Pregnancy and Parenting Support

Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy?

You are not alone. Call or text our 24/7 Pregnancy Help Line to Talk about your options!

414-551-3754

Our caring Pregnancy Support Coordinators are here to listen, answer questions and offer support. Our offices remain open for remote and socially distanced services.

About Our Program

Are you seeking an adoptive family who will love, care for, and look like your child or, someone who can provide the love, care, and cultural upbringing you want for your child? Visit our Options in Adoption page to learn more about your options

Pregnancy Support Coordination helps individuals develop tools for good decision making. Expectant parents carefully explore all their options and make a thoughtful and appropriate plan for their baby, whether it be an adoption plan or a parenting plan.

For more information on our services, please call our offices at 414-771-2881 OR call or text our 24-hour crisis cell phone at 414-551-3754 for immediate assistance

Parenting Plans

Pregnancy Support Coordinators assist by providing education and support to prepare individuals for successful and safe parenting. The needs of each individual are met, including, but not limited to, education on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, prenatal care coordination (PNCC), community resources, and emotional support.

The Pregnancy Support program serves the ten counties of the Milwaukee Archdiocese, and meetings can take place at the individual’s home, one of our offices, or within the community. Services are comprehensive, confidential, and provided to people of all faiths.

Adoption Plans

Pregnancy Support Coordinators are also here to help individuals who wish to make an adoption plan for their child. Adoption is a lifelong process that involves the needs and interests of the child, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents.

At Catholic Charities, we advocate for open adoption, and birth parents have the opportunity to choose an adoptive family. The birth parents and adoptive parents can then work together to establish a mutually agreed upon plan for contact following the adoption.

Individuals choosing adoption will receive education, emotional support, information on community resources, along with support and legal assistance through the termination of parental rights.

Contact us for more information:

Jennifer Layton, MSW, APSW
Director of Child Welfare Services
414-771-2881 Ext. 4167
jlayton@ccmke.org

Individual adoption information sessions are available. Call Jennifer Layton to set up an appointment.

Meet Shida

Shida remembered the love she felt and care she received through Catholic Charities during her first pregnancy. When she became pregnant again in her mid-30s, she reached out to Catholic Charities. Suffering from seizures, she had a high-risk pregnancy and knew our agency could support her through this difficult time.

During each weekly home visit, Shida wanted to know everything about the stages of development as her baby was growing and how to prepare for a natural childbirth. Her Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Parenting Support Worker, Erika, provided education, support, and advocacy to improve her chances for a healthy birth.

With Erika’s help, Shida didn’t miss a doctor’s appointment. She also maintained a healthy diet during her pregnancy, making seizures less likely. Following her doctor’s advice, she took vital measures to prevent pre-term labor.

In 2022, Shida delivered a beautiful baby boy, who continues to be doted on by his big brother. Shida is doing well and recently started a new job.

Erika continues her home visits and sees the loving care that Shida showers on her two boys.

Catholic Charities is now a Diaper Hub!

In late 2022, Catholic Charities offices in both Waukesha and Milwaukee became United Way Diaper Bank Hubs.

From November 2022 through September 2023, Catholic Charities was able to provide 370 children in 300 families with diapers and wipes, totaling 11,623 diapers and 379 packages of wipes.

We are excited to be able to continue meeting this need for families across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties!

If anyone has extra diapers or any other nonperishable necessities for young families that they are willing to donate to our agency, please email jbrandt@ccmke.org or call 414-769-3414.