Our Mission: To promote the value of human life
by serving the unborn and their families with the love of Jesus Christ.
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Budget cuts are a topic of many conversations these days. I read an MLive article that said that of the non-profits that were surveyed, 78% of them received federal funding to support their work. Those funds accounted for about 38% of these agencies' total budgets, on average.
I have seen programs come and go throughout my 28 years of involvement with Alternatives. Some Christian organizations that sought federal funds to sustain their programs or create new initiatives, in time, found themselves relinquishing their freedom to uphold the Christian values and purposes they were established on.
I am always humbled by the Lord's provision for the mission of Alternatives. In all of our 43 years, He has worked through you to provide the care, help, answers, and love people are so desperately seeking. What an amazing testimony of His faithfulness and love to our clients who never pay for the help they received.
So many have given so generously and sacrificially over the years. Thank you for entrusting us with your gifts. We treasure and steward them carefully. Be encouraged that every life we connect to is impacted because of your love and support.
Matthew 6: 19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Your hearts are so generous and kind. Thank you for being our partners for life!
Cathy Stoner, Executive Director
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Recently, our Administrative Assistant received a call from a young man seeking help for his 16-year-old sister. After a visit to urgent care, they learned she was pregnant and considering an abortion. Though urgent care referred them to us—Alternatives—with the impression that we offer abortion services, this moment became a powerful opportunity for truth and compassion.
Our assistant kindly and clearly explained who we are and what we stand for: life, babies, and families. She let him know that while we do not perform or refer for abortions, we do offer free, confidential support and medically accurate information. She encouraged him to have his sister consider an ultrasound and understand both the medical facts and the potential risks of abortion.
This wasn’t just a professional interaction—our assistant spoke from a place of personal experience. Having walked through similar circumstances herself, she reassured him that his sister would not be alone—that we are here to walk alongside her, and that children are a blessing, not a burden.
Though they chose not to come in for an appointment or ultrasound, our team is grateful for the conversation. It was a seed planted—an opportunity to speak truth in love and to be a voice of hope in a moment of fear and uncertainty.
Please continue to pray for this young woman and her family, that hearts would be softened and truth would take root. And pray for our team as they continue to respond with grace, courage, and compassion.
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Please pray for our Sexual Risk Avoidance Instructor position. We trust that God is preparing someone to join our ministry. We need help as our educational outreach is growing, and we continue to minister to more people.
For more information on the open SRA Instructor position, please visit our career page.
| |  | You are invited to a light dinner and an informational tour of Alternatives Care Centers. This event is free, but please reserve your spot. We encourage you to arrive at 5:45. The program starts promptly at 6:00. | | | |
Alternatives is blessed with a diverse community of people who use their God-given talents and skills to strengthen and support this ministry.
Right now, we are seeking volunteers to serve in the following areas:
| If you feel that one of these volunteer roles fit your gifting, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie Koenig. | Alternatives provides material assistance to our clients. We accept gently used items such as maternity outfits, children’s clothing sizes premie - 5T, toys, and strollers. | | | Please pray over our Kalamazoo team as we prepare to host a table on October 15th for the 4th Annual Celebrate Babies event at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. May this gathering be filled with joy, compassion, and purpose as we connect with pregnant and parenting families of little ones age 2 and under. We pray for divine connections, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to be a source of encouragement and support. May every family who attends feel seen, valued, and uplifted. May our team be led with wisdom, warmth, and grace, and may the presence of love and community be felt by all. | Please pray that the transition to the new Battle Creek building will be seemless. | | | |
While most items for our clothing room are donated to us, additional items can be found on our Amazon Wish Lists, such as diapers, formula, wipes, and car seats, which must be new and in the original packaging. If you wish to help fulfill these needs, please click below.
Our current needs include:
- Formula
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers (Size 4 & 6)
- Small Hangers
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- A young couple new to the U.S. for medical school came in for their first pregnancy test. With limited time before traveling, coordination between our two clinics made it possible to schedule their ultrasound the very next day—bringing peace of mind and joy to their growing family.
- We are seeing an increase in STI testing and results. This provides us an opportunity to speak with these individuals about healthy relationships and the structure of commitment and accountability God intended. We do find that many of those conversations lead the client to less risky sexual behavior, some of whom adopt abstinence.
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We recently received this powerful review from a client: "This place is amazing help for expecting moms and moms in general. They help with food, clothing, and toys for children. Have many resources for food, clothes, diapers, and much more! It's very neat inside, too!! I like how they talk about God and preach the Lord's name. <3 Very impressed with this place."
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Penelope
Clothing Room
1st Year Volunteering
| "I decided to volunteer at Alternatives because I felt I wanted to do something for the community and for God. I chose Alternatives because abortion is something that I have been opposed to since the day I first heard what it was, at 11 years old. Babies are a gift from God, and should be treated as such. Volunteering at Alternatives has given me so much joy and satisfaction in the knowledge that I am helping, however little, to create an environment where mothers feel that their child is loved and cared for." | | | |
The Kalamazoo Center will be giving out information at the
4th Annual Celebrate Babies, Kalamazoo Farmers Market October 15th.
| | The Battle Creek Center is preparing to attend the next Offender Success Transition Meeting in Calhoun County on Oct. 14th | | Alternatives appreciates the opportunity to be invited into MI Works every Monday to share about our ministry and invite Pathway Program participants to obtain their volunteer hours at Alternatives. It's a beautiful partnership that has blessed us immensely and has given us a chance to engage with those who haven't heard of the services and resources that we provide. | | Thank You to Our Gala Business Partners | | We are so grateful for our Autumn Gala business partners who stand with us in this mission. Your support makes it possible to serve more families, strengthen our community, and build lasting impact together. Thank you for linking arms with us! | | Join Our Team - Current Staff Positions | | Clinic Quality Assurance Director | |
Are you a state-licensed RN passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? As our Clinical Quality Assurance Director, you will lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of all Alternatives medical programs, ensuring excellence in care and compassionate service to every client.
This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to shape programs that transform lives, support families, and advance our mission in the community.
| | | Sexual Risk Avoidance Instructor | |
As an SRA Instructor, you will inspire and educate young people in schools and community organizations by teaching our Sexual Risk Avoidance curriculum. In addition to leading presentations, your role will include preparing materials, completing routine office tasks, and participating in ongoing training and professional development to grow your skills and impact.
This is an opportunity to empower youth, make a lasting difference, and support healthy decision-making in our community.
| | | Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | |
As a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), you will combine your technical expertise with compassionate patient care. Your primary responsibility will be performing limited obstetric ultrasounds to verify pregnancy, providing clients with both information and reassurance.
This role calls for strong clinical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to connect positively with clients and collaborate effectively with staff. Make a meaningful impact while using your expertise to support families in our community.
| | Stay Connected! Follow us on socials: | | | | Alternatives Care Centers | 4200 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo | 1346 W Columbia Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49006 US | | | | |
