Parenting, whether alone or with a partner, is not an easy thing to do. Like anything else, there are many joys, and there are many difficulties. Our pregnancy counselors can assist you with the following as you consider if parenting is right for you:
- Receive information and assistance applying for and/or locating medical care and insurance
- Receive information regarding potential financial resources that may be available, including WIC, MFIP, Child Care Assistance & Child Support
- Connect with various parenting resources based on your needs and location, including Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and parenting classes
“Lutheran Social Service helped me learn about the pros and cons of both options: adoption and parenting. They helped me realize the support I have around me and encouraged me to do a lot of things on my own. I had a hard time telling people I was pregnant; my social worker helped me learn what to say and how to react to people’s comments. After I built up confidence around that, it made things so much easier. Looking at adoption and parenting, I thought I would want to create an adoption plan but I changed my mind after learning about both options. Now, as a parent, I wouldn’t do anything differently.”
– Pregnancy Services Client
Asking and Answering the Tough Questions
Along with connecting you to resources, our pregnancy counselors will help you ask and answer the tough questions that are necessary when considering whether you’re prepared to parent. You will work together to identify your support persons (i.e. family members and/or friends who can help you parent), as well as evaluate your monthly budget and expenses and how you can expect these to change after the birth of your child.
Child Care Assistance through MN Department of Human Services
Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help to make quality child care affordable for income-eligible families. All families will have a copayment based on their gross income and family size. Find out if your family is eligible for this program by visiting the Department of Human Services site.
Nurturing Parents and Children Program
Lutheran Social Service also has a program specifically to help parents who would like additional support and education. The Nurturing Parents and Children Program offers parenting groups and classes that provide information, support and resources to help parents build a healthy relationship with their children. Ongoing classes are held in the Lutheran Social Service Minneapolis Office and are free of charge, thanks to funding support from the United Way and other foundations.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call 612.879.5211.
