberg said he is excited  Helping Hands will now have the ability to provide even more services for those vulnerable to abortion.

“Now we’re just ready to kick into action and meet needs in the community.”