The YWCA is a familiar acronym but I really didn’t know what they do until one reader suggested I research the program they operate in Greensboro, North Carolina for teen moms. The organization has existed since the 1850s. Yes, they’re more than a century and a half old. I’m surprised I knew so little about them.
“Eliminating racism, empowering women” is the YWCA motto. I support both those missions, so I dug a bit deeper into their history and initiatives. The YWCA operates 194 associations who coordinate programs with local or area partners to fill the unique needs of their communities. They’re also affiliated with the World YWCA, which operates globally to advance women’s rights in more than 120 countries worldwide.
In Greensboro, NC, the YWCA opened in 1903 with a rest and reading room. That’s an initiative I can really get behind! From that humble start, both the Greensboro affiliate and the national organization spread into most of the US and over the next century, offering an impressive array of classes and supports for women of all ages. It’s no surprise that they were also active in quite a few political causes affecting women’s rights through the years.
The Pregnant Teen Program was created in Greensboro in 1980, “which helps teen mothers succeed in school, postpone subsequent births to beyond adolescence, and deliver and raise healthy, school-ready children.” The Teen Parent Mentor Program came in 1984 and the Teen Families Reading Together in 1998.
Today, the Greensboro YWCA operates a family shelter, partners with the United Way to offer a Family Success Center that provides coaching and childcare, adult childbirth education, and Doula training. Services for teen moms now includes the Teen Mentor Program, Teens Learning Childbirth, and Sponsor-a-Mom, which allows community members to donate needed supplies to assist teen parents in caring for their children.
The Teen Parent Mentor Program, which is supported by the United Way in Greensboro’s county, serves mothers ages 19 and younger. It works toward eliminating the disadvantages of racial, ethnic or socioeconomic and health challenges. Teens who participate in the program receive individual and peer support in groups.
Educational programs provide information on how to enhance their families’ well-being in subjects such as nutrition, prenatal care, responsible parenting, child abuse and neglect. They also gain job readiness skills and receive assistance in identifying safe housing. Ongoing childbirth classes prepare the teens to deliver healthy babies and to practice self-care for themselves during and after delivery. The YWCA provides transportation and a meal for class participants.
The goal is a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. With a healthy start, the children are more likely to be prepared to succeed in school.
Case managers and mentors provide positive encouragement that helps teens complete high school if necessary. Additional support is provided by volunteer doulas who work with the teens before, during, and after childbirth. The goal is a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. With a healthy start, the children are more likely to be prepared to succeed in school.
Beyond the births of their children, teens are also educated about safe methods of preventing future pregnancies while they are still teens. The Greensboro community contributes to the program by providing physical supplies such as diapers, baby furniture, strollers, toiletries, and more, helping the moms and families become or remain independent. The organization’s website lists the items that are most needed by their clients and recruits volunteers to become mentors.
I’m very impressed with the Greensboro YWCA’s commitment to supporting young moms in their community and hope the model has been replicated elsewhere. Teens suffer a great deal of unfair discrimination and public scorn for becoming pregnant. It’s heartening to see local organizations stepping up to provide the support they and their children need to become responsible members of their communities.
Janice Airhart 