Many of our volunteers work directly with young women facing unplanned pregnancies. These caring and compassionate volunteers offer their support and assistance to women who often feel they have nowhere to turn.

Sometimes the help our volunteers give is just talking to a girl over the phone. But it is amazing what a difference a phone call can make. We have heard from women who have told us that they decided to keep their babies after talking to a Heartbeat volunteer on the phone.

Most of the young women who call will come in for a free pregnancy test and to talk to one of our volunteers in person. The volunteers give the tests and discuss the results with the women who come to Heartbeat for help.

If the test is negative, the Heartbeat volunteers will spend time with the girls and young women discussing the benefits of abstinence and the risks of sexually transmitted diseases. If the test is positive, the volunteers will help the young women explore their alternatives: parenting, adoption, and the risks and consequences of abortion. Each option is examined so the women can make the best choice for them and their babies.

Women who plan to parent are encouraged to join our Heart to Heart program. Volunteer parenting instructors work one-on-one with moms-to-be and new mothers to help them become confident, successful parents.

Heartbeat volunteers who work with our clients are asked to complete a six-hour training program over a three-week period. Volunteers are then placed with an experienced volunteer to shadow for several shifts until they feel confident to work directly with clients of their own.