Emergency Baby Supply Center: Open 24 Hours

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Board of Directors

Sue Glashower
Secretary

My husband, Jeff & I, live in Allendale with our 6 children and attend North Blendon CRC. I work part time as a Property manager for my family’s business. As an adoptive mom, I have a heart to support young women who choose LIFE for their child whether that’s through adoption or parenting. I have been involved in the Family Life Center in various ways over the last 8 years as a board member (past & present) , transportation volunteer, and child care volunteer. The Family Life Center provides a vital need in our area to show Christ’s love to young women in need. I have seen lives changed!

Melissa Clay
Treasurer

My 2 children and I live in Grandville, Michigan. I am the Director of Relational Ministries at Love Your Neighbor in Hudsonville. As a single mother, I know the struggles mothers can face and believe the holistic approach the Family Life Center of West Michigan uses is a great resource and support to mothers. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and believe that every person has something to offer.

JR Prahl

Richard Prahl Jr. (JR) is the general manager at JHP Fasteners, Inc. Previous to this he was in tool and die, a gunsmith and a houseparent for seven years at the Family LIFE Center along with his wife Rochell. JR and Rochell have four children. JR is currently serving on the board of directors at the FLC and Rochell is the Executive Director there.

Patti Brander
President

Patt.Brander.FLC@gmail.com

Katie Hafler
haflerkatie@gmail.com

My husband, Andrew and I live in Allendale, with our daughter, Natalie and we attend Life West Church! I am currently the President and Founder of Through it All Finance, a small non profit ministry that helps nonprofits and churches find a financial peace of mind so they can continue to work in God's kingdom. I have a passion to help women choose LIFE for their child. Family Life Center has changed so many women's lives and I am so honored to be a part of a moving mission in West Michigan. In my spare time, I love house projects, crafting and making memories with family. We love playing outside, doing gymnastics and of course watching Mickey Mouse!

Julie Davison

House Manager

julie@familylifecenterhome.org

Julie has been working at the Family Life Center since May 2021. Julie, her husband Jacey and daughter (born after they moved in) started working here as house parents for two years and then Julie transitioned to House Manager in the Spring of 2023. 
I love the residential setting and the opportunities it gives to truly work alongside each woman who is part of FLC. I love being able to celebrate the life they have chosen but also to be able to speak into each life and walk alongside each individual as they navigate life with all of its challenges and joys. Jacey and I love to go for hikes together, as well as play board games whenever we have the chance! 

Kim
Smeenk

House Manager

kim@familylifecenterhome.org

Kim has been working as an Emergency Room nurse for 5 years. There she worked with diverse populations and lots of trauma centered individuals. Outside of her BSN in nursing she has an associates degree in Biblical Studies from Kuyper College. Kim has been married to her husband Matt for 7 years. Together they have 2 children Elizabeth who is 3 and Elijah who is 1. As a family they love to hike and spend time outside. She started as a volunteer for Family Life Center in 2021 and would help drive women to appointments or work. She would also help with any medical needs the women might have. Through several pregnancy losses and complications, God began to ignite her passion for women and children. He led her to less hours as an ER nurse and into the home to work alongside the women as a part time House Manager.  Kim is excited to be challenged spiritually and to grow in that, while also ministering to women and empowering them to be all God has created them to be. 
 

Taylor Payne

Administration Coordinator

I’m excited to join the team at Family LIFE Center as their Administration Coordinator. I attended Cornerstone University and graduated with a degree in Nonprofit Administration, eager to see what organization God would connect with me. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help the Family LIFE Center thrive and continue supporting moms in the community! When I’m not at the Family LIFE Center, I spend my days hanging out with two sweet kiddos that I get to nanny. My husband, Chad, and I recently got married! In our spare time, we like to head to our cottage, go camping, hang out with friends and spend time with family. 

Ardy Barens

Media & Volunteer Coordinator

I started volunteering at the Family Life Center March 2017. I had responded to a request in our church bulletin for someone to hold a 5 week old baby for 3 hours 1 day a week. That sounded like a great thing to do (and easy). I fell in love with the 2 babies at the house and the 3 girls. Since I was already spending 3 hours at the house every Wednesday, starting the summer of 2017, I was asked to give the house mother respite for the whole day. This was a bit more of a challenge but I decided I would like to do that and have continued.

About 1 ½ years ago I became the Volunteer Coordinator. I love doing this because I get to have contact with awesome volunteers who give their time and skills to help the young mothers.

I took a few months off in 2018 from being the Volunteer Coordinator and then jumped back in. I am currently working on digitizing (I am not a big fan of paper) the volunteer information. I am also trying to update the information we have on file and add new volunteers.

My time at the Family Life Center has enriched my life immensely. I have met girls from all walks of life and learned much about how young women are able to overcome the rough starts they have had in life and make a new start as a single mother. Each woman is unique and special. They hold a special place in my heart as well as the volunteers.

Holly Placzek

Prayer & Aftercare Coordinator

Hi I’m Holly Placzek, the Prayer & Aftercare Coordinator for the FLC…I’ve been in this role for roughly 2 yrs now but I’ve been a volunteer{child care/transportation} and financial supporter for over 8 yrs…when I’m not meeting with the staff or prayer team to pray for the ministry, I’m being a wife to Drew and mom to Emma, Gabe, Mia, and Lena…I also work at a popular grocery store in Kentwood. My hobbies are jewelry making, antiquing/thrifting, and flower gardening.

Teresa Urivez

Assistant Director

Teresa’s life was radically transformed through salvation in 2000. Since then she has had the privilege of serving God through mentoring women from all walks of life. She is married with 4 children and 15 grandchildren. She serves at her church through prayer ministry and as a Freedom Group facilitator. Teresa is excited to walk side by side with Family LIFE Center bringing mothers from brokenness to purpose!

Alex & Becky Lemmen

House Parents

Coming soon!

Rochell Prahl

Executive Director

rochell@familylifecenterhome.org

Rochell has served the Lord through the Family LIFE Center (FLC) maternity home since 2007.  She has been a volunteer, housemother, and Executive Director at the FLC. Rochell moved to Michigan in 1998, attended Calvin College, and met her husband at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids. She has been married since 2001 and enjoys serving the Lord with her husband and their 4 children.