Publication - Earn While You Learn

Earn While You Learn
Best Practices
Using EWYL effectively,
powerfully,
and efficiently.
Heritage House, 919 S. Main Street, Snowflake AZ 85937
800 858-3040 www.ewylonline.com
What Is EWYL?
E
ARN WHILE YOU LEARN is an amazing
curriculum program that has changed the lives
of tens of thousands of men and women across
the nation. The curriculum has been used by nearly 1,000 Pregnancy Resource Centers to offer both
hope and help to those who need it most. Almost all
of these centers have seen an increase in their abortion vulnerable visits leading to lives saved. Earn
While You Learn is then used to help those very same
women who chose life for their babies to learn, grow,
and understand how to parent children and improve
their lives. Using EWYL, PRCs have made generational changes in their communities that will save and
change lives for many years to come.
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN:
• Increases abortion vulnerable visits
• Teaches clients through easily administered
lessons
• Increases donors and donations
• Fosters a professional and loving environment
• Creates opportunity for community outreach
• Covers many important topics in 42 modules
and 210 different lessons.
• Stays up-to-date with current information
EWYL Best Practices
This booklet is designed to give you the knowledge
you need to run EWYL in your center with the maximum impact on your clients in the most efficient
manner. EWYL can be administered in many different formats, but many of the best practices still apply
to all centers.
The Goal of EWYL
The goal of EWYL is changed lives that will save lives.
Heritage House is providing the tools that PRCs
across the nation use to meet the huge education
and relational needs of young mothers. While filling
this need, the center is not only making changes that
will last generations, they are also creating missionaries for life inside of the most abortion vulnerable
communities. The goal is to save and change lives.
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What Is in the Curriculum?
The EWYL curriculum covers subjects from pregnancy, birth preparation, drug use, baby care, first
aid, life skills, discipline, nutrition, and much more.
The subjects are divided by packs, which are:
Pack Name
Main Cur. Pack
Toddler Pack Parenting Pack Life Skills Pack Bible Study Pack Special Circ. Pack
Men’s Fraternity Pack Practical Father. Pack Modules Content
11 Modules First Trimester to Early Infancy
3 Modules Parenting and Discipline, Ages 1-3
10 Modules Parenting and Discipline, Ages 3-10
5 Modules Finances, Abstinence, and Careers
3 Modules Basics of Christianity (OT, Gospel)
3 Modules Abuse, Drugs, Miscarriage, Adoption
5 Modules Being a Man, Doing Right
2 Modules How to Be a Father
Most centers start with the Main Curriculum Pack,
which covers pregnancy (all trimesters), birth, early parenting skills, newborn care, breastfeeding,
bonding, and labor and delivery lessons. As the
program at the PRC matures and the clients want
to learn more, additional packs may be added.
Updating EWYL
With such a large collection of lessons, it is important that the information presented is up-to-date
and accurate. Heritage House makes a constant
and purposeful effort to keep the resources and
lessons professional, correct, and effective. While
upgrading is optional, it is the best for both the center and clients to keep the
lessons current. For
some changes, such
as with car seats or
CPR, a center should
have a policy to update immediately.
To have the most
effective program, centers
need to have
the most current program.
Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
The Overview
E
ARN WHILE YOU LEARN is based on a
simple belief that providing useful knowledge
and aid to those in crisis pregnancies is a vital part of a successful PRC. By teaching the skills
a young woman needs along with supplying items
that can help her become a successful mother,
EWYL empowers PRCs to offer a real and meaningful
choice to those who choose life. The program also
builds relationships, gives real skills that will impact
generations, and creates openings for the counselor
to share Christ. EWYL is not just curriculum, it is a
way of making real and permanent changes for the
good of the client and the center.
A Hand UP...
EWYL was designed from the beginning to change
the paradigms for a generation that has grown up
on hand outs. Instead of giving away items to anyone who asks, the EWYL program allows the client to
“earn” the items through learning how to be a better
parent. This double-pronged method gives value to
the items given away while imparting knowledge
that will ultimately prepare clients to be responsible
and able mothers to their children. Plus, hundreds
of centers have found that their clients have a sense
of pride and accomplishment in the work they are
doing and how their parenting is improving.
How It Works
The concept is simple.
When a client completes
a lesson, they are
rewarded
with
“Mommy Money.”
When they return their homework, they receive more. They
are then able to
“shop” in the PRC
Mommy Store for items
they need. The store is
normally stocked with donations of diapers, clothes
for the baby and mother, cribs, new car seats and
more. Many moms save their money for larger items
and may even bring their husbands or boyfriends
with them to learn and earn even more (this was the
beginning of our Fatherhood Program).
Why it Works
EWYL works because it empowers both the clients
and the volunteers. The volunteers are able to create relationships, impart wisdom, provide for needs,
and make a lifelong impact on the clients. This success in the volunteer/client relationship creates volunteers who know that their work is important and
understand that they are making a difference.
EWYL works with clients because the successes they
achieve in both the program and in their personal lives when they apply the lessons gives them a
sense of accomplishment. EWYL is not a program to
clients; it is an important tool for them as well as an
opportunity to spend time with someone who cares
for them. The skills they learn and the relationships
they develop make the time spent both valuable
and important in their lives.
Why it is Important
EWYL is important because it provides the backing
to promises made while a client is deciding between
abortion and life. Most clients see a scary road
ahead if they keep the child. They normally face
subtle threats from the boyfriend and worries of inadequacy. This creates serious worries and doubts.
