08/21/2026
Serving Christ on Milwaukee’s North Side 💙💛
Our volleyball student-athletes and parent chaperones recently had an unbelievable day serving at CareNet Pregnancy Center in Milwaukee. Quite honestly, it is hard to put the experience into words.
CareNet serves women and families facing pregnancy decisions and provides ongoing support to moms and children. Their ministry includes pregnancy services and ultrasounds, counseling and prayer, parenting classes, Bible studies, and a boutique where moms can use “Baby Bucks” earned through participation in programs to receive clothing, diapers, formula, car seats, Pack ’n Plays, bath products, and many other necessities. Childcare is even offered free of charge while moms attend classes.
Much of this incredible ministry is made possible through donations and volunteers.
Our group of 17 student-athletes got to experience that firsthand—and they came ready to work!
The girls worked straight through until CareNet closed, even eating their sack lunches while they worked. They helped prepare large mailings and tackled CareNet’s basement, where hundreds of totes of donated children’s clothing are stored. They sorted clothing by age, gender, and season and were able to get CareNet completely caught up on its donated children’s clothing!!
CareNet Director Rachel was amazed by how much the girls accomplished. The moms along for the trip joked that she had just witnessed the "Dutch work ethic" in action!
But the day was about much more than getting work done.
The students had the opportunity to see firsthand a ministry committed to walking alongside women and families—not only during pregnancy, but after a child is born. They saw what it looks like for Christians to put their beliefs into action by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
One of the highlights was reconnecting with CWC alumna Julia Rens Houdek, who even pulled out her 2001 volleyball shirt from the Coach Rhonda Schouten days for the occasion! Julia showed the girls an eight-week ultrasound, complete with a tiny heartbeat. That experience sparked plenty of questions from the girls and even some conversations about possible future careers.
We left Milwaukee impressed by the scope of CareNet’s ministry and the many ways people can be involved, from knitting blankets and donating supplies to volunteering time and supporting their programs. There are so many opportunities to come alongside a ministry striving to be the hands and feet of Jesus in its community.
Most importantly, it was a wonderful opportunity for our student-athletes to serve together and see the Great Commission lived out in a tangible way.
Thank you to the parents and chaperones who gave their time to make this opportunity possible, and thank you to the CWC Booster Club for supporting our volleyball student-athletes as they participated in this local mission project.
We are grateful for a day of hard work, learning, fellowship, and service—and for another opportunity for our students to use the gifts God has given them for His glory.
