Perspective: From the “Front Desk”
It’s safe to say that I’ve never experienced life at AlphaCare quite like this! I recently served as AlphaCare’s interim receptionist and transitioned to cover our “virtual front desk” from home, then trained our new receptionist, Natalie. I’ve seen hope continue to thrive in the lives of our clients, even during this challenging season.
With our physical office currently closed to clients, we’re scheduling remote appointments with our program staff. Natalie and I are using the phone and chat lines to speak with women contacting AlphaCare for services. Some of these women are considering abortion, overwhelmed by the thought of pregnancy on top of the stress of COVID-19; some need help knowing where they should go for prenatal care during this time; some have questions about confirming their pregnancy and need to talk to someone about their next steps. Natalie connects callers with one of our nurses, who offers a listening ear in addition to medical resources and advice.
โOne of the biggest additions to AlphaCare’s normal routine is our weekly supply drop-off. From a front desk perspective, this means making confirmation calls for 15-20 clients per week and helping ensure that every mom receives her supplies. As we speak to clients on the phone the day before the drop-off, we typically hear a range of emotion in their voices: fear, resignation, boredom, sadness, impatience. Everyone longs for life to return to normal, but one thing remains the same: our clients are so thankful for this invaluable service! They tell us again and again how much they appreciate our staff and people who donate their time to bring them the supplies they need to care for themselves and their babies. One mom called after her supplies were dropped off: “I can’t believe you guys are doing this,” she said, her voice full of gratitude. “I’m so thankful. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Natalie is now managing the phone and chat lines on her own and doing a great job! As I conclude my interim position here at AlphaCare, I am so encouraged in knowing that I’ve been able to be a part of something really special, and at a really significant time. The help we’re offering clients is making a difference in their lives, and our love and the love of Christ is being felt by the families we serve.