When counselors are working to convince clients
that the baby is alive, the fears of the future also
need to be addressed. EWYL gives answers to those
fears. The “I can’t be a mother” can be answered with,
“We can help you learn how” and the “I can’t make it
alone” can lead to a response of, “We will be here to
help you.” EWYL provides the tools that the young
clients know they need - and it helps them choose
life because they see a possible road forward.
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
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Client Intake
W
hen you start parenting classes with your client, it is difficult to know their needs. These
needs are based on many things but the single most significant factor in their parenting skills
is HOW THEY WERE PARENTED. If there was abuse, molestation, neglect, drugs, alcohol or significant dysfunction in the family, it colors the lens through which your client sees their
world. If this is the case, all of the practical knowledge about diapering and feeding won’t
impact the faulty foundation.
It is extremely beneficial to know vital information on your client’s upbringing before
you start counseling or parenting classes. Used and tested extensively at Living Hope
Women’s Center in Show Low, Arizona, the Getting Acquainted workbook is an incredible
tool in assessing whether your client was abused emotionally, verbally, physically and/
or sexually. It also gives you a clear understanding of the family dynamics and support
system that will almost always surface in the client’s parenting style.
Getting Acquainted comes as six pages that can be downloaded from www.EWYLonline.com for your center’s use. You can change the form to make it uniquely your own.
Also available is a one hour instructional audio CD that will help your center make the
best use of this powerful tool.
After you have assessed your client’s situation and due date, use
our personalized lesson plan (see the following page) to determine
which lessons are most important. For example, if she smokes, you
will want to give her the SMOKING lesson first. If she is single, include the Going It Alone lesson in her plan. At a glance, any facilitator can determine the best lessons for the client and create a plan
for future lessons.
Download at
www.EWYLOnline.com
Client Intake Best Practices Check-List
„„ Getting Acquainted
‰‰ Start by welcoming client
‰‰ Explain purpose of forms
The “Getting Acquainted” forms are very personal. Talk to client
about why they are being used, about how they will help you
decide the most important lessons, about their ability to skip
anything that makes them uncomfortable, and how you are not
there to judge them but just to get to know them better.
‰‰ Offer help with the forms
Most medical offices are very busy and just push forms through a
window. As the purpose of these forms is to build relationships,
make an effort to be available for any questions or to encourage
the client. The form is a tool to create better relationships and effective counseling; that starts with time and concern for the client.
‰‰ Keep Contents Private
The answers of the sheets do not need to be shared unless there is
a compelling reason. Instead, treat the form and its contents with
respect in a way that builds confidence with your client.
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„„ Reviewing the Form
‰‰ Remember the Purpose
The form is really just a way to get to know the client and help the
facilitator provide the best counseling possible. Look through the
sheets, try to understand where your client is coming from and
allow yourself to feel empathy for them.
‰‰ Look for Flags
Certain events in a person’s life can cause life-long hurt. Look for
these on the form and prepare to work with the client as needed.
Use the information wisely so that the lessons may have a true
impact on your clients.
‰‰ Talk with the Client
Talk to the client and offer encouragement and support. Use the
information from the form to start the conversation but don’t read
directly from the form during the conversation. Instead, read the
form before the session, talk to the client while looking them in the
eyes, and only refer to it if you must. Help the client feel welcome
- they are likely nervous and need to feel accepted.
Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
Personalized Lesson Plan
T
he Personalized Lesson Plan (PLP) is a way to personalize the experience of each client
so that they are taught what is most pertinent and important to them. EWYL is organized in such a
way that most lessons do not require previous lessons as building blocks. This gives the freedom to
move around in the curriculum as needed.
The Personalized Lesson Plan lists every lesson and codes them into
areas that may be of interest to your client. For example, a lesson
might be coded PN/FT which stands for Pre-Natal/First Trimester.
If your client is in their first trimester, this is probably a lesson you
would want them to take.
Under each code is a description of who should take the course.
Some lessons are only good for specific clients (i.e. Smoking and Pregnancy
or Going it Alone). Some lessons are
good for all clients but only during
certain times in their pregnancy (i.e.
- The First Trimester, Getting Ready
for Birth). Other lessons are good for
any client at any point in their pregnancy or even afterward. These descriptions will help determine which
lesson is best for the client’s specific
situation. When used in conjunction with “Getting Acquainted” the best and
most important lessons for each client can be chosen.
Personalized Lesson Plan Best Practices Check-List
„„ Implementing the Personalized Lesson Plan
‰‰ Download the “Personalized Lesson Plan” from
www.EWYLOnline.org
‰‰ Train facilitators on the abbreviations and
codes to use the PLP effectively.
‰‰ Have copies ready to be used by the facilitators
Because updates have to occur in EWYL, the PLP changes also.
Updates are normally released in Dec. Make copies accordingly.
„„ Using the Personalized Lesson Plan
‰‰ Record the date, instructor, and notes after
every lesson the client completes.
‰‰ When the client returns with the homework,
update the PLP to show completion.
‰‰ Use the PLP to decide lessons that apply
The PLP includes codes that specify for whom the lessons will apply. If your client starts when they are in their 3rd trimester, some
lessons on the 1st and 2nd trimester will not apply. Use wisdom in
deciding which is most important.
„„ Tips to using the Personalized Lesson Plan
‰‰ Prioritize Lessons
If a facilitator or the PRC finds a particular lesson to be important
or effective, don’t wait to teach it. Instead move to the lesson
that will have the most impact. Go through the PLP after the first
meeting and highlight lessons that you think are the most important. Discuss these with the client to increase their participation.
