A young, professional woman missed a period. 

Only another woman can understand that feeling, a thrill of joy or chill of fear. No matter the age, stage, or station of life, a woman’s realization that she is pregnant can be stunning. 

The young woman was unmarried and the thought of confessing her situation to her family was unbearable. Manic conversations began to circulate in her head. The “what ifs…?” and “what nows…?” drowning out the voice of hope and possibility. 

Fortunately, she had an older and wiser friend that took her hand and gently counseled her through the initial uncertain days of her pregnancy. The 11^th century proverb, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” was fulfilled tangibly, easing the young woman’s anxiety.

This proverb is the mission of the Alpha Women’s Resource Center (AWRC) in Jackson, Alabama.  The AWRC and other centers like it in Alabama and across the nation are committed to serving women and their families who are facing unplanned pregnancies and related issues.

Since 1992 the AWRC, originally the Alpha Pregnancy Testing Center Sav-A-Life, has assisted more than 8,500 women during this critical time. 

“It’s all about relationships. Women helping women at a vulnerable time…”

– Diane Pruitt, AWRC director

Founded by Jackson physician Dr. Sid Crosby and his wife Kay, AWRC has grown from a counseling-based resource to a comprehensive center addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of all women seeking assistance.

Center Director Diane Pruitt said “Despite COVID and the challenges of this 2020, God has been faithful and has blessed us remarkably.”

“Women who need our services, quite often have other issues that we address, as well, such as homelessness, a history of drug abuse, being sexually abused as a child or an adult, or may be recovering from having an abortion.” Diane continued, “Our counselors are trained through the American Association of Christian Counselors. Mental health counseling is offered at no cost to center clients.”

Women receive educational resources during all stages of pregnancy and parenting. When they complete courses, then they earn “Mommy Money” that can be redeemed in the AWRC Baby Store. Alpha has expanded its personalized prenatal, parenting, and personal relationship classes offering them at the center, on the mobile unit, and online.

Diane related, “We are always looking for sponsors to expand and enhance access to our current courses.”

The Center also provides prenatal vitamins and refers clients to local OB/GYN physicians.

“We had one client who knew she was pregnant but couldn’t see a doctor until her Medicaid was approved. We are not dependent on that type of funding so she was able to schedule a pregnancy test and nurse consult with our Alpha R.N. at the center or on the mobile unit,” explained Diane.

AWRC purchased a mobile unit in 2016, but its services were suspended due to COVID-19.

“We’re rolling again,” shared.

The mobile unit travels weekly to sites in Coffeeville, Calvert, and Monroeville, effectively covering Clarke, Washington, and Monroeville counties. According to Diane, AWRC plans to begin services in Choctaw County, as well.

“The Mobile Unit provides the same service as our physical location. It is staffed by an RN and a trained client advocate. In addition to performing ultrasounds, they make doctor referrals and offer parenting information,” said Diane.

The center has recently consolidated its client information into one attractive magazine. The magazine comprehensively covers the center’s services, including pregnancy and miscarriage information.

“Word of mouth is still the most typical way women find out about our services,” said Pruitt. The Center is relationship based. Women helping women at a vulnerable time. Women helping women when they need it the most.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Alpha Women’s Resource Center at 251-246-7750, alphawrc@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/AlphaWomensResourceCenter.