Mother Mentor Match: one-on-one mentoring relationship between a trained Mother Mentor and a Young Mother. Mentors help provide education, friendship, encouragement and support.

Teen Parenting Classes: focus on the specific needs of the young parent and their families. Teens will learn more about effectively parenting their children and the importance of goal setting. Class lengths vary from one to two days a week for six or 12 weeks.

Teens Talkin’ Groups: young parents (both guys and girls) receive information on community services, create healthy friendships and learn effective parenting skills. The teens talk about what they want to talk about.

The B.I.G. Event: held four to six times a year, baby items are given away to pregnant and parenting teens at no cost. Donations are always welcome from the community. Items needed include but are not limited to diapers of all sizes, formula, baby and toddler clothes, maternity clothes, cribs, car seats, infant carriers, and more.

Baby Think It Over® Program with RealCare® Baby II: using an infant simulator, teens are presented the opportunity to experience the realities of caring for an infant. Call the office to begin the Baby Think It Over Program®

Young Mother Applications: If you are a pregnant and parenting teen, or know someone who is, please call Families First for an application to be a part of our program. You are not alone, and we can help!

Mentoring Opportunities: Mother Mentor needs caring, responsible mothers to serve as mentors. Please contact the office if you wish to participate in this most rewarding program.

Currently the Mother Mentor program is working with Life Skills of Canton to provide parenting classes to the students. Through the teaching of "Baby Basics," nutrition, and positive parenting, the teens at Life Skills can be successful and caring parents.

The Mother Mentor program hosts a Free Baby Item Give-A-Way four to six times per year. Members of the Stark County community donate gently used items for the pregnant or parenting teens.

The Mother Mentor program is currently planning many exciting activities for both teens and mentors. College visits, cooking classes, crafts, and seminars are just a few of the upcoming events.

Mother Mentor also works with the Stark County schools through the GRADS program. Through class visits, and referrals, the Mother Mentor program and GRADS help the young mothering and pregnant teens both in school and after.

Coordinator of Educational Services - Contact Kim Kuhns
Coordinator of Support Services - Contact Brennan McKelley

Success Story!

"When I met my teen, she was 16 years old and had a one-year old baby, and was pregnant again. I had already been involved with the Mother Mentor program and was looking forward to working with this teen. Ever since our first time we met, my teen and I have been really close! We went to the movies together, shopping, and just hung out. Then one day, right before she gave birth, she asked me to be the Godmother of her child! I was so happy! It made me feel good and excited that we had formed this life-long bond. I see so much of myself in her. I know we will be friends for a very long time."

Mia Williams - Mother Mentor