‰‰ Electronic Record Keeping
We provide an Excel version of the PLP that will help with electronic record keeping. Simply save a copy for each client and then
fill it in as needed. While these can be printed, the format is made
to be filled in on the computer and saved over time. We recommend incremental backups when using electronic record keeping.
‰‰ Print what is needed
The PLP is 13 pages long - but the first 4 pages cover modules
1-11. If your client is pregnant and working through the pregnancy lessons, print only these pages to start with.
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
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EWYL Lessons
E
ARN WHILE YOU LEARN is not like most curriculum. EWYL is a program designed specifically
for the young mothers (and fathers) who will visit your clinic. This means that the curriculum is written in simple and easily understood language to give all clients the opportunity to learn and grow. It
was specifically made to be easily administered without a large investment in training or supplies. Finally,
the curriculum is filled with many opportunities to foster relationships between the client and facilitator. In
other words, this curriculum is designed to be simple, effective, and powerful.
The EWYL curriculum is divided into packs covering large subjects like Pregnancy, Parenting, Toddlers, Fatherhood, etc. Each pack contains individual modules that are made up of 5 lessons each. Some packs have
up to 11 modules (55 lessons) and some have as few as 2 modules (10 lessons).
The Lesson Blueprint
Each lesson starts with a facilitator instruction page that contains all the information an instructor would
need to teach the lesson. It lists the resources that will be used in the lesson (DVD, pamphlet, etc.) and explains who the correct audience is for the subject matter. In this one page, the lesson facilitator has all the
information needed to complete the lesson.
After the instruction page, the lesson begins. There are two types of lessons in
the EWYL program. The first type is a DVD lesson which is based on a professionally produced DVD. A reproducible worksheet for the client is included
in each lesson which is filled out by the client while the DVD is playing. These
simple worksheets emphasize important points of the presentation and reinforce the main concepts. A worksheet key is included for the facilitator to
check the answers.
The second type of lesson is written information that should either be read
together or, if the client is comfortable reading, by the client alone. In written
lessons there are questions designed to help the client understand and apply
the information. There are also questions meant to be reviewed with the facilitator that will help build relationships and give the clients a chance to think
about what they are learning and how it applies in their own lives.
Lessons also include a reproducible homework sheet that will help the client apply the lesson in their own
life. The homework sheet is normally open-ended with questions to help the clients internalize the information. Some homework needs a small pamphlet taken home to help with the answers while others ask for a
simple fun project. Homework will only take the client a few minutes but it will
help them remember the important information they learned in the lesson.
The 5 Easy Steps of an EWYL Lesson
1. Facilitator reviews the personal lesson plan, decides next lesson.
2. Facilitator reads instruction page and copies lesson worksheets.
3. Client arrives, is greeted and starts on the lesson.
4. Facilitator reviews lesson and discussion questions.
5. Client takes homework home and returns it on their next visit!
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Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
Lesson Best Pr actices
Best Practices Check-List
Use the check-lists in this booklet to compare your center’s EWYL program with the standard teaching format. Some items are obvious and simple while others represent the best practices that should be used in
every center to ensure the effectiveness of EWYL. Read through each list carefully and decide what should
and can be implemented in your center.
Lesson Best Practices
„„ Review Personalized Lesson Plan
‰‰ Review lessons completed.
‰‰ Review notes from previous lessons
‰‰ Decide the most appropriate lesson for client.
EWYL does not have to be taught in order. Choose the most important lesson based on the client’s needs to increase effectiveness.
„„ Read lesson instruction page
‰‰ Gather lesson resources (DVDs, lit., etc.)
‰‰ Copy hand-outs
‰‰ Copy homework
‰‰ If the lesson is new to the facilitator, plan to
stay with the client during the lesson.
EWYL offers on the job training for facilitators. The first few times
through a lesson the facilitator should watch and participate with
the client to ensure he/she knows the material well.
„„ Administering the Lesson
‰‰ Greet the Client
While this comes naturally to most facilitators, make a practice
of taking the time to interact with each client and find out more
about them and their lives. Relationship and Knowledge are
equally important.
‰‰ Review homework from the previous week
Help concepts stick by taking a few moments to review the homework and talk about any questions or experiences. In most cases,
the client will be excited to share!
‰‰ Facilitate the Lesson (DVD, Reading, Etc.)
Understand the difference in ability of each client. Some may easily read the materials. Others may need you to read for them and
explain concepts. Each client is unique and will feel valued as the
facilitator provides for their needs.
‰‰ Use Questions as Teachable Moments
EWYL is full of questions, many of which are open ended. Listen
to the client and then lovingly instruct them as needed. It is
important for the client to know that disagreement is allowed. This
will allow them to be open and honest. A facilitator can provide a
compelling reason for the right views and foster a relationship that
helps the client understand their best interests are in mind.
„„ Closing the Lesson
‰‰ Leave time for Q&A
‰‰ Review the new homework together
Make sure there are no questions and that needed resources are
available to the client.
‰‰ Offer to Pray
Asking if it is OK to pray with/for the client is important for many
reasons. Prayer will ask God to be involved in the client’s circumstances, will show true concern for the client, and will open
doorways for further discussion.
‰‰ Ask client what they want to learn next
Use the closing of the session to get “buy-in” on the next subject
that will be covered. This will help the client be a part of the
process and will increase return visits. Guide as is appropriate and
suggest topics the client needs to learn. In some cases (such as
a client that smokes) you may need to decide for the client what
lesson should be next (i.e. - the lesson on the effects of smoking
on the baby during pregnancy).
