Vote on Wyoming women's center delayed GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) -If you let in a group that counsels women against abortion, how will you keep support groups for alcoholics, drug users and ex-convicts out of the neighborhood? That's what concerns Wyoming residents against letting Alpha Women's Center move into an empty church on Hubal Avenue SE. "If they allow a center that counsels young women not to have abortions then they have to allow a counseling center that counsels ex-convicts or alcoholics or anything like that," says Hubal Avenue resident and community center opponent Joyce Noorman. Monday night the city council postponed a vote that would prohibit community centers that offer counseling from moving into empty neighborhood churches and schools. "I would like to have some debate and dialogue between council members," says Councilman Kurt Vanderwood. The Alpha Women's Center is currently located on Fuller SE in Grand Rapids. Leaders want to move into the former Newhall Baptist Church in Wyoming so they will have more room to advise young women against abortion, distribute baby clothes and teach parenting skills. "I look at it as a chance to bring really valuable services to Wyoming," says Alpha executive director Carolyn Koole. "What do we want there?" The Wyoming Planning Commission is recommending council prohibit counseling in neighborhood community centers. Council's decision could effect what occupies dozens of schools and churches that are or will soon be vacant in the city. "I don't think it matters if it's Alpha or anyone else," says Mayor Carol Sheets. "I think you have to be cognizant of what could happen when you open the neighborhood that way." "If they allow Alpha in that building another church is going to become empty and they are going to have to allow counseling sessions in there." "We don't do counseling," says Alpha's Carolyn Koole. "We don't have licensed counselors. We are just moms and grandmoms mentoring young moms of the next generation. That's it." Council is planning to study the issue for several weeks before taking a final vote.
11/3/2009 5:44:14 AM
