Early Parenthood Program provides mentoring and support for teen mothers and their children to build a strong & healthy future.
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.
Goals of Early Parenthood Program
- High school graduation
- Healthy pregnancy and birth
- Nurturing parenting skills
- School-ready children
- Delay of second pregnancy
The Early Parenthood program uses the “Parents As Teachers” Curriculum, designed to promote optimal childhood development, learning and engagement.
What’s Included
- 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!
Program Eligibility
- 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
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.
For more information, contact:
Early Parenthood Program Coordinator
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
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.