„„ Finishing up
‰‰ Give Appropriate Mommy Money
Normally $1 of Mommy Money for the lesson, $1 for the homework, and $1 if the father/boyfriend comes along.
‰‰ Record Progress, Add Notes
It is very important to keep good records of the client’s progress
in both the program and any important beliefs. For example, if a
client expresses interest in Adoption, it should be noted for future
use. While having the same facilitator each week is ideal, this does
not always occur. Good notes will help a substitute facilitator get
to “know” the client before they meet.
‰‰ Schedule the next meeting
Don’t leave the next meeting time undecided. Provide a reminder
business card with the time and day. To make it even more personal, you may write what will be covered in the next meeting.
‰‰ Allow the Client to “window” Shop
One of the biggest encouragements in the EWYL program is to see
clients save up so they can purchase a larger item from the store.
Allow open access to the Mommy Store which will motivate the
clients and increase their maternal instincts.
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
7
Facilitators
F
inding volunteers for any program can
be hard. It can be made even more difficult
when the program requires extensive knowledge or is overly complex. EWYL was written by
a center director for their existing staff and volunteers. The author, Dinah Monahan, knew of these
struggles and worked to design a program that
would be effective, not only for the young women,
but also for the volunteers.
Finding Facilitators
The EWYL program makes finding volunteers easier by creating effective and rewarding positions.
These “facilitator” positions allow your volunteers to
interact directly with your clients, to develop great
relationships, and to feel effective and valuable.
Once you have the position for your volunteers to
serve in, it is time to recruit. Here is the experience
of our local PRC:
Recently I was talking to a rural center director who was sharing her concerns about the lack of volunteers. “People seem interested when I talk to
them,” she said, “but they never come in.” That was true of our center for
many years, but we now have a system to fill all those volunteer spots.
First, we printed quarter-page cards on bright colored stock. On these
cards we put lines for the usual data: name, address, phone number, email address, and areas of interest. The cards are generic. How we use
them is the trick. All volunteers and staff carry cards with them. When we
bump into someone who expresses an interest in the ministry, we whip
out the card and (this is the important point) have them fill it out on the
spot. Don’t let them say, “I’ll fill it out and send it to you.” They won’t!
After we created the cards, we set up a procedure for processing them. If
the contact just wants to receive our newsletter but doesn’t have an email address, the card goes in the database basket. If she has an e-mail
address, a copy of the card comes to me to add to my e-mail newsletter
list, and I send her e-mails about prayer requests, praise reports, needs,
and updates.
What about the contacts who indicate they want to volunteer? Not only
do they get added to the database and the e-mail list, they get a welcome
letter, a call, and an invitation to tour the clinic. During the tour we give
them a packet with information about us (mission statement, statement
of faith, our history, etc.) and an application, which we ask them to fill
out on the spot. From there they are plugged into the appropriate area
of service, and we have a committed volunteer. Since we put this system
in place, we have filled all our volunteer positions, and our clinic is abuzz
with activity. It took a little time to set it up, but it truly has paid off. Try it!
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Qualifications of a Facilitator
Everyone is uniquely qualified to serve God. The
position of facilitator in the EWYL requires certain
qualities and characteristics that will help the program be successful. Our local clinic pioneered the
self paced training method and created a program
to help trainees move through the training process.
This program is available for download from the site
www.EWYLOnline.com. It includes a list of requirements for an EWYL facilitator. These are specific to
their center but are a great starting point for all centers in deciding facilitator qualifications:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Have raised or is raising a child/children
Able to sign our statement of faith
Faithful attendance in a local church
Full agreement with the PRC Statement of Principles
Dependable, stable and capable of following through on commitments.
6. A sincere desire to reach out with the love of Jesus to people in
distress
7. A basic understanding of human nature
8. An ability to recognize extra-biblical values and not allow them
to become a barrier in relating to the client
9. The ability to adjust to a client’s pace of progress and growth
and respect a client’s choices, even if they are wrong
10.Completion of the PRC’s volunteer training and a willingness to
attend quarterly meetings
11.A willingness to continue learning through additional training.
Training Facilitators
Any training can be difficult, especially for the trainers who already have other jobs to do! EWYL replaces the normal time consuming methods with a
self-paced training system. This system is available
for download from www.EWYLOnline.com and it
lays out a simple plan. Basically, the training program provides a list of tasks to be done to qualify as
a facilitator, and then lets the volunteer get it done!
While this may seem counter-intuitive, most volunteers are excited to be able to learn with their own
initiative and at their own pace.
Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
As part of the checklist, both self-study and direct
observation is included. It starts with filling out the
“Getting Acquainted” forms (see page 4) which will
help the trainer get to know the volunteer. This is
followed by working in the volunteer workbook and,
finally, shadowing an existing parenting instructor.
In the next 3 training sessions, there is more manual
work, videos to watch to help educate the facilitator
on abortion, and shadowing. Each of these activities is done by the volunteer as they work through
the check list. In the end, your center will gain a
well trained facilitator with little investment!
Facilitator Best Practices
‰‰ Truth
Clients also need truth. A good facilitator should be able to tell the
truth to the clients but to do so in a way that they still know they
are loved (and not judged).
‰‰ Maturity
A facilitator should be emotionally mature. They should be able to
recognize and deal with manipulation, triangulation, and immaturity in a way that minimizes its effects. Choose facilitators that
have life experience, that have healed from dramatic experiences
(like divorce or abortion), and who can act as a guide to the client.
