Quotes from Mentors
describing some of the services they provide

	“After taking her to her WIC appointment, I took [participant] to the Family Services office so that she could obtain written information about her parental rights. The regional director ended up talking with her and answering her questions for about an hour. She feels more comfortable now with the issues of child support, child custody and establishing paternity.”
“We talked about [participant's] relationship with her boyfriend as we shopped at the mall for toys for the baby. We talked about developmentally stimulating toys. She wore her baby in a `snuggli' while we shopped, and we talked about the positive effects of closeness between mother and baby. We planned to begin driving lessons when the weather is better so she can obtain her driver's license.”
“[Participant] and her boyfriend moved into a new apartment. While I helped her move, we talked about the importance of staying on top of financial obligations. Our discussions went well, and I offered to help them organize a budget. We also discussed some job possibilities and did some job interview role playing.”
“When I reached [participant] today she was very upset. She and her roommate have not been getting along. We spent all day together, talking about those problems, family problems, her future educational and career desires, and social services available to her. I took her to look at two different subsidized housing complexes and we picked up an application at one of them.”
	“During this visit we went to the Division of Family Services to get some public assistance for [participant] and the baby. We then went to her high school to pick up her homework, and I praised her for her efforts to stay in school and keep up with her educational goals. Late that evening she called and said she did not have any formula for the baby. I went to the store with her and purchased baby formula. We talked about the importance of planning ahead so she wouldn't run out of supplies for the baby.”
“Today [participant] had her baby. I visited her in the morning and we talked about how her labor was progressing. I came back in the afternoon just after the baby was born. We talked about her delivery, complications and what she had been told to do for follow-up care. She was lonely, tired and in pain. I was glad I could be there for her.”
“[Participant] and I went shopping and took food for dinner to the Shelter for abused women. She and I then went over A Child is Born, a great book although she thinks some of it (i.e., birth photos) is `gross.' She discussed employment opportunities with my husband. He helped her fill out her application and set up an interview time with her.”
“[Participant] and I attended our weekly Lamaze class together. We went out for dessert afterwards and discussed what she was going to do after the baby is born and once she graduates from high school. She really wants to attend college.”

For additional information, contact:

Kim Allen

Center on Adolescent Sexuality, Pregnancy and Parenting
Associate State Specialist University of MO Extension
303 Gentry Hall Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-884-0644
Fax: 573.884.4878
allenki@missouri.edu
 

HES Extension Site Manager
exthesweb@missouri.edu