Early Parenthood Program

Mentoring Program for Teen Mothers and Their Children to Build a Strong & Healthy Future

Mentoring and Support for Teen Mothers

The Early Parenthood Program uses the “Parents As Teachers” curriculum, designed to promote optimal childhood development, learning and engagement.

  • High school graduation

    Healthy pregnancy and birth

    Nurturing parenting skills

    School-ready children

    Delay of second pregnancy

  • Educational support to allow mothers to complete high school diploma or equivalency

    Healthy parenting skills instruction & coaching

    Monthly one-on-one individual case management

    In-home consultations to establish a nurturing home environment

    Individual goal planning & tracking

    Transportation assistance to health appointments

    Quarterly group education sessions

    Milestone celebrations, fun family excursions, free supplies from the “Baby Closet” and more!

  • Young women ages 12-19 (who are currently pregnant or have one child)

    Mother’s must be enrolled in school or equivalent program

    Must reside in Columbus County

  • Early Parenthood Program Coordinator

    E: epp@ywca-lowercapefear.org

    P: 910-520-4819

    Columbus County office located at:

    Smart Start of Columbus County

    109 W. Main Street

    Whiteville, NC 28472

    P: 910-642-9787

Reach your goal.

At the YWCA we believe all women deserve the opportunity to complete their education and reach their goals. YWCA’s Early Parenthood Program (EPP) aims to help pregnant and parenting teens stay in school and graduate, access higher education and vocational training, develop the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parents and delay another teen pregnancy. We are committed to ensuring bright futures for teens and their families.

Young women interested in joining the Early Parenthood Program can apply for the program at the Partnership for Children of Columbus County or contact the program coordinator for an application. Applications are taken on a rolling basis, dependent on class size and current participant roster.

Need Help? Chat Now!

From YWCA USA – Chat online or text “PPNOW” to 774636 (PPINFO)* to get answers to your questions about pregnancy, birth control, emergency contraception, STDs, and abortion.

The Chat/Text program enables adolescents and young people to contact Planned Parenthood health educators through text or instant messaging to ask questions about birth control, emergency contraception, STD testing, pregnancy testing, or abortion. Planned Parenthood health educators answer any question related to these topics, and provide medically accurate responses using behavioral theory and communication science to encourage positive health behaviors.

Chat/Text health educators are trained to answer questions like the following, and more:

  • How do I know if I’m pregnant?

  • I forgot to take my birth control pill, what do I do?

  • What do I do if I forgot to use a condom?

  • How does the abortion pill work?

  • How do I treat a UTI?

  • How do I know if I have an STD?

Chat is available Monday-Thursday 9 AM-11:30 PM (ET), Friday 9 AM-10 PM (ET), Saturday 9 AM-5 PM (ET), and Sunday 12 PM-11:30 PM (ET).

Go to the YWCA USA website to begin your chat.

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