„„ Training Facilitators
‰‰ Start with the Basics
Start your volunteers with the basics of why you are there and
what you believe. It is good to have them watch a DVD on
abortion and to have them fill out a questionnaire early on to
ensure that they believe similarly. Many people who are “pro-life”
wouldn’t hesitate to recommend abortion in cases of rape.
‰‰ Self Paced
The easiest and most effective training is a complete self paced
system. Use the example program from www.EWYLOnline.org to
develop your own. While one-on-one training is good, it is time
extensive and unnecessary for many subjects. Instead, utilize existing training materials and let your volunteers learn your policies
and statements on their own.
‰‰ EWYL Process
The EWYL Process is most easily taught by having the new facilitator shadow an experienced facilitator for a few days. Using the
Self Paced Training (available at www.EWYLOnline.com) will help
teach the EWYL process in an organic but purposeful way.
‰‰ Evangelism
EWYL conversations will often turn to religious convictions. Ensure
that your facilitators are able to express their reason that they have
hope in Jesus Christ for their salvation. Training may include the
volunteer sharing their testimony
‰‰ Trial Period
Set an expectation of temporary trial periods to allow for amicable
parting as needed.
„„ Recruiting Volunteers
‰‰ Put in place the “Volunteer Card” to be used as
soon as someone expresses interest
‰‰ Work with churches to advertise volunteering
opportunities.
‰‰ Hold a “Volunteer Open House” to explain volunteer opportunities.
Many volunteers are not sure how they would fit into a ministry
and may be worried about being useful. An open house would
help them explore their opportunities while reassuring them that
they would be important to the organization.
‰‰ Ask
When you or your staff interact with a person that would fit well
with your organization, ask them to volunteer. This may seem
presumptuous, and many will say no, but they will feel honored
that you asked. Those that say, “yes” are likely to be some of your
best volunteers.
‰‰ Assign
Each Christian is gifted to serve - but they all have a place. Be
wise in assigning volunteers to be facilitators. Use a defined set of
qualification and common sense to decide where they fit. If they
are not a facilitator, there are always other opportunities from sorting Mommy Store clothes to keeping the center clean.
„„ Vetting Facilitators
‰‰ Theology
Facilitators will spend most their time involving issues of pregnancy and parenting, but there should be times when religion is the
topic of discussion. Ensure that your facilitator are able to sign your
statement of faith early on in the process. This will avoid many
problems down the road.
‰‰ Love
Clients in your EWYL program need love and acceptance. Your facilitators should be able to love clients not because they have good
actions, but because they are God’s creation. Look for facilitators
who are kind and empathetic.
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
9
Mommy Money
T
he “Earn” part of Earn While You Learn is
the Mommy Money or Baby Bucks. When
a client completes a lesson, turns in homework, or keeps appointments, they “Earn” $1 in baby
bucks. These can then be “spent” in your mommy
store that is stocked with supplies for both mother
and child.
Why it works
By “paying” your clients you are encouraging them
in many more ways than by what they are earning.
Clients do get excited at the prospect of earning
items for them and their baby - but they are also excited to be better parents. There is pride felt by a
mom who knows she can do things right and a pride
in accomplishment when lessons and homework is
completed. As you distribute the Mommy Money,
you are affirming that they are being successful in
both providing and preparing for their child.
Mommy Money can be given for many things. If
you have supportive OB doctors in your area, they
can give Mommy Money when your clients keep
their appointments. Your local WIC office can give
Mommy Money for classes taken in their curriculum.
You may even give Mommy Money for clients who
attend a Bible study!
Having outside organizations help you distribute
Mommy Money will bring important partners into
your ministry. The EWYL program is a program that
almost everyone can support. When you explain
Mommy Money to potential partners, you are creating new donors and connections that will allow
you to expand in the future. Don’t underestimate
the general appeal of EWYL. Everyone wants to help
those in need, and your program helps responsibly
with both education and physical needs!
The best way to approach the reward system is to
think “simple.” Every reward should be the same
($1 Baby Buck) and there only needs to be one denomination (you don’t want to have “Baby Nickels”).
Your store should “charge” in increments of $1 and, if
there are items less than a dollar, either round up or
have the client get something else that brings it up
to the full amount. The program should be simple
for all involved.
Heritage House offers the Baby Bucks in sheets of 12.
The sheets can be put through almost any copier or
printer to add your
information. There
is a template online
that will help with
the layout.
Your Date, ID, Other?
rn While
Ea
Yo
u Learn
Your Information Here
Address info or anything
Use template online.
REDEEMABLE FOR SUPPLIES FOR
YOU AND YOUR BABY.
NO CASH VALUE.
Mommy Money Best Practices Check-List
„„ Making Money
‰‰ Create “Money” that is not easily duplicated
While counterfeit “Mommy Money” is rare, it is always discouraging when it comes up. Instead, use a format that isn’t easily
duplicated. Use colored paper, add a stamp on the back, or use the
Heritage House “Baby Bucks.”
„„ Distribution
‰‰ Distribute Wisely
Because you are in control of your “Mommy Money” economy, you
are able to make it very simple. Don’t pay in increments of a dollar,
just pay $1 flat. Don’t try making a “Baby Buck” worth a real buck,
otherwise you will be awash in paper money. Instead, make an
outfit cost $1, and then price other things accordingly (strollers:
$10, cribs: $25, etc.). Just keep it simple for easy administration.
