Providing a dedicated, interested listener and encourager is the latest program addition at the Pregnancy Help Center of Jefferson City.
The peer coaching program matched its first nine trained volunteers with individual clients. The pair will meet on their own, outside the center to develop a client's goals and develop good life decisions, said Shyre McCune, client service manager.
McCune created the coaching program after reviewing similar programs online and through two local organizations, St. Raymond's Society and Caring People.
Since joining the center in May, McCune said she became familiar with the clients. Although a few only came in for a pregnancy test or an ultrasound, many returned for the other programs including the Baby Boutique and classes such as prenatal care, life skills, Bible study and after-abortion healing.
She said she saw how the returning women and men could benefit from long-term, one-on-one services.
Many volunteers have shown interest in this program because it offers a way for them to give their time outside of the normal workday. And some of the volunteers are former clients eager to give back.
"Saving (the) baby is the first step," said Executive Director Leslie Kerns. "We care about the girls; we want them to be in a better place to care for themselves and (the) baby."
The center does follow-ups with each of its clients. But the peer coaching takes it to the next level.
A teen mom said, "Thanks for thinking of me, like always."
Some clients have a strong, local support system. This program attempts to fill that gap for others.
In this first round of matches, even one young dad has been matched with a male coach.
"We saw him taking so many steps to be responsible, we felt he needed a little more encouragement," McCune said.
Kerns said the center has several fathers participating in the classes.
"We like to see young men taking care of their family, not just materially, but watching out for them," Kerns said.
And the clients have been excited to have the additional help and encouragement.
The coach-client pairing does not have an end time. After six weeks, the match will be evaluated. But it was left open-ended for individuals to decide what works for them.
"We're hoping to see relationships grow," McCune said. "This is a safe person to talk to - who's there for you and is non-judgmental - about what's going on in your life, and if there's problems, develop steps to take."
Area pro-life events
As the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision approaches, some Mid-Missourians are expressing their continued hope for it to be overturned in the future.
• Five buses will leave at noon Tuesday from the St. Joseph Cathedral filled with schoolchildren and adults headed to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life. Prior to that, a Eucharistic procession will begin at 11 a.m. from St. Peter Catholic Church with Mass to follow at the cathedral.
• Several churches will celebrate the sanctity of life through worship services and programs.
• The fifth annual Midwest March for Life will be Jan. 31, featuring keynote speaker Abby Johnson, a former director of Planned Parenthood. A Choose Prayer Walk will begin and the 5K run/walk will end at 8 a.m. on the Capitol steps. Exhibitors will present at 8:30 a.m. in the Rotunda. The march begins at 10 a.m. A rally in the Rotunda begins at 10:45 a.m. Call 573-340-8444 or visit midwestmarchforlife.com for more information.