Resources For New Teen Moms
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” – C.S. Lewis
An unplanned pregnancy is frightening. The thought of being responsible for the care, feeding, and development of another human being is overwhelming, but it’s also overwhelmingly rewarding. Many new teen moms are not aware of the resources that are available locally to help them. At Life Line Pregnancy Center, we want new mothers to realize that they’re not alone. From our dedicated counselors to parenting classes, we can guide and direct you to the information you need. Following are some resources:
Life Line Pregnancy Center
We are located on Fountain Drive in Wilmington, and we offer free infant care and Parenting 101 classes. Last year, approximately 65 moms and dads-to-be participated in our classes. If you’re worried about how you can afford to raise a child, Life Line counselors will help you create a financial budget. We also have a list of local child care resources. If you’d like to explore adoption, we have extensive information that can help you.
Your Local High School Guidance Office
Did you know that federal and state law requires public schools to work with teen moms to ensure that they have a chance to complete their education? This law is a part of a mandate called Title IX (Title 9). Any time you have to miss school to care for your sick child, it’s considered an excused absence, and the school system must work with you. Schools also assign homebound teachers to help make-up course work you’ve missed during your pregnancy. Your school’s guidance counselor will have additional information.
Being a new mom is utterly exhausting, and for that reason, it’s tempting to drop out of school because you “don’t have time for it.” However, it’s important to realize that without a solid education, it’ll be difficult to get a job that can financially support you and your baby—especially if the father has chosen not to be involved.
Communities in Schools of Cape Fear provides free programming to New Hanover County students, including a high school site coordinator.
Child Care And Development Sources
Finding reliable child care is challenging. You can find a directory of local facilities by clicking here. Smart Start of New Hanover County provides educational resources to help prepare your child for a lifetime of learning. For more information, visit the Smart State webpage.
Financial Assistance
The NC Department of Social Services has a program called TANF that provides assistance payments to low-income parents for a limited amount of time. Assistance includes help with education, job training and employment. However, there are very specific criteria that you must meet to be eligible for TANF. For more information, visit the website for the NC Department of Social Services.
Medical Care
The New Hanover Community Health Center provides quality health care at a reasonable cost and promotes healthy lifestyles through wellness and preventive programs. Some services offered are free newborn screenings, blood pressure checks and TB skin tests. More information can be found here.
The community health center also has a Helping Mothers and Families Program that assists minority mothers (18 and older) and families find a doctor, get to appointments, seek financial assistance, receive employment training and find a job. Free classes are held for all races and genders. There are some fees associated with these services, and those interested in learning more should contact the center at 910-343-0270.
New Hanover County also has a clinic that offers services free or on a sliding scale. Information can be found here.
The Greatest Resource
At times, you feel like you’re all alone. At the Life Line Pregnancy Center, we want you to know that you’re loved and that there are people who care about you. As a teen mother, you may lose touch with those you thought were your friends. Some may not want to hang out with you now that you have a baby. Your true friends will be there for you through the toughest times, and often, they can be a source of hope and encouragement. We want to remind you that volunteers and employees of the Life Line Pregnancy Center are here to help you. Contact us at (910) 392-0001 info@lifelinewilmington.org