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Initial Call |
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When a woman calls for help, the Central Phone Line volunteer fills
in the Intake Form fully, and contacts the parish Gabriel
Project Coordinator at the Church closest to where Mom lives. The
Parish Gabriel Coordinator contacts a trained Angel in her parish.
The Angel calls Mom and sets up their first visit at the parish.
The Gabriel Angel should always meet mom at the parish for her own
protection. It is imperative that the Angel returns Mom's call
within 2 days. A system must be set up to assure Mom has been
contacted and is getting the help she needs. (Gabriel Project
Resource Manual )
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The Central Phone
Line |
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Trained volunteers staff the Central Phone Line.
Calls are “remote call forwarded” to the volunteer’s home.
Bilingual volunteers must be available to talk to
Hispanic
Moms. The parish signs will display the Central Phone
Line
number or the parish number. A central telephone
line should be established after 10 Gabriel Project parishes exist
in a diocese. (Gabriel
Project Resource
Manuel)
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Yellow Page Ad |
The Central Phone Line for the Gabriel Project should be advertised
in the Yellow pages under Abortion Alternatives. This is an
expensive but effective outreach to Moms in need.
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Meeting With Mom |
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Always pray before you meet with Mom. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak
through you and give you the right words to bring Christ into Mom’s
heart. It is essential Mom and the Angel meet at the church in a
relatively private, comfortable setting. Ask your priest or Deacon
to greet Mom. A prayer or a blessing can be an incredible witness
to a woman who has known few responsible, caring men in her life.
The Michael's can also greet Mom with the angel in the absence of
the priest.
Do not travel alone or at night in an unknown area. Do not be
afraid to ask Mom to pray with you.
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Listening To Mom's
Story |
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When visiting with Mom, listen. Let her tell her story, her
situation, without input or interruption from you. Be an active,
attentive listener. This will tell Mom how much you want to be
there for her. The opportunity to give advice, suggestions, and/or
comments will come much later as you build trust and rapport with
her. She will be able to do most of her own problem solving as she
talks through her difficulties. Give her the support and
encouragement she needs through the information and resources
necessary to solve her own problems.
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Assessing Mom's Needs |
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As you listen to mom, keep filling in the intake sheet. See below
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Prioritize and List her most immediate, basic needs
- Give her specific tasks: is she insured? have Medicaid
seen a doctor? Obtained benefits WIC etc?
- Discuss with her the help she needs
- If necessary, refer her to the appropriate agency but always
ask her to come back and see you. You are her MENTOR.
Remember, the Angel is a mentor and friend in
need for Mom.
The Gabriel Project is not a referral
service. Keep in contact with Mom throughout her pregnancy.
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The Confidential
Intake Form |
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The Confidential Intake Form is the most important document each
Angel will use. A copy of the Central Phone Line Volunteer's
Intake Form must be forwarded to the Angel who is helping her. All
Moms' information is included in this document. At the first and
all follow up interviews, the Angel will record all information on
the intake form.
The Gabriel Angel
must review Mom’s case with the Parish Gabriel Project Coordinator.
This information is fully confidential and can only be used for the
precise purpose of helping Mom.
For liability
reasons, an accurate and full record is required. When Mom has
delivered her baby, all information must be given to the Gabriel
Project Parish Coordinator. The Confidential Intake Forms must be
sent to the Archdiocesan Gabriel Project Coordinator or Respect Life
Director. A copy may be kept at the parish.
(Gabriel Project Resource Manual and last
page of The Angel Book)
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To Do List/Schedule Next Meeting |
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Set some goals for Mom and yourself to accomplish before the next visit
(See Mother and Baby Book)
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Give a reasonable time to accomplish the tasks
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Set a time for the next visit at the parish, then call and
remind her a day or two in advance. Many times if you do not
take the initiative to contact her between visits and encourage
her, you may never hear from her again
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If she leaves do not be discouraged. You were there for her at the right time
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Let Mom know you are there for her and can call you when she needs to talk
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The Greater Community |
Many public middle schools and high schools are very open to help
for their students from the Gabriel Project. The Parish Gabriel
Project Coordinator needs to approach the school nurse and/or the
school counselor and explain that help is available to pregnant
young women through the Gabriel Project. Make sure to leave
informational literature at the school.
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