Students for Life members fund new technology for New Hope Pregnancy Center
Photo by Christopher Vega
Lee’s Students for Life chapter raised $1,095 through a “Choo-Choo Kettle Corn” fundraiser to provide new technology for New Hope Pregnancy Center’s clientele. Fighting for pro-life reform, the organization advocates for Cleveland mothers through acts of service.
The center has recently made online learning available to its clients, requiring a greater need for computer access.
“One thing they needed us to provide were computers to their clients for online learning,” said junior nursing major Sierra Stevens. “We decided as a club we wanted to raise money and contribute to that.”
Stevens’ involvement with the organization began as a freshman after taking note of Students for Life in high school.
“I’ve always been passionate about [Students for Life], and now I have an opportunity to be a part of something that really makes a difference,” said Stevens.
The organization has gained traction under their new faculty sponsor, Jeannie Duff, a lector in the School of Nursing.
“There are a lot of people that didn’t know we existed on campus,” said senior nursing major Rosalyn Miller. “We have gained a lot of new members this semester with a focus on trying to make ourselves a little bit more known despite COVID.”
Stevens says Duff has pushed the club past working on the outside and began to meet specific needs. As a result, the club works to impact clients at New Hope Pregnancy Center directly.
“One of the things that [New Hope Pregnancy Center] does are these educational videos on parenting,” said Duff. “They used to watch them on VHS tapes … now they are online.”
Duff asked New Hope Pregnancy Center what their greatest need was, and computer access for multiple clientele was at the top. Duff had the idea for a “Choo-Choo Kettle Korn” fundraiser after seeing its success in her children’s school.
“The students talked about it, and they decided to give the money raised for them to buy the equipment that they need,” said Duff.
The heart of the fundraiser is raising awareness of the New Hope Pregnancy Center cause while making pro-life strides in the Cleveland community.
“I believe Christ warmed people with love,” said Duff. “If we can show the women they do have options, we can love them, and we can help take care of them. In addition, there are so many people waiting to adopt children.”
Miller also carries a passion for adoption and the significant impact on children and families who desire to foster.
“I was really interested in adoption stories and the foster system. It’s always been something that I’ve been passionate about and has evolved as I’ve gotten older,” said Miller.
As the club continues making an impact on Cleveland, they hope to further their impact on campus.
“There’s a lot of people who believe [in] pro-life, but it’s difficult to get people to act pro-life,” said Stevens. “That’s something that I’ve really appreciated about being in Students for Life. I get to act on those convictions and know that I’m making a difference.”
For more information about Students for Life, email Jeannie Duff at jduff@leeuniversity.edu
