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 periodically interview and highlight one of our volunteers. This week we hear from a volunteer who is also one of Cheryl’s assistants, Amy Brotherman.
Q: In what ways do you volunteer at CPO?
A: I am the family host home coordinator, as well as one of the assistants, so I mentor adoptive families and help with birth moms a bit. In the past years, I’ve also helped in various small ways, collecting baskets and gift cards for the CPO gala, volunteering phones at the office, etc.
Q: How long have you been volunteering with us?
A: Since we first put our own life book in, about 12 years ago.
Q: How did you find out about CPO?
A: Through friends at our church home.
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer at CPO versus other organizations? What is it about crisis pregnancies that drew you to us?
A: At first, it was because we wanted to adopt through CPO and we were fulfilling our obligation of volunteer hours. My husband and I were struggling through infertility issues for many years and we were so ready for a baby! To be honest, it was very hard to focus on anything but my own longing for a child. But as my years with CPO continued, and beyond the birth of our babies, I honestly began to volunteer simply for a love of the organization. I have seen many ministries at work throughout local and larger communities, and many are wonderful, but CPO is one of the few which truly, TRULY is Christ’s hands and feet to women, babies, and families who are in great need with no agenda but to love them.
Q: Why is our cause so close to your heart?
A: I will forever be thankful to CPO because it brought our youngest (Sam, who is 5) into my life and my family’s life. He is a joy and it is such an honor to be his Mommy. He was meant to be in our family and he is so wonderful and precious! And because I love his birth mother Lauri so much. She is an amazing, loving, wonderful person who I am so thankful to call a friend. Her whole side of the family is amazing and knowing them and that Sam can know them just makes all our lives so much the richer.
Q: What have you learned about yourself since you began volunteering?
A: I am learning how blessed I am to be a part of the story of CPO! There are incredible families and ladies who work here. And I am very happy to be a part of it. Also that God can work through me even in a situation where I am not talented or very good at something. He can still use me if I am willing to try.
Q: How have you seen God’s hand at work in the ministry of CPO?
A: If you have even heard of one family’s story through CPO, you will know how God works here. He is literally building families and healing broken people through the ministry. Girls in crisis who thought placing their baby for adoption would be the end of their world, but could see no other choice, have told me that it ended up being the very best and most selfless, proud decision they made in their whole lives. And I’ve seen girls get incredible support who decided to parent and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Q: What would you say to anyone who may be considering becoming involved with CPO?
A: As far as volunteering- many hands make light work!! Even the smallest contribution is so incredibly helpful. If you are an adoptive family whose hours are complete- consider that God led you to this ministry to keep on contributing, even if only a little bit. I know moms get busy and it’s hard to make a priority, but this is a ministry where God works, and what better way to teach our children than to lead by example in serving?
