Give Now

Author: Amanda Franks

Posted on

What Should I Know Before An Abortion?

What Should I Know Before an Abortion?

Where can you find the accurate information you need before you get an abortion? The answer – a place that will not benefit financially from any of your choices. Our clinic, Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, is that place. It’s a wise choice for a safe place.

Your best bet when you’re seeking a well-advised decision is a place that doesn’t see you as a dollar sign; but instead, sees you as a real person with real dreams for your future. After all, you’re pursuing a decision that is best for your long-term health, not a decision that is monetarily best for a clinic.

It’s easy to go with the “I need to make a quick decision and just get it over with approach” when anxiety is high and you are seeking to just make the anxiety go away. And it’s not hard to find a local abortion clinic that will offer to help you accomplish that. The problem is, they offer you only one choice for how to fix the problem of your pregnancy. Abortion Clinics may profit from your choice, so it’s impossible to know if what they are selling is best for you. On the other hand, it’s easy to see why abortion is the best choice for the abortion clinic.

What if you know you want an abortion? No hesitation, no questions; you are certain this is the choice for you. Even then, an abortion clinic still shouldn’t be your first call. You want your first call to be to a place that will give you accurate information to see if abortion is even a medically appropriate option for you. You need definitive answers to all the questions you may not even realize you need to ask:

  • Am I pregnant? 20% of all pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage.  Meanwhile a pregnancy test may show a +positive during a miscarriage.

  • Is the pregnancy in the process of a miscarriage?  

  • Do I need other medical care that an abortion won’t address?

You don’t know what you need until you know exactly what’s going on inside your body.   You may not get those answers from a place that isn’t required to give you an ultrasound – or does not share the ultrasound with you.  

You can, however, get those answers where support, wisdom, and accurate medical information aren’t for sale. They’re a gift.  Every consult, every pregnancy test, every ultrasound – all free. Every time. For every woman. No cost. No fees. Just what you need to make the right choice that’s all about you.

If you think you are pregnant and are considering an abortion, contact our clinic at 757-591-8141.

Sherri Pigue, Client Advocate

Sherri Pigue, Client Relations Manager

July 29, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

Prayer and Praises – July 2020

July 2020 Prayer and Praises

It is refreshing to remember how good our God is! This year’s Drive-In4Life was more successful than any Walk4Life to date! Thank you for praying for our provision and actively being involved in watching our King come through for the weak. Let us remember what He has done already as we go before His throne. His heart is deeply moved by your praise and prayers.

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old." Psalm 77:11

Praise God for providing resources through our DriveIn4Life to continue operating our clinic!

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11
 

Pray protection over the staff as several have had injury or illness.

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” – Psalm 27:5

Pray that we will still have effective ways to reach women considering abortion since new laws take effect this month.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
 

Zipporah Young, Volunteer Prayer Coordinator

July 14, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

The Abortion Pill

The Abortion Pill

Have you ever wondered what the abortion pill does and how it works?

Well, the term is called, Medical Abortion and it’s used for under 10 weeks gestation, it’s actually a combination of two different medications, taken two days apart. The first medication is called RU 486, or Mifiprex. It blocks the hormone progesterone from getting to the embryo- causing disconnection from the uterine wall and the heartbeat stops. The second set of pills, called Cytotec or Misoprostol, is taken at home 48 hours later. It causes uterine cramping to expel the pregnancy. Often heavy cramping and bleeding occur and could last for up to 1-2 weeks.

IF for any reason, someone changes their mind after taking the first medication, but BEFORE taking the second medication, a reversal protocol could be possible. It’s best to begin the reversal protocol within 72 hours of taking the RU486 pill. High doses of progesterone are used to counteract the RU 486. There is a nationwide hotline number to call that will connect the woman with a medical provider to begin this treatment. The success rate is between 64-68%, meaning their pregnancies continued and they delivered their babies.

If you have taken the Abortion Pill and regret this decision – call the 24-hour hotline 877-558-0333 and they will connect you with a medical professional who can guide you towards reversing the effects of the abortion pill.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and looking for help and answers, please contact our clinic at 757-591-8141. 

Meg Williams, RN, BSN

July 6, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

The One True Advocate

The One True Advocate

She will hear of the one who conquered sin and death

Missy cleans houses. Jason works in a restaurant. For the past couple of years, they’ve been busy raising a family. It brings to mind the well-known lyrics, “And even though we ain’t got money, I’m so in love with you honey” It’s a well-known story.  Couples living paycheck to paycheck for years, sometimes decades, finding pleasure in the simple things in life.

And then, every so often, something happens.  And the world momentarily stops turning.  Life as we know it changes.  For this generation it is COVID 19.

These couples know what it is like to miss a payment or two. That is part of the reality of living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes it’s a broken bone or a bout with the flu. But this COVID 19, it’s different. Living on love becomes scary. When will people be comfortable having their homes cleaned again? When will people be able to afford to eat out again? With all this new uncertainty there is fear. Always fear.

