1. Are your volunteers licensed counsellors?
2. Do you refer to licensed counsellors?
3. Do you refer for abortions?
4. Will you try to change my mind if I want an abortion?
5. How long will you stay with me if I choose to take part in the Zoe community?
6. Is your organization affiliated with any party?
7. Are you affiliated with a particular religion?
8. Are you government-funded?
9. Where can I read your GDPR Policy?

1.  Are your volunteers licensed counselors?

With the exception of those who are individually licensed, no. Our volunteers are trained in the art of listening without criticism and in communicating with people in crisis. If you want to email info@zoecommunity.ie us for more details about our training program, don’t hesitate to ask!

2.  Do you refer to licensed counselors?

Yes. We do our best to assess when a situation is beyond our scope and when we should refer on. We are proud to provide a “soft entry” for those who have mixed feelings about seeking professional counseling. We do not refer to any counselor who isn’t fully qualified. Some organizations that offer counseling have an initial informal “get-to-know-you” session with a trained volunteer, but we make sure that we clarify that distinction to each person we refer.

3.  Do you refer for abortions?

No, that is not a service that we provide.

4.  Will you try to change my mind if I want an abortion?

No. We do not believe it is ethical to try to change someone’s mind. Our goal is to encourage you to think. We do two things when we chat with you: (1) Listen and (2) Ask purposeful questions. We believe that it is important to ask challenging questions when we are at a crossroad in life. We do not give advice unless specifically asked to do so. Be encouraged that each and every team member is here to help you and will not leave you, no matter what you choose. Zoe volunteers respect individual freedom to make decisions. They will welcome you and care for you no matter what you decide.

5.  How long will you stay with me if I choose to take part in the Zoe community?

We are with you for the long haul. That means that we are with you through pregnancy, birth, and your child’s early life. We will be with you, if you choose abortion. We will support you as you move forward until you can stand firmly.

6.  Is your organisation affiliated with any party?

No. We are a faith-based organisation with no affiliation. We do not encourage trained Zoe team members to represent Zoe in political protests. We believe that politics are important, but that is not our ultimate purpose here at Zoe. We also do not approve of our volunteers stating negative messages (verbally or in written form) outside of clinics or hospitals that provide abortion.

7.  Are you affiliated with a particular religion?

Our core team members and many of our volunteers have relationships with Jesus. Our trained team members are supported by Christian groups of many different denominations and styles. Not all Zoe volunteers attend these churches or are Christians, but they still work together to ensure that women are supported. Zoe Community respects individual freedom to make faith decisions. We will welcome you and care for you no matter what your background might be.

8.  Are you government-funded?

No. Our funding comes from private donors.

9.  Where can I read your GDPR Policy?

You can have a look at the complete privacy policy here.