Community

By: Kalie Date: 08/27/2015

Do you know the number one reason a client comes to Alpha Women’s Center of Grand Rapids (AWC)? It’s because a friend or family member told them about us – makes sense, doesn’t it. Most of us try a new restaurant, visit a store, or go see a movie because someone we know recommended it. The people who surround us have a constant impact in our lives.

Last week, our post highlighted the camaraderie of our staff. We spend 40 plus hours a week working together but also enjoy going out shopping together, sharing a meal, or just calling each other to catch up. Our volunteers have strong bonds with one another as well. Our team of supervisors (who oversee mentors) often goes out to dinner as a group. Mentors who work on the same days will go get coffee together, and several inventory volunteers carpool to AWC. Even our GED teachers work together every day and then come lead class on Tuesday nights.

While many volunteers develop relationships with each other after they get started in their role, most volunteers initially show interest in AWC because a friend or family member is a volunteer here. We often receive emails from potential volunteers that start with, “I heard about you through my friend…” or “My friend so-and-so volunteers with you and tells me I should come too…” It’s exciting to know that our volunteers are impacted by what they do at AWC and that they want to share it with others.

Clients also build community with one another through our programs. For example, at the end of our last Pregnancy Education class, all the students exchanged phone numbers to stay in touch and continue supporting each other during their pregnancies. We frequently get phone calls and emails from clients who say their boss, friend, sister, aunt, friend’s mom’s cousin’s daughter-in-law told them that they should come to AWC for help and support.

This past spring, a GED student came to class and announced to everyone she had just passed her fourth and final GED exam that morning – she was done! While the class cheered and clapped for her, she burst into tears. Our Director of Educational Services gently pulled her aside and asked her what was wrong. “I don’t want to leave,” she said. “All of these people are my friends; this is my home.”

Community can be defined as a group of people that share the same interest. People like to belong, to feel part of a group, and that is definitely true at AWC. All of us – staff, volunteers and clients – are committed to growth and empowering women and families in our community to thrive.