Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens Across North Carolina

Being a teenager is hard enough, but when you add pregnancy or parenting into the mix, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are programs across North Carolina that provide support to pregnant and parenting teens.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of these programs, hear from real teens who have benefited from them, and provide some practical tips for finding help and support.

Real Stories: How Support Programs Changed Lives

When I found out I was pregnant, I didn't know what to do. I was scared and felt alone. But then I found the Teen Parenting Program at my school, and it changed everything for me.

That's what Sarah, a 17-year-old high school student, had to say about her experience with the Teen Parenting Program. This program, run by the school district, provides educational and emotional support to pregnant and parenting teens.

According to Sarah, the program helped her with everything from finding a doctor to providing childcare while she attended classes. "I don't know where I'd be without it," she says.

When my girlfriend told me she was pregnant, I was scared. I didn't know how I was going to provide for her and the baby. But then I discovered the Young Fathers Program.

That's what James, a 19-year-old, had to say about his experience with the Young Fathers Program. This program, run by a local nonprofit, provides support and resources to young fathers.

James says the program helped him with everything from finding a job to learning how to be a good parent. "I never knew there were so many resources out there for young fathers," he says. "It's made a huge difference for me and my family."

Support

While stories like Sarah's and James's are powerful, it's also important to look at some quantifiable examples of support provided to pregnant and parenting teens in North Carolina. Here are just a few:

• In 2020, the Family Life Council in Wilmington provided resources and support to over 300 pregnant and parenting teens in the area.
• The Young Parent Initiative in Charlotte has helped over 1,000 pregnant and parenting teens graduate from high school since it was founded in 2012.
• The Teen Parent Program in Raleigh has a 98% graduation rate among participants.
• The Guilford Adolescent Parenting Program in Greensboro provides free childcare to participants while they attend classes or work.

These examples show that support programs for pregnant and parenting teens can make a real difference in their lives, helping them graduate from high school, find employment, and provide for their families.

Resources for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

If you or someone you know is a pregnant or parenting teenager in North Carolina, there are a number of resources available to provide help and support. Here are just a few:

• Teen Parenting Program (Raleigh): Provides educational and emotional support to pregnant and parenting teens, as well as resources for childcare, healthcare, and more.
• Young Fathers Program (Raleigh): Provides support and resources to young fathers, including job training, parenting classes, and more.
• Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program (Wilmington): Provides resources and support to pregnant and parenting teens, including parenting classes, childcare, and more.
• Guilford Adolescent Parenting Program (Greensboro): Provides educational and emotional support to pregnant and parenting teens, as well as free childcare while they attend classes or work.

These resources are just a starting point. It's important to do your own research and find the programs and resources that best meet your needs. And don't be afraid to reach out for help – there are people who care and want to support you.

Conclusion: Support for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

1. Pregnancy and parenting can be challenging, especially for teenagers. But there are programs across North Carolina that provide support and resources to help.
2. Real stories like those of Sarah and James show the impact of these programs on individuals and families.
3. Quantifiable examples and resources provide concrete evidence of the benefits of support programs for pregnant and parenting teens.

If you or someone you know needs help and support, don't hesitate to reach out. There are people who care and want to help you succeed as a parent and as a young person.