Single Parenting

Raising your baby alone is probably the most demanding job in the universe. If you are a teen, it can seem overwhelming. If you are finished with your education and working, it can still seem daunting.

If circumstances are making your pregnancy difficult, call Birth Choice and let us offer you assurance and support. You are not alone. There are many people who care about you and your baby who are willing to stand with you and help you find the courage and resources to give your baby life. All our services are free.

Here are some of the ways we can help:

• Pregnancy tests
• Counseling with trained, lay counselors
• Assistance in applying for Medi-Cal or AIM
• Maternity and baby clothes formula and diapers
• Support groups
• Host homes for clients needing housing
• Adoption referrals and counseling
• Medical, financial and legal referrals

Where you will live, child support and custody issues with the father of the baby, child care while you are at work or school, dating and your social life, your child's well being without a father in the home, and finances must be realistically faced when you are making your plans. Birth Choice's services listed above and resources we can access through networking with other agencies can help. Most of the help is temporary and designed to get you started on the path to self sufficiency. There are now many educational materials and support groups for single parents. Check into Focus on the Family Single Parenting resources at www.family.org, the YMCA and local church programs.