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‰‰ Distribute Appropriately
The purpose of Mommy Money is to encourage and motivate
clients. Working for their “pay” gives them a sense of pride. It is
always better to be generous and error on the side of paying too
much. The “money” you are giving away is only helping the young
mothers of your community.
‰‰ Distribute Lovingly
Mommy Money should never be used as punishment or in a
negative sense (“If you don’t do X, you will be fined $3 Mommy
Money”). In general, clients in PRCs know what it is like to be
judged and found wanting. Even a small thing like withholding
Mommy Money may feel judgemental. Instead, use the earning of
the Mommy Money as an opportunity celebrate! If they don’t earn
it, encourage them and let them know they are loved anyway.
Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
Mommy Store
T
he Mommy Store is an important part of
EWYL. The store has the items that will encourage your clients to continue in their education, counseling and doctor visits. The store should be
stocked with new and lightly used items. It should include supplies for the baby as well as larger items such
as cribs, car seats and breast pumps.
Sourcing Items
The attraction of any Mommy Store is based on what it
has to offer for the clients. The good news is that the
Mommy Store is the type of project that a whole community can get behind. Donations should be easy and
abundant. Ask around at local stores, put notices in
churches, and have drives for specific items, like diapers.
Also, look out for clearance items between seasons.
Many times you can get new outfits for $1 or less!
Often the trouble with a Mommy Store is not the lack of
donations, but too many! Communicate to your donors
that you are looking only for new or lightly used items.
In addition, the position of “sorter” is great for a volunteer who feels more comfortable behind the scenes. All
old, stained, and out-of-style clothes should be removed
and given to a thrift store. Newer items should be displayed nicely inside the store, giving the clients something to work toward. Don’t accept used car seats and
make sure used cribs meet recent safety guidelines.
Pricing Items
The idea behind Mommy
Money economics is to price
things so the young woman
can receive value for her
money. But it is far too timeconsuming to price each item. Use the keep it simple
approach and you can save a great deal of work. Most
clothes and other items do not need to be priced individually unless it is one of a kind or an exceptionally nice
piece. Simply make a price sheet for categories of items
and post it. So, all outfits might be $1, all onesies 2 for
$1, all socks 4 for $1, and so on.
Stores for Fathers
If you add the fatherhood program it is a good idea to
have a store (maybe just a closet) for dads. In here you
can have tools, sporting goods, gift-cards for date-night,
and other items fathers would love. Again, getting donations for the father store is normally as easy as asking!
What is Important
Don’t agonize too much about prices or rules on what
can be purchased. As Dinah said, “We are not in this for
Mommy Money. It doesn’t matter if the item is $0.50 or
$1.00. That is not the issue - rewarding responsible behavior and learning is!”
Mommy Store Best Practices Check-List
„„ Sourcing Items
‰‰ Only accept new or lightly used items
Set expectations early. The store is used for clients who “earn” items
through their time and effort. This should be reflected in the items.
‰‰ Create email lists to inform of store needs
Use an email list to inform your supporters of immediate store
needs. Always remind your supporters to look out for close-out
sales - and to bless your clients by buying them and donating
them to the Mommy Store.
‰‰ Have Diaper Drives
Work with local churches to have diaper or clothing drives.
‰‰ Donations from Local Businesses/Groups
Businesses love the idea of “earning” items and many will be very
happy to help. Talk to local stores and let them know what you are
doing and what they could donate to help. Many KofC or Optimist
clubs will also be willing to help.
„„ Sorting the items
‰‰ Have a clear item rejection policy
Many strange items make it to donation bins. Be liberal in either
donating items to the Salvation Army or throwing the item out. If
larger items aren’t accepted, post the rules prominently to avoid
them showing up. Do not accept used car seats and ensure cribs
meet current safety guidelines.
„„ The Store
‰‰ Professional and Full
Look for used display racks for a professional display. Keep outfits
together, make the store look cute and compelling with the best
items possible.
‰‰ Simply Priced
Price items by type of item and only individually price special
items. Price totals should be rounded to the nearest dollar so you
don’t have to deal with “Mommy Cents”
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
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Abortion-Minded
O
RIGINALLY, EWYL was designed
to meet the needs of clients in a loving and
responsible manner. But centers who implemented the program started noticing an amazing benefit — their abortion minded client count
went up! The girls in EWYL don’t just improve their
lives, they also act as missionaries, letting others in
their circle know about a place for help. The best advertising is not print, radio, or television. The best advertising is a great testimony from a trusted friend.
This is also true with Pregnancy Resource Centers.
While public advertising is important, more important still are your previous clients reaching out and
sharing with their circle of friends. When your clients
tell others about their experience they are reaching the audience that needs your help — they are
reaching the abortion-vulnerable.
If you are looking to increase your abortion vulnerable clients, EWYL is one of the best and most
proven methods. While an outreach program based
on public advertising is necessary and important,
EWYL creates an environment in which your services are promoted between friends. The young
women in your EWYL classes have circles of friends
that include those who are the most abortion vulnerable. When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, the
newly expectant mother often discusses her situation with friends. When those friends are clients of
your center, they naturally share their experiences.
Most centers using EWYL see a dramatic increase in
visits for instruction — and a
significant increase in abortion-minded appointments.
Within months of implementing EWYL, you’ll see
a change as your referral
numbers spike dramatically.
You’ll be providing a vital service that will help ensure the
generational cycle is broken
while at the same time creating a small army of recruiters in the community for
your pregnancy test services. Give it a try today —
and see your numbers grow!
