Crisis Pregnancy Outreach has been 100% run by volunteers since its inception more than 30 years ago. No one has ever received a salary, which enables CPO to make an even bigger difference in the lives of Tulsa area women. We know that volunteers matter, and to honor them we will periodically interview and highlight one of our volunteers.
This week we learn about Amie Vetscher, a name you may recognize as a frequent author on this blog.
Q: In what ways do you volunteer at CPO?
A: I volunteered at the CPO office during the week, assisted with the Gala this year, and presented a workshop to birth moms and parenting moms about creating pathways to a college education. Although my husband and I recently moved out-of-state, I regularly write for the CPO blog remotely in order to continue my CPO volunteerism.
Q: How did you find out about CPO?
A: After coming to terms with two years of unsuccessful and disappointing fertility treatments, my husband and I decided to pursue adoption. We gathered information about adoption agencies across the country and talked to friends who adopted. That was when a close Tulsa friend shared information about CPO, a local ministry. Our friend’s neighbor adopted successfully through CPO, took the time to meet with us, and graciously told us all about the CPO ministry.
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer at CPO versus other organizations? What is it about crisis pregnancies that drew you to us?
A: The fact that CPO is an entirely volunteer-based ministry distinguishes it from many other charitable organizations. Inherently, by ministering to a woman in a crisis pregnancy, God’s hand touches, at its start, two lives. If the expectant mother chooses to place the child for adoption, then at once the fruit of that service blesses another set of lives. Through a crisis pregnancy ministry, God protects the unborn, strengthens a woman in need, creates a mother and a father out of a childless couple, or a big brother/sister from a child waiting for a sibling.
Q: Why is the CPO cause so close to your heart?
A: For my husband and I, our future family will be brought to us through this cause. Because CPO will be there for the woman in need, our home will someday be filled with soft giggles and the pitter-patter of little feet.
Q: What have you learned about yourself since you began volunteering?
A: The pain of infertility is a very isolating experience. Before I became involved with CPO as a volunteer, I had a difficult time seeing past my own medical issues and treatments to achieve a pregnancy. Going to church, shopping centers, social gatherings and even our own family gatherings created triggers of anguish; round bellies and strollers flourished everywhere, except with me. Volunteering at CPO helped me realize that my gifts and talents are needed and valued, at a time that I very much struggled with my own self-worth. It also helped me grow in understanding the issues and needs of women facing a crisis pregnancy. I will need this understanding so I am prepared to minister to the birth mom who chooses us, respond appropriately to her needs, and build a positive relationship with her that our child will enjoy for the rest of his/her life.
Q: How have you seen God’s hand at work in the ministry of CPO?
A: The many stories that families have shared during the adoptive family support group or volunteer work have been a beacon of light and hope for me. I see God’s hand in every family that CPO brought together.
Q: What would you say to anyone who may be considering becoming involved with CPO?
A: CPO is set apart from many charitable organizations not only because of what it accomplishes through volunteers, but how effective, organized and creditable it is in carrying out its ministry goals. At the top of the list of accomplishments, I would recognize the fact that CPO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without paid staff. CPO is a ministry with integrity and a sizable network of reputable health care providers, leaders and volunteers who are dedicated to changing lives and are willingly committed to the long, difficult hours necessary to do so. I am so proud to be a part of CPO.
Thanks again to Amie Vetscher for being a dedicated CPO volunteer!