Pierce County High School’s (PCHS) former Home Economics teacher Ronda Sauls has found a new use for her skills by volunteering at the Southeast Georgia Women’s Center on Tebeau Street in Waycross.
The Women’s Center provides free resources for expectant mothers, including pregnancy tests and, if needed, a limited ultrasound, which is the best way to confirm a pregnancy. There, expectant mothers can explore their options in a supportive and judgment free, but very pro-life environment. The center does not perform nor refer clients out for abortions.
“Some come in abortion minded, most just scared of an unplanned pregnancy, and even a few are happy and excited,” Sauls said, “Most are not married and some are in really difficult situations.”
Executive Director Staci Lucas, a PCHS graduate and former student of Mrs. Sauls, added that the center also provides post-abortion counseling for women trying to cope with the stress of emotions post-procedure.
On site since day one, Lucas was part of the steering committee that helped establish the center’s bylaws and board of directors. Her guiding lights are a Christ-focused approach and the center’s mission statement, “We strive to empower women to make informed life choices.”
When asked about her former teacher turned volunteer, Lucas recalled, “I obviously knew about Mrs. Ronda’s teaching background, and that she would be a good fit.”
Mrs. Sauls has been helping with what is called the Earn While You Learn program. These short classes are video driven with time for questions, discussion and one on one guidance.
Clients earn points by completing classes, which can be redeemed in the center’s Baby Boutique. Items stocked in the Baby Boutique range from diapers and wipes to cute clothing and other baby supplies.
After 20 classes, a new child car seat is given to the client. Forty classes are rewarded with a pack and play.
Classes are short, most about 15 minutes, and cover 200 different subjects, including pregnancy, labor and delivery, infant care and safety, self-care and everyday life. Clients can select classes or staff can make recommendations based around the mother’s individual circumstances and schedule.
Director Lucas encourages mothers with children age 2 and under to make use of this program to earn supplies for their kids.
Sauls first visited the center last year to donate new diapers and clothing that were too small for her own grandchild. As she entered the building, a client was leaving with a brand new pack and play, tears of gratitude in her eyes.
“That was my moment when I knew I had to get involved,” she recalls, “In all reality, I’m teaching home economics again after being retired for over five years.”
Before working with clients, volunteers like Mrs. Sauls attend four training sessions at the center, usually for about three hours each. An application, statement of faith, recommendation letters and a background check are also required.
Lucas stresses that if you are interested in volunteering, absolutely no teaching experience is needed, “Just be ready to show love, compassion, and understanding. Every story is different and you will hear them all.”
Volunteers watch videos with clients and then help guide them through easy-to-learn lesson plans. Mrs. Sauls notes, “I’ve learned new information in every class I’ve facilitated.”
Although the center has been open for over a year now, some area residents are still unaware of the free services offered. “It’s such a great asset to our community,” Mrs. Sauls said, “So many don’t know it’s even there.”
To make an appointment or inquire about volunteer work, please call (912)490-7378 or visit our website at segawc.org
