“Methods of Motherhood” - Providing Services and Education for Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers in Saratoga Springs
Franklin Community Center has always been committed to meeting the needs that exist in our community. It has been brought to our attention that there is a desperate need for services for pregnant and parenting teenagers in our area. Accordingly, we would like to provide programming for this underserved population through a program that will collaborate with other non-profit organizations to educate and inform as well as connect these individuals to beneficial services.
Pregnant and parenting teenagers exist in our community. As of May 2008 within Saratoga County, there were 74 girls under the age of 19 that are receiving WIC (the free supplemental food program for women, infants, and children). To qualify for WIC, a person must first meet income and residency guidelines and must reside in New York State. Out of the 74 girls just mentioned, 47 are within the ages of 17 – 19; 22 are 16 or 17; and five are under the age of 16.
We are pleased to announce that The Charles R. Wood Foundation graciously supported our initiative with a $5,000.00 grant to begin our program. Our Center will provide monthly education classes for pregnant and parenting teens in our area. Groups will meet the last Tuesday of every month in the community room at the United Methodist Church.
Some of the topics will be:
- Breastfeeding and Developing Healthy Support Systems
- Budgeting for Your Family and Child
- CPR and Family First Aid
- Dealing with Difficult Behaviors (colic, tantrums, eating patterns)
- Infant Massage and Exercise for You and Your Child
- Infant Safety and Baby Proofing the Home
- Making Homemade Baby Food
We will also provide a healthy meal and giveaway.
Based on individual need, we will provide the teenagers with the services or resources they need or refer them as needed through our connection with various agencies. Our Center’s ancillary services will be available and beneficial to all that enroll in our program; we want to reach out and make a difference in the lives of our youth and their children. Our vision of this program is one that will be successful and innovative for our agency; we strive always to meet the needs of our community and feel that the time has come to add yet another level of services to our public.
If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our M.O.M. Program, please contact our Center to set up a time to come in for an meeting. This process only takes 20 minutes and will then make you eligible to join our free monthly educational classes.
Contact Jaime Williams at 518-587-9826 for more information.