Search
-
November 22, 2022For many expecting mothers, pregnancy is a great joy and blessing. For others, being pregnant is a surprise that leads to fear and uncertainty, especially if it’s unplanned. An unplanned pregnancy can create pressure, confusion, anxiety and a sense of urgency. Through its adoption and pregnancy services, Catholic Charities works to help these women feel comfortable, confident and at peace.
“Every mother’s story is different, so we meet them where they are both emotionally and physically,” said Krysti Alexander, director of the Adoption and Pregnancy Services at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. “Our first job is to meet them where they are with no judgement.”
Every aspect of Catholic Charities’ adoption and pregnancy services program aims to celebrate the human dignity of the mother and child. Helping the mother understand that they will not be judged but admired and supported for their courage to place their child for adoption is an important part of honoring that dignity.
November, which is national adoption month, is also a great time to celebrate family. Catholic Charities helps mothers provide that family structure, while also helping those who want a child to complete their family.
“I see a need for family, family is a great support system throughout your life and getting a good start is important, it’s vital. There are so many people who want babies and babies that need good families; it’s beautiful to help bring them together,” said Alexander.
Catholic Charities’ offer support services that help ease the stress of the situation. The team will accompany mothers through the physical and emotional stages of pregnancy, help find a doctor and provide support for the mother. Support can also include counseling during all stages of the pregnancy, including before and after the adoption placement. The team also assists with home visits, assistance in choosing and meeting a family for placement, transportation to doctor’s appointments, planning the hospital stay and determining contact with the adoptive family after the adoption. The team also works with Catholic Charities’ other services to support the mother and her needs.
“Catholic Charities is unique in the fact that we offer wrap around services which they have access to, whether that’s case management services, transitional housing or immigration services. It’s important because there are so many aspects of a person’s life that go into a pregnancy; is she going to able to work, does she need help finding a job/housing?” said Alexander. “We offer case management to help birth mothers meet immediate needs and identify and accomplish long-term goals for her and her family’s future. That includes the needs of her other children and family members, because for many of our birth moms this isn’t their first pregnancy.”
“Catholic Charities finds joy in helping young parents in crisis, and their families see the hope and possibilities for their child, whether that is through adoption or parenting. Each mother’s journey is different and helping them on their path is important no matter what it looks like,” said Alexander.
For more information about adoption or pregnancy services, call Krysti Alexander at (405) 523-3000, Ext. 112 or kalexander@ccaokc.org.
