FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2008
FRC Provides Mentoring Network for Pregnant Teens
Experienced Parenting Role Models Paired with Expectant Teen Mothers and Fathers
St. Louis, MO – Research has shown that young people who grow up with negative parenting role models have more difficulty succeeding as parents themselves. In order to nurture parenting success for the generations to come, Family Resource Center (FRC) offers a program that matches expectant teen mothers and fathers with mentors skilled in communications and decision making.
St. Louis Volunteer Resource Parents (SLVRP) matches pregnant teenagers and young parents with trained volunteer mentors to offer emotional support and parenting techniques during and after pregnancy. SLVRP is patterned upon a model known as Missouri Volunteer Resource Mothers, a research project created at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1994.
At a recent clinical review one young mother explained how her mentor made a difference in her life. She said, “On my 18th birthday, I aged out of foster care. I was out there on the streets with no where to go. Unfortunately, the wrong type of people took me in. I got involved with drugs and became pregnant. And then my mentor, Mary came into my life. Every day I thank God for Mary. She’s really like a Mom to me. I call her whenever I’m down or don’t know what to do. She’s taught me how to care for my baby, and I look forward to getting together with her every week. Thanks to Mary’s help, I have been able to stay off drugs. I’ve been able to keep my baby and take good care of her. I have a job and am working things out with my baby’s father.”
“Many times these are just kids who are alone, scared and taking on adult responsibilities that they are not equipped for,” said Greg Echele, Executive Director of Family Resource Center. “Mentors can make an enormous difference to young people who want to succeed but need encouragement and guidance on how to go about it.”
Under the umbrella of the Missouri Mentoring Partnership (MMP), in addition to parenting mentors, Family Resource Center also offers St. Louis Drug Court Mentoring and Work Site Mentoring employment-readiness and job mentoring for teens. To volunteer call 314-534-9350.
About Family Resource Center
Family Resource Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is one of Missouri's largest family counseling agencies dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse and neglect. Established in 1974, the nationally accredited agency has served more than 100,000 children and family members in St. Louis City and surrounding counties. In 2007, FRC served more than 10,000 children and parents - strengthening families through therapeutic, educational, mentoring and supportive services. FRC also offers consultation and training for social service professionals who work with families and children, as well as Parents Anonymous® support groups.