Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
Pregnant women began turning to CSSW for help more than 50 years ago. CSSW provides many services to expectant
parents, including: parenting education,
prisoner outreach, and a residential home for teens. Each program provides hands-on assistance for
pregnant moms, whether they want to enhance their parenting ability or choose
adoption.
Pregnancy
Counseling provides guidance and referrals for expectant
parents, coordinating with Adoption Services
to offer ongoing counseling, support groups, and workshops for those making an
adoption plan. Several years ago,
Pregnancy Counseling added an outreach service for incarcerated women at the
Huron Valley Correctional Facility – helping them make guardianship, power of
attorney, or adoption plans.
Opened in 1984, the Father Patrick Jackson
House is a residence providing pregnant teens and adolescent moms
with life skills education in a safe home environment. CSSW’s Healthy
Families program provides 1-on-1 support for new parents throughout
pregnancy and until the child turns 5.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week, we share the
story of Danielle, who is involved with the Fr. Pat Jackson House:
Danielle is a 20-year old single
mother and full-time nursing student. She
has plenty of good friends, works as a nurse’s aide, is on the college Deans
List, and has a healthy and happy 3-year old daughter, Leesa.
Four years ago, however, Danielle’s
life couldn’t have been more different. A
former honor student and standout volleyball player, she started fighting with
her family, drinking, skipping school, and was booted from the team when her
grades dropped. Often, she didn’t bother
coming home at all. Then she found out
she was pregnant.
That’s when Danielle came to CSSW
for help. Through the Father Patrick
Jackson House, she found a stable home environment where she established a
positive routine. She returned to
school, received prenatal care and counseling, and enrolled in on-site parenting
classes. She also began repairing her
broken family relationships.
A few months after her 18th
birthday, Danielle and Leesa moved into their first apartment with money she
saved while living at Father Pat’s. Two
years later, she continues to excel in both work and school, determined to be a
good role model for her little girl.
With the help she received through CSSW, this troubled teen has grown
into a responsible young parent.
This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member
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