Breaking the Cycle
Giving things away free only enables clients and
fosters the entitlement mentality. With EWYL, clients come to you to learn how to be good parents.
In the process, they form healthy bonds with their
parenting instructors. In the end, they are able to
walk out of your center with much-needed items for
their babies and pride in their accomplishment. The
lessons they learn are crucial to the emotional and
physical well being of their babies and break cycles
of poor parenting, neglect and abuse. This change
doesn’t just help your client; it is a great help to her
children! This means the work you are doing will not
only help your clients here and now, it will also help
generations for years to come!
Reaching Abortion Minded Clients with EWYL Check-list
„„ Changing Lives to Save Lives
‰‰ Making Client Partners
EWYL clients want to bless others! Share with them that you
would love to help others they may know that are a crisis pregnancy. Explain how you really love to help those who are unsure
about their pregnancy, and ask for their help in sharing.
‰‰ Client Cards
Print up cards that you can give to every client to hand out to others
in need. Specially printed business cards are inexpensive and each
client can be given a handful to give out to abortion vulnerable
clients in their circles.
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‰‰ Don’t ignore the big picture
When a client is helped through EWYL, your ministry is greatly
reducing the risk for future abortions in your client’s life. A PRC that
is actively ministering to the needs of the most vulnerable will be
saving lives now and years to come.
‰‰ Use EWYL as an Answer to Needs
When counseling abortion minded clients, a PRC offering EWYL
can say, “And we will help you learn and grow.” Most women in a
crisis pregnancy are scared about how they will make it. You can
offer solutions, help, advice, training, and support.
Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
Fundr aising
Fact:Business people understand the principle of earning and paying for things in life.
Fact:Many businesses and civic clubs want
to contribute to a worthy cause.
Fact: Even though your Pro-Life work at
your clinic may be controversial, everybody
supports teaching single moms to be better
mothers and helping children.
When you consider these facts, you realize you can
get the best in parenting curriculum without spending a penny. Let me give you an example. I wanted to
purchase the series Homes of Honor. With two clinics, I
needed two series, which was very expensive. I found
out who had authority over charitable donations at our
local paper mill, Abitibi Mills. Within weeks, I had a check
for $378.00 in hand to purchase the programs! It is that
simple! Here’s how it works:
Think of all the businesses who would be receptive to
your request. At the top of the list are people you have
come in contact with in the past because they are familiar with you. The following are some ideas:
Doctors
Fire Dept.
Lawyers
Police Dept.
Store Owners
Car Dealerships
KofC
Realtors
Contractors
Lions
Shriners
Churches
Super Stores
Dentists
Elks
VFW
Power Companies
Women’s Clubs
Hospitals
Rotary Clubs
Philanthropists
Visit your Chamber of Commerce and ask them for a list
of active service and professional organizations. They
can also tell you which businesses are civic-minded and
would be good contacts. Check the community news
section of your paper. They will list the service groups
that are having events, raising money, having meetings,
etc. They usually have contact names and phone numbers, which will give you a good place to start.
Once you have your list, call each place or organization
and ask for the name of the person in charge of charitable giving. Use this information to create a letter explaining EWYL and how they can help by sponsoring a
specific part of the program. Match your request with
the business. For example, the fire department would be
very willing to underwrite a DVD on first aid. For smaller
businesses or individuals it may be best to break up your
needs into approximately $100 increments.
Once complete, follow up with a call a week after the letters would have arrived. You will be surprised how supportive people will be when your program is teaching
and helping young women learn about parenting!
Fundraising Best Practices Check-List
„„ Play to the EWYL Strengths
‰‰ Stress the “Earn”
Most business people appreciate the idea of working for benefits. EWYL immediately sells itself to entrepreneurs because it is
speaking their language. Don’t hesitate to show how this program
allows your clients to earn items they need along with the pride of
hard work that clients experience.
‰‰ Shop the modules
Bring the EWYL catalog to your donors and say, “Would you purchase a module for us?” Then, let them choose! All donors love to
know their money is going to something effective - and choosing
what that is is an added bonus.
‰‰ Look for appropriate underwriters
Look for donors who care about the clients and want to help in certain subjects. For example, ask Home Depot or Lowes to sponsor
the “Practical Fatherhood” pack and help start the Daddy Store.
‰‰ Bring in partners
You can often combine work by explaining the program to a
doctor, asking for their help in distributing Mommy Money, and
asking if they would be willing to sponsor a module. They will better understand their role in the program and want to invest in the
success of the program.
‰‰ Follow Up
Most business people are very busy and will take care of what is
immediate to them. A simple call introducing yourself and asking
if they had a chance to review your donation request letter can
make a significant difference in the donation response.
‰‰ Point towards the generational change
The goal of EWYL is not to fix a crisis. It is to make a change that
will affect the community you live in for generations. You will
be teaching mothers to be better moms - which will help their
children be better parents in turn.
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
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EWYL Advantages
E
arn While You Learn has many advantages over other curriculum systems but
the largest is that it is written specifically for
use by PRCs and their clients. Here are a few more
advantages to consider:
Permission to Copy
EWYL has a very low operating cost. Instead of using expensive workbooks, EWYL uses reproducible
masters that are as cheap as a copy. Lessons have
hand-outs and homework — but they can be copied at the time of the lesson! The only thing to replace are the few inexpensive brochures that don’t
make it back with the homework. Even better, when
you purchase EWYL Packs, ask about the printable
PDF versions!
