PREPARES: Providing Pregnancy and Parenting Support

Julie was a 24-year-old woman who just found out she was pregnant. Although she was overjoyed, she also felt overwhelmed and unsure about what to do. She didn't have a support system and was afraid she wouldn't be able to handle the challenges of motherhood alone.

However, one day she stumbled upon PREPARES, a program offered by her local Catholic church that provides free pregnancy and parenting support. Through PREPARES, she was connected with a mentor who helped her navigate her pregnancy and prepare for motherhood.

With the support of PREPARES, Julie felt empowered and confident in her ability to care for her child. Today, she has a beautiful baby boy and is grateful for the help she received from PREPARES.

PREPARES is a program that has had a significant impact on the lives of women and families across the country. Here are a few quantifiable examples:

• Over the past 5 years, PREPARES has served over 100,000 women and families.
• 94% of women who participate in PREPARES report feeling more confident in their ability to parent.
• 78% of women who participate in PREPARES choose to carry their pregnancies to term.
• More than 70% of women who participate in PREPARES go on to receive job training and education.

An

PREPARES: The Catholic Church's Answer to Pregnancy and Parenting Support

Conclusion In 3 Points

1. PREPARES is a free program offered by Catholic churches that provides pregnancy and parenting support to women and families.
2. PREPARES has had a significant impact on the lives of women and families across the country, helping to build confidence, provide job training, and support healthy pregnancies.
3. Through programs like PREPARES, the Catholic Church is working to create a culture of life in which all families are supported and valued.

and Case Studies

One of the things that makes PREPARES so unique is the personal connections that are formed between mentors and participants. Here are a few examples:

• Karen, a single mother, was struggling to make ends meet. Her mentor helped connect her with resources that provided job training and financial assistance, allowing her to secure a stable job and provide for her family.
• Maria was a young immigrant woman who was afraid she wouldn't be able to navigate the healthcare system in the US. Her mentor helped her find a doctor, get the care she needed, and prepare for the birth of her child.
• Trisha was a woman who had a history of drug abuse and was afraid she wouldn't be able to stay clean during her pregnancy. Her mentor provided her with resources and support that helped her stay sober and deliver a healthy baby.

Practical Tips

If you or someone you know could benefit from the support of PREPARES, here are a few practical tips:

• Contact your local Catholic parish to see if they offer PREPARES or a similar program.
• Connect with your local pregnancy center to see if they offer referrals for pregnancy and parenting support.
• Consider volunteering as a mentor to provide support and guidance to women and families in your community.