So they start with the basics. Diapers. Where can Missy and Jason turn for real, practical help? A friend of a friend knows of a place. They make a call. They are connected to someone who identifies herself as an “advocate”. An advocate is one who publicly supports or recommends. She will certainly do that.

But little does this couple know that this phone call was a divine appointment secured by the one true Advocate before time began. So they will get their diapers but they will get so much more.

As Missy pours her heart out to this unknown advocate, the true Advocate will be there as well. Missy will hear about Him and how He alone is able to calm her fears. She will learn that she need not fear COVID 19. She will hear of the one who conquered sin and death.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV)

Sheri Coker, Senior Client Advocate

May 28, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

Why I Became a Nurse

Why I Became A Nurse

“I love that God uses our personal history to shape us in our careers”

I was 16 years old when I received a call from my mom—I was across town at a friend’s house for the day. It was a very hot Florida day in August 1984, and my Dad, 44 years old, had been out cutting the grass. He was feeling winded and diaphoretic, so he stopped for some cold water and a cigarette. That didn’t work. It quickly escalated to intense chest pain and panic—my mother insisted he lay down in the back seat of the station wagon while she drove at high speed to the local Air Force Hospital. They confirmed quickly that he was having a massive heart attack. That day changed the Lester family.
It changed the way we ate, it changed my parent’s personal habits; it changed the way we interacted; it changed my future.

My father had a couple of years of serious medical problems; I was often the one who helped care for him. My mother had recently returned to work outside the home, my oldest brother had just left for college, and I rose to the opportunity. In fact, I loved it. I didn’t mind cleaning up after bathroom messes or dirty bandages, delivered medications on time, became the walking / Physical therapy partner, and all-around encourager. Our family starting eating heart-healthy meals together, my mom and dad quit smoking after 40 years, we all began an exercise regimen, and we practiced more graciousness towards one another. We were thankful for a new beginning towards a healthier lifestyle. Two years later, I followed my brother to the state university to begin my studies in Nursing.

I love everything about Nursing. I love the science & wonder of how the body works; I love learning & teaching the interactions of medications with disease processes and healthy lifestyles; I love the hope that arises when healing takes place and the joy found in new life and fresh starts. It is a privilege to be trusted by people in their most vulnerable states, to advocate for their best interest, and to share personal moments that change lives. I love that God uses our personal history to shape us in our careers, and offers unique opportunities for us to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from Him.

Meg Williams, RN, BSN

May 6, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

There Is Someone Who Understands

As a client advocate at Alcove Health, a follow-up call with a client can be filled with joyous news or laden with the sadness that comes with the knowledge that a life will never be lived on earth. We often think the latter is associated with abortion. We also serve women who valiantly overcome tough odds and are looking forward to bringing life into the world.

This week during a quiet moment in the day I sat down to check in with our precious women. I called one of our carry-to-term clients, Maria, only to hear on the other end of the line a nervous “hello”. Her English was broken, but there was no mistaking the sound of fear and anguish in her voice.

I felt instantly that I was her lifeline and knew that I needed to carefully listen to every syllable she uttered.
Maria went on to tell me that she had been experiencing unsettling signs earlier in the week and went to the emergency room. Once there, doctors told her that there was nothing that could be done to sustain her pregnancy and sent her back home with instructions to navigate through a miscarriage. She was explaining to me the process that she had been working through and all I could think about were the notes on her case that I had refreshed my mind with before calling. She just went through this same thing last year.
I felt instantly that I was her lifeline and knew that I needed to carefully listen to every syllable she uttered.

Maria seemed to calm down as I shared that we have resources to help her work through the days to come. Someone who understands.

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

Stephanie Meitz, Senior Client Advocate

April 21, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

The Return Ultrasound

The Return Ultrasound

Where One Heartbeat Changes Hearts Forever

It was what we call a “return ultrasound” appointment. A week earlier Jada came to her first appointment without the father of the baby, received a consultation and pregnancy test and was now returning for an ultrasound. This time, though, he came with her.

Jada, certain an abortion was her best choice, was now returning with the father, who she didn’t even want included in the first appointment.

The ultrasound revealed she was quite a bit further along than she expected to be. A clear image of a definite baby. The couple was quiet, but not upset. There were some tears, but not of despair, more of awe. Later, as I thought about it, it seemed to be a sacred awe. One that feels like fear, but weighs like a privilege.

Afterwards, in the consultation room for another consult, both Jada and the father of the baby stated similar sentiments: overwhelmed, with a mixture of fear and excitement. The father spoke of wanting to do this right.

“I have a great program I want to tell you about, Dad,” I say to the young man, planning to tell him about a local program just for Dads.

He exhales and smiles. “Wow, you called me ‘Dad.’ That’s the first time anyone has ever said that to me.”

It was a word that rolled off my tongue quickly, but a word he clearly felt very deeply. “I’m going to call them as soon as we leave here,” he said of the program for Dads.

A man, coming in just to see an ultrasound image, leaving with the weight and honor of fatherhood. It was a good day.