DVDs in EWYL
Heritage House works to provide the most up-todate and informational DVDs for EWYL. Each is
professionally produced by experts in the subject
being covered. Most DVDs are 30-50 minutes long
and designed to teach, spur discussion, and provide
real-world help to your clients.
Using EWYL
EWYL is used in almost 1,000 pregnancy resource
centers across the nation. PRCs have realized their
mission is enhanced by offering hope beyond the
pregnancy to young mothers. If you want more information about centers near you that use the program, give us a call. You can talk to (and even visit
if they’re willing) centers who use EWYL every day!
Making a Difference
EWYL makes a difference in the lives of clients
and their babies. It does this with simple straightforward lessons. Most of these lessons can be run
by simply copying the worksheets and homework,
putting in the DVD, and coming back after it’s done
to ask follow-up questions.
While the process is simple, the impact can be immense. Each lesson is designed to teach as well as
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grow the relationship between the
client and her counselor. The lessons will help the client through
major decisions such as adoption, abstinence, drug/alcohol
use, parenting methods and
much more. EWYL is easy, but it
is also powerful and poignant.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Earn While You Learn has always been an investment in the future of your community; in the families, children, mothers, and now fathers who need
your help. Through Earn While You Learn, centers
have found pathways into their community to more
directly address the “at risk” pregnancies by creating
friendships and trust with their clients. They have
also found businesses and community members
excited and ready to donate to a program that is
making such a difference.
The investment in the community starts with an investment in Earn While You Learn. We understand
the need to ensure the program is right for you and
your center before making that investment which is
why we offer the 30-day money-back guarantee. If
you have any problems, issues, or concerns with the
program just return it within 30 days in resalable
condition and we will refund your purchase amount
with no questions asked.
Abortion-Vulnerable Clients
Having the EWYL program is some of the best advertising you can do. Your clients will share their experiences and reach out to their friends and families
who find themselves in difficult pregnancies. They
will provide information about your clinic and the
love and concern you have shown to them. This
personal real-time contact will always be much
more effective than mass cold-contact advertising.
This is more than simply academic. Centers who
use such programs together have found their abortion vulnerable numbers increasing right alongside
their support and parenting numbers.
Earn While You Learn is produced by Heritage House
Breaking the Cycle
The CDC reports that almost 50% of women who
have abortions will have another abortion within
their lifetime. By providing training programs with
parenting advice and prenatal information, your
center can help create a family environment that
may prevent future abortions. The skills and information you impart will have generational impacts
on your clients and their children. Your work will
provide the tools for mothers to raise emotionally
healthy children who hear about the choice of life
directly from their mothers. Having parenting and
support programs will not just help your client; it
will have a multi-generational impact.
EWYL Financing
If you are hoping to have an impact right now just
call and ask for our financing option for EWYL. With
Heritage House’s simple approval process, you can
pay for EWYL based on monthly donations rather
than a large single donation. The process is simple
and works for all non-profit organizations. All you
do is pay 10% of your order total for 12 months and
you own the program! But, best of all, your program
will ship out as soon as you order!
For as little as $169 a month, you can have EWYL
running in your center! Can you find six donors to
give just $30 each every month? That will cover the
cost of the EWYL program. And, after a year, the
program is yours without a large cash payment.
For details on financing, please call Missie at 1-800858-3040 x227. Payments are per month for a
12-month period. Finance charges are included in
the payments. To calculate total cost multiply your
payment by 12. Payment plans are available for
purchases of $500 or more. Credit
is available with a credit card or
an approved application. EWYL
purchases via payment plans are
returnable up to 30 days after the
initial purchase date as long as
they are in resaleable condition.
Director Testimonials
Treehouse moms have been using the ‘Earn While You Learn’
modules since 2004. We have documented more than 1,740
videos watched in the past five years alone. As a teacher by
trade, I can tell you how effective these videos are in the lives
of our moms. The moms engage and actively participate in
each lesson. The videos and corresponding worksheets are
easy to follow, yet challenge the moms and sharpen their parenting skills to better the lives of their children. What a gift for
a struggling mom! We often joke about children not coming
with a manual, but that is exactly what ‘Earn While You Learn’
provides our families.
While there are many great attributes of the ‘Earn While You
Learn’ program, flexibility is at the top of the list for our moms.
Moms come in on their lunch break, watch while they nurse
their newborn, or bring in a partner to also participate in the
program. The Treehouse library now contains Infant Care, Parenting by Heart, Life Skills, Special Circumstances, and the
Toddler modules – allowing our moms to choose lessons from
hundreds of different topics.
Jaleen Claassen, The Treehouse, Administrative Director
I was first introduced to this program in Venice, Florida. I was
amazed at how EWYL truly worked and how the young women loved attending. This is more than a program of learning
how to be the best parent you can be, it is a program that allows the center to show the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace,
long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and
temperance. The young women of today are in need of all.
Susan C Jones, Center Director
We have lawyers and CASA volunteers sending their clients to
New Beginnings to take OUR parenting classes instead of the
state-provided classes. Only your modules put it in a form that
can be easily used by most every girl who comes into our center for parenting classes. I just wanted you to know one more
success story from your Earn While You Learn program.
Judy Rempe, Director, New Beginnings CPC
Call 1-800 858-3040 or online www.ewylonline.com
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Earn While You Learn
is provided by
919 S. Main St., Snowflake, AZ 85937
1-800-858-3040 • www.hh76.org
Find more information online at
www.EWYLOnline.org