Is Parenting Right for You?
No one is fully prepared to parent. Every child and every situation is unique. If you’ve discovered you’re unexpectedly pregnant and want to find out if it’s possible to parent, we can help you. We promise, you will not be alone. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ask Yourself Some Important Questions
Sometimes, the easiest way to determine what step you should take is to look at the steps you’ve already taken. Ask yourself the following questions to determine what assistance you might need if you choose to parent.
- Will my partner support my decision to parent? Will he co-parent with me?
- Will my parents assist me if I parent?
- Can I continue my job or finish my education?
- Where will I live?
- Do I have the desire and determination to parent?
- How can I get medical insurance?
Get Connected With Resources
The Women’s Centers and the state of Illinois have a wealth of resources to assist you. We provide free educational opportunities and work with many other local organizations to provide you with community and financial resources.
Illinois offers many excellent parenting programs. Here are a few:
- Better Birth Outcomes – Navigation, which assists pregnant and postpartum women and their infants.
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
- All Our Kids Early Childhood Networks (AOK Networks).
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).
- Medical, housing, and legal assistance.
Kids Don’t Come With Operating Manuals
Parenting is never perfect, but with a great deal of love and determination, it is possible to be successful. Schedule an appointment to talk with us about the resources you have available and what you may need moving forward.
We want to assist you in any way possible. Your success is our goal. Meet with a caring member of our staff, and let’s put a parenting plan together.