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

Sherri Pigue, Client Advocate

Sherri Pigue, Client Relations Manager

April 20, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

The Best Gift

The Best Gift

A Safe Space to Process Your Feelings

Going through any crisis can leave one frazzled and in need of reassurance. What if you add an unplanned pregnancy and a pandemic into the mix? Here at Alcove Health, we are meeting women daily who are living this reality.

Recently I met with Ava, a young mom contemplating an abortion to end her unplanned pregnancy. One of the first statements she made to me was:

“I was sitting in the parking lot at the abortion clinic crying so hard. I just knew that I didn’t belong there. It just didn’t feel right. So, I looked online and found Alcove Health.”

Shyly she sat down, quieted her nerves, and began to tell me that she is a single mom with two daughters who depend on her. Ava had just lost her second job when Covid-19 struck and has no family to help her, only a lifelong friend who is solely encouraging her to hang in there. Ava shared with me that she is desperate to do better than her mother did and be a good example for her girls. Berating herself for a “moment in time” her heartbreaking story continued. I was honored to listen and share these moments with her knowing God was present with us in the room.

A smile and many tissues later, I was able to tell her that she has already given her children a better life than she had. I told her that she is not alone. There is a community standing by you and rooting for you to have the future that you have fought so hard for.

Ava breathed a sigh of relief and said, “This feels so good, you know? Just having the chance to hear myself say this out loud and uninterrupted is the best gift. Thank You. I needed this more than you know.”

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

Stephanie Meitz, Senior Client Advocate

April 19, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

Dismantling the Walls

Dismantling the Walls

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11​

Abuse. Neglect. Drug addiction. Scary and sad words that are spoken all too often in the consultation room. How does a child cope with such a home? Some build a wall. Not a physical wall, of course, but an invisible one. One that protects a fragile mind from the full range of emotions that would normally flow from such an environment. Many learn to cope with the help of the wall. Some find the wall a continued source of protection and comfort as they transition into adulthood and face new challenges. This was Kristen’s experience. Somehow, by the grace of a God who she did not know, she was able to forgive and could even speak kindly of her parents. Yet the wall was still intact, helping Kristen cope with the stress of an unplanned pregnancy.

This was not her first time facing this situation. 

Kristen had a history of pregnancies, some ended in abortion, some had ended in miscarriage, one even ending in the life she now calls “daughter”.

She knew the wall was there. Kristen spoke of her lack of ability to feel emotion, she spoke of her logical, left-brain that helped her think about her situation in an objective manner. It was those attributions that allowed Kristen to divorce the feelings she has for her daughters from the feelings she might have for her unborn child. Kristen recognized the inconsistencies in her thought process, but she had come to love the wall and wasn’t about to abandon it in the midst of a crisis.

Like many of our clients, Kristen had a Grandma who loved Jesus and a mom who found Him useful sometimes during her journey to healing. But Kristen rejected the idea and instead chose to think of God as a force. And that was understandable. When a person has suffered much at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect them, the concept of a loving and gracious Heavenly Father can be hard to grasp. But Kristen was open and allowed us to share the Gospel with her.

Kristen listened intently and even asked some questions. Was the wall coming down? Only our Lord knows. But by the end of her consult, Kristen was beginning to see that this wall wasn’t such a great help after all. 

Kristen affirmed the need for counseling, and even more surprisingly, she accepted a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible to read to her daughter. Our Lord is the only one who knows his plans for Kristen and the life she is carrying. But one thing we do know, His Word never returns void and so we rejoice for every opportunity we have to share his great love for sinners like Kristen. For sinners like you. For sinners like me.

* Name changed to protect our client’s identity

Sheri Coker, Senior Client Advocate

April 14, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action
Posted on

Have You Met Maggie?

Have You Met Maggie?

Hey Friends, meet Maggie McNeely! She is a face you will get very acquainted with and we are THRILLED to finally introduce you to her if you haven’t had the chance to meet her yet.

Maggie has been a long time friend of the ministry and a little over a year ago started volunteering as a Client Intake Volunteer. While serving in the clinic she noticed God was at work in her heart and put a desire there to want to do more and minister to the women and families on the Peninsula. So, when the Community Relations Manager position opened up in December she knew that was a HUGE answer to her prayer about what was next.

Since graduating from Christopher Newport University in 2013, Maggie has worked in campus ministry with Cru for the last 6 years, and even though her time with them has come to an end, she is still looking forward to being able to mentor to student women while developing and nourishing new relationships with Care Net friends in the community. If you’re looking for her in her free time, you can catch her taking long walks to the river with her pup, Willow, and playing guitar and volleyball every chance she gets. (We haven’t figured out if she can do both at the same time).

We know she is just as excited as we are to have her join our family and she is eager to get out there and meet you and bring our community together to help serve moms and save babies.

Amanda Franks, Marketing Director

February 6, 2020

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Back to Care in Action

Join Our Mailing List

Facebook Instagram Twitter

Get In Touch

donate

get involved

find out more

clinic info

© 2025 All Rights Reserved | Care Net Peninsula

Care Net Peninsula is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We provide the help and hope local women need to choose life for their baby.

Terms of Use & Privacy Policy