Pregnancy, Parenting, Adoption Program Offers Hope and Help

Published: October 30, 2003

ATLANTA—The following story, written for the 50th anniversary of Catholic Social Services in 2003, is also an example of how one of the programs funded by the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal ministers and gives new hope to persons in need.

It was April 2003, and Catholic Social Services’ caseworker Omalisa Draper was traveling through her neighborhood, when she came across a young woman sitting by the side of the road crying. Draper stopped to see if she could help the girl. It turned out the young woman was pregnant and homeless.

There was no question for the caseworker what had to be done next. Through CSS resources, Draper located a shelter where the young woman could stay for the remainder of her pregnancy. A CSS caseworker helped her get through some tight spots and was always available by phone to listen to Amy (name changed to protect the client), by giving good advice and providing referrals.

In June 2003, a healthy baby girl was born to Amy. At this point, both mother and child became clients of CSS. The Parent-Talk mentoring program assisted the young mother and her infant in many areas. The young mom became very motivated, recognizing that employment is essential, and began to take computer classes.

Amy proudly introduced the CSS staff to her tiny baby girl and remains full of hope because she knows she can turn to CSS for ongoing support. Even though a long and probably not an easy road lies ahead for the young mother and her baby, a distinct spirit of hope and fortitude walks alongside both.

The services of the Pregnancy, Parenting & Adoption (PPA) program and its Parent-Talk service range from supplying support to new parents, dealing with issues of crisis pregnancies to providing initial assistance. The foremost service is geared toward all issues connected to unexpected pregnancies, which often can turn into a crisis for the mother or parents-to-be. Helping these parents make a plan for their child and themselves to parent the child is the primary focus.

If birthparents make the choice to have the child adopted, PPA has trained adoptive parents awaiting the opportunity to adopt a child, in an open adoption environment, which brings birthparents and adoptive parents together. Many babies find new homes.

Last year, the PPA program served 210 pregnant women, fathers, children and extended family members. Sixty-four adoptive families and children were aided in the cooperative open adoption program. Fourteen infants were placed for adoption. Over 70 percent of clients helped in the adoption program are minority and/or Spanish-speaking persons.