The Life Centers of Ventura County entered into a contract for services with Options United in September of 2015. As the Executive Director and a Client Advocate, I was impressed with their vision and product. The Life Centers of Ventura County had operated our own 24 hour Helpline for over forty years, but, we had become concerned about our ability to staff the Helpline and to keep our Phone Counselors up to date with the challenges that come with becoming a licensed medical clinic.
We became convinced that Options United reflected our own values and counseling techniques after we had two representatives come and give a workshop on “Taking the Abortion Call.” Their training and technique so closely mirrored ours that we had to ask ourselves “Why are we duplicating the wheel? Working with Thomas Rudkins was easy and we were able to customize a contract to suit our needs, participating in the Options United programs that fit our Center. It was relatively easy to make the switch, we were able to keep our 800 number and the Options United staff is available for any and all questions. Thomas Rudkins has always been available whenever needed to offer technical support. He understands the types of calls that come in and effective SEO strategies. Options United has given us a wider internet presence, so in addition to direct referrals from Options United, we also get calls made directly to us from our information on their site.
The online scheduling link is an effective tool for getting abortion-minded clients in to the office. We just got this coordinated. One such client told me “I knew I had to come in and get answers to my questions.” Being able to give her an actual appointment slowed the momentum down for our client to make a more considered decision. She had googled “abortions” and “clinics”. Like all of the Options United referrals, she knew we do not perform or refer for abortions.
While our affiliation with Options United is fairly new, I have every reason to think that scene will be played out many times. Our foot traffic has increased on an average of two clients a week and I think this number will grow in time, especially as Options United is able to grow to a 24 hour helpline and has more funds to advertise more. Ultimately, I think the concept of uniting all our individual efforts will save more women and children from the scourge of abortion. Options United will be an important part of that.