Author: Mary Bustraan

ALPHA CARE CENTER OF LOWELL AND LAKE ODESSA (ACC) ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRANSITION

Contact: Vonda Mattson, Board Member 616-329-0127

It is with sadness at our loss but also with cheerful understanding of her move that the Board of Directors of Alpha Care Centers announces the resignation of Christa Wetzel as Executive Director.

The Board of Directors recognizes Christa’s commitment to caring and effective leadership, as well as her role in moving the ministry forward in its service to family. “Christa has spent her 10-year tenure steadfastly dedicated to the ministry, to connecting with community to share our mission, and to fostering a spirit of welcome and acceptance to all. Under her leadership, the organization has matured and expanded its services to offer multifaceted support for family health. She has led the organization with grace and dignity, and she will be missed by all.”

In her communications with staff and volunteers Christa acknowledged that Alpha would always hold a special place in her heart. “I have been on quite a journey with Alpha and have been able to see God do amazing things. It is His ministry.” Christa acknowledges that her decision to move was not one made quickly or without thought and prayer. “God has a season and time for everything,” she shares, and adds that she will meet this new chapter with her typical trust and reliance on Him.

Christa’s exit and new position within her home community comes with the Board’s

support. “We love and highly respect Christa and are excited for her as she transitions to her home area in direct support of her community.” While we are saddened to see her go, we are excited for this next chapter of her life and are grateful for her years of service to the Lowell and Lake Odessa communities.

The Board of Directors has begun a new hire procedure. To read the full job description, including position submission deadline, select that option below.

“I was a senior in high school when I found out I was pregnant with my first daughter. I knew I would need help learning how best to raise my daughter. Alpha Family Center helped me discuss my options as a parent, as well as additional classes once I made my option. I learned how to keep my child safe, use Godly discipline, and I had someone to talk to along the way of uncertainty. Along with taking classes I was provided with diapers, wipes, clothes, soap, and much more. I can not explain in words how much Alpha Family Center was a blessing to me and my family. Once I found out I was pregnant with my second child I reached out to Alpha Family Center for an ultrasound to ensure the baby was healthy and the appointment was flexible enough so my child’s father could attend as well. Today I have two healthy children and I am so glad there are resources like Alpha for parents that might need a little jump start to parenting.”

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Registration is still open for the Lowell Dinner until Friday, October 6. Click below to get your registration in!

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Pray With Us

Church in Action!

A local church fostered an opportunity for their youth to learn more about Alpha Care Center this summer. During their VBS, they collected items for the Alpha Store and money to support Alpha Care Center. Then, the older kids came for a tour at our Lowell location. We were so blessed by these kids and the adult volunteers who were intentionally involved in shining the light their community! Thank you Apostolic Christian Church of Alto!

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Get Involved!

We have a goal of having 100 people participate in Strides for Life: Lake Odessa! This is three times as many as last year so we cannot do this without God’s will and your help. Please pray for this event and help us get the word out. This is a fun, active, purposeful way to spend time together with your family and friends! Also, please spread the word! Share social media posts, talk to your church, or even request printed materials from Abigail.(abigailg@prototype.newleafdigitaldesign.com)

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Save the Date

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Pray With Us

Sunshine, community, exercise, popsicles, and laughter! Gathering together to raise awareness and funds at Strides for Life 5K was a true joy for all of us. We want to say a big, “THANK YOU” to all who participated! There were 78 participants, 47 individual sponsors, and 8 organization sponsors that came together and raised just over $10,000.

If you couldn’t make it, or you want to join us for a good time again, we will have another event in Lake Odessa. Keep an eye out on social media or in your email inbox for the registration to be opened soon!

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PRAY WITH US

Join us in prayer by downloading July’s daily prayer calendar.

We are incredibly thankful for the volunteers that make ministering to all of the clients in our communities possible. Their willing spirits and loving care are priceless. If you know someone who is a volunteer at Alpha Care Center, help us by thanking them for giving their time and energy. We truly could not do this without them! If you would like to get involved by volunteering your time, reach out to us for ideas.

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

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Love Box

“What if one box could save two lives?”

When a mother is considering abortion, one resource Alpha Care Center has available at both the Lowell and Lake Odessa locations are Love Boxes from a ministry called Embrace Grace. Each box has a personal invitation to a church-hosted support group, stories from both a parenting mom and birth mom, a letter of hope, a journal with writing prompts encouraging her to be fearless, a ‘Best Gift Ever’ onesie and A Bump in Life book that includes testimonies that offer single and pregnant moms hope.

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Let’s Pray

May 4th is the National Day of Prayer. You can join Lowell Ministry Alliance and the Lowell community by gathering at the Riverwalk at noon for a community prayer service. Also, please consider spending time intentionally praying for the unborn and the families who are navigating unplanned pregnancies right here in our communities.

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Be one of the first to sign up for the Strides for Life 5K that is just over one month away!

Spring is officially here on Monday, March 20th! All of us at Alpha Care Center are welcoming everything that comes with it. Warmer weather, beautiful flowers, and preparation for our Strides for Life 5K! All of these signs of spring remind us that God brings beautiful LIFE to this world. We pray that God uses this season to bring you rejuvenation and to draw you nearer to Him. May you see His creation coming back to life and be reminded of how Jesus rose from the dead.

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It’s Time to Make Strides for Life!

We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our 5K Fundraiser, Strides for Life! All proceeds raised will go to Alpha Care Center so that we can continue to be used by God to support and encourage the clients in our communities.

Who: Individuals and Families who would like to run or walk a 5K to honor LIFE! 

When: Saturday, June 3rd 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Riverfront Trail in Lowell (near the pickleball courts)

Cost: $25/participate ($60 maximum for families)

Participate or Donate here: https://secure.fundeasy.com/ministrysync/event/website/home/?e=24919

Questions? Contact Abigail at abigailg@prototype.newleafdigitaldesign.com

We will hold another Strides for Life 5K Fundraiser on August 19, 2023 in Lake Odessa. These fundraising events help to cover a good portion of our annual budget. We are excited to see the community step forward to help support us in this way!

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Can you help Alpha Care Center become better connected with your church?

We are now ready for you to sign up as an Ambassador of Hope!

Please view the documents below for more details and how to get started.

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We have all witnessed the power of your prayer for Alpha Care Center. God moves in wonderous ways. He provides and directs. He is good. Will you please consider praying with us in April? We have a calendar you can use as a guide. Check it out below!

Grace at the Well

There is now a new, engaging support group in the community for women facing unexpected pregnancies through West Cannon Baptist Church “We offer hope, community, and encouragement to unmarried pregnant moms and unmarried moms of newborns up to 6 months old in a 10 week support group format. Come to 8 of our 10 meetings and we will throw you a baby shower! Considering adoption? Our baby shower doubles as an adoption party, where we help equip you to meet your future goals.” We are pleased to have this on our radar as another resource for our clients. Stay tuned to learn about other resources made available to clients in future eNews updates!

Become an Ambassador of Hope

We are seeking to create stronger, more consistent connections within our communities and churches. We are looking for “Ambassadors of Hope!” Would you be willing to help us connect the dots?

For more details or to sign up, please contact Abigail at abigailg@prototype.newleafdigitaldesign.com

Ladies Luncheon

Less than two weeks remain to register for the Ladies Luncheon!

Can’t make it this year? You can still get involved! We are accepting donations for the silent auction and are also still in need of sponsors to help cover the cost of the event. For more information please reach out to Abigail Guernsey at abigailg@abigail

RSVP at: https://secure.fundeasy.com/ministrysync/event/?e=24342

Please Consider Praying With Us

Click on the link below to view our daily prayer calendar.

https://mcusercontent.com/dcb2fb281d436d1b55de0e178/files/812a218b-1e79-89eb-8a76-3d28bbe6a4b6/March_2023_Prayer_Calendar.pdf