A few weeks ago, a homeless couple came to the Community Pregnancy Clinics location in Fort Myers with their 15-month-old baby. The mom had been wondering, “Am I pregnant?” so our nurse offered a free pregnancy test as well as material assistance for their little boy. Because of their financial situation, the couple was not sure what they would do if they were pregnant again. Sitting with the couple in the counseling room, our nurse treated them with dignity and love, listening as they explained their circumstances. The couple has been homeless for one year and living in their car for six months. Their family had been helping out but had recently stopped responding. Clearly, they were facing a heartbreaking situation.
After gaining a full understanding of the family’s strenuous circumstances, our nurse provided the mom with a pregnancy test. After taking the test, the couple waited anxiously in the counseling room. How could we afford another baby? Where would we live? How could we make this work?
After a few minutes, our nurse sat down with the couple and relayed their positive test result. She proceeded to explain how our pregnancy resource center and partner organizations would provide the financial and material help they need. Despite their difficult situation, the couple decided to choose life and proceed with the pregnancy.
At Community Pregnancy Clinics, we continue to support our clients no matter what decision they make for their pregnancy. Depending on their needