June 2020

How Will COVID-19 Impact Family Life This Summer?

Although some of the COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, many of us are still staying home and spending a majority of time with our immediate family. We know that this season of mandated togetherness has brought on added responsibility for some parents as they stepped into the role of being their children’s in-person teachers. For other families, it has brought on an extra tension at home as they navigate sibling conflicts and stressed out kids.

Maybe for the first time, your family had to learn how to be together-all day, every day, sunrise to sunset. We get that it has been a challenge and will probably continue to be as we continue to move through this time of COVID. That being said, we would like to offer you some thoughtful encouragement as the time of distance learning turns to summer.

Reflect on the Past Few Months

1. Look around you, at your home and family and give yourself a pat on the back. Even if it has been incredibly hard, your family has come a long way in being together! Sure, it probably hasn’t been perfect but that is okay! What is one way your family has grown together in the last few months that has surprised you?
2. Even if it didn’t always seem like it, your kids did learn something during all this distance learning. They learned new tech skills, how to engage with classmates virtually and adjusted to the major change in their school life. Even if your kid didn’t master multiplication, he/she gained life skills during this time. In what ways did your child(ren) impress you with how they responded to virtual learning?
3. Embrace this season of life for what it is! It is a messy, uncertain time for everyone. Do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself or your children with other families. Remember you are doing the best you can with what you have. What’s one way your family has gotten creative during this time (home-made masks, trying different foods, etc.)?

Prepare for the Summer Months

As you move in to the summertime, with the likelihood of summer activities being cancelled or limited, here are some ideas to embrace this summer together, in all its messiness and uncertainty:

• Create a nature journal to use on nature walks! Collect leaf print, tree names and bird and bug drawings.
• Think of a team name for your family.
• Build in snuggle time with your kids each day as you read aloud a book together.
• Start a dance challenge with your friends and family! The Marco Polo App is a free, fun way to connect with others.
• Start reading a book series together as a family.
• Make chalk art obstacle courses on your driveway or sidewalk.
• Build pillow and blanket forts in your living room on the rainy days.

And remember, the time your kids spend with you is priceless. These moments of togetherness, having you close, and learning from you are key to their development. There isn’t a curriculum to follow – just be present with your kids, and see what happens.

People of First Care: Kendrah’s Story

I told my mom about my pregnancy pretty abruptly. I had been living with my ex-boyfriend and things took a turn for the worse. I had distanced myself from my family, made some bad decisions, and ended up in a scary situation.  I had never considered pregnancy options, including adoption.

When I found out I was pregnant, I ended up reaching out to my mom about a day after. I asked her to pick me up and she did. I got in the car and said, “Mom, please don’t hate me. I’m pregnant.” And she just sat there with a blank look on her face for a minute before saying, “Okay, go grab your things. We’ll get you home. It’s going to be okay. I love you.” I went home that very day and cut off all contact with my ex.

My mom was definitely my number one support system the entire time I was pregnant. She dropped everything in her life to make sure that I had everything I needed—and that I felt supported and loved. I have put her through a lot, and she has never shown me anything but unconditional love throughout this whole journey.

Considering Adoption

Adoption was never something I thought I’d consider. I always thought if I ever got pregnant, I’d raise my child.

Throughout my decision-making process, First Care was such a valuable and truly loving, supportive environment. When I first arrived, I was very nervous, but they made me feel safe and heard. We worked through every possible scenario, and it made me feel much more confident in my decision. I was even able to talk to a birth mother who had been through a similar journey, and she gave me reassurance and hope for the future.

I came to the realization that adoption might be the best plan for my child, and that was the most important thing to me. I wanted to give her the best life possible.

Choosing a Family

When it came to choosing a family, it was a big task. It was tough narrowing it down from 13 to 1. I was so glad my mom was there to help me through it all. We prayed together a lot about the choice and it ended up being very clear.

When we met my daughter’s adoptive family for the first time, my mom and I both felt like it was obvious—that these two people were meant to be my daughter’s family.

God has been a huge part of this journey to motherhood from start to finish. I truly believe that He orchestrated this all and made everything work out exactly how He wanted it to.

The Extended Family of Adoption

The most emotional time of this journey was when my daughter was born. I had 48 hours with her until we had to go our separate ways. I could have stayed in the hospital holding her forever. It didn’t feel real, and absolutely crushed my heart having to drive home without her, leaving her with her family. It was so scary at first. I did know these were really good people and that I could trust them, but part of me was terrified that I was no longer in control and that I couldn’t keep her safe anymore.

Eventually, I realized that I did everything in my power to keep her safe. She’s so happy with her adoptive family and has a stable home with parents who were ready to raise a child. They are wonderful and love her so much.

I have also gained her adoptive family as a family of my own. We get together and do activities. We communicate a lot—I get lots and lots of pictures! Just being able to see her happy and safe makes me happy.

I’m so glad I was able to place her with such deserving parents. This is better than any possible scenario I could have imagined, and I am truly grateful for this journey to motherhood overall, the joys and the struggles.

To learn more about adoption, schedule an appointment online for a free, no-obligation adoption consultation.

How Will Having a Baby Impact My Future Dreams?

Finding out you are pregnant may come as a surprise. You have future dreams. This isn’t what you wanted, at least not now.

Maybe you’re thinking…

How am I going to finish college?

What will my parents say?

Will my boyfriend leave me?

Will my career be impacted?

Learn From Others.

We understand. At First Care, we have met with thousands of women who have thought their future dreams were shattered too. But, hold on. Take a breath. Pause. Give yourself time to process.

Take a minute to read stories from other women who have been through what you’re experiencing, like Emilie, Ashley, Bailey, Jessie, or Lydia.

Find hope in their stories and know that on the other side of this, you will achieve and accomplish dreams, maybe even some new ones you don’t yet have!

Seek Support.

First, let’s make sure your pregnancy is viable and see how far along you are. At First Care, we provide free and confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.

You will meet with someone who has experience in finding resources to help you. We will talk with you about your dreams and how your decision for your pregnancy may impact those dreams.

Once you have a clear path forward, we can help connect you with the services or resources to make your unexpected pregnancy and future plans work!

See, you may think you’re dreams have been lost, but maybe they were never fully clear. The road is never as easy as it looks, but with First Care, we are there to walk alongside you, encourage you, and cheer you on to follow new dreams.

Schedule an appointment today

Call or text today to talk to someone who will listen and offer hope.

People of First Care: Emilie’s Story

I was just a freshman in college when I found out I was pregnant. I was a high achiever with a plan for my life, which did not include getting pregnant and parenting.

When I found out, I was in total shock. I told my parents and they were as shocked as I was. They were a little bit disappointed, but very supportive.

Making a Decision

My first meeting with one of the staff at First Care sticks out to me. We spent a lot of time talking about how I was feeling, what I was thinking, what I was concerned about.

I’m wired by nature to want to know the information and make a plan and stick to the plan.

Instead, my time at First Care caused me to dig into what was going on in my head and heart: what I wanted, what I was scared about, what I imagined for my future and how my options fit into that.

First Care provided me with helpful information and long term goals to think about.  As I thought through my options, I did consider adoption, but ultimately realized I wanted to raise my child. I knew I could do it because there was support available, even if my relationship with the baby’s father was complicated and difficult.

Finding Support in Parenting

After I made my decision, I enrolled in their parenting program called Every Family and attended once a week throughout my pregnancy.

Through this program, I was able to learn about healthy development and growth. I was also able to meet with Parenting Coaches who were genuinely interested in my life and how I was doing. This program helped me feel less anxious about becoming a mother and it also provided me with practical items, such as diapers and clothes for my baby.

My son was born in May of 2015 and being his mom has been absolutely awesome.  It hasn’t been without hardship, but the joys have far outweighed the hard days.

Since then, I graduated from the parenting program after two years in the program. I finished college with two degrees and I married the love of my life, a man who has been a part of my son’s life since he was four months old. 

First Care is a safe place to talk about how you are feeling and thinking and not have to worry about everyone’s opinion.  There really is no judgment or pressure. I am so thankful for my experience there and for being able to be a mom.

Follow us on Instagram for more inspiring quotes and stories. @firstcaremn #peopleoffirstcare

Our Current Services & Hours (updated 6/1)

Our centers are currently open the following days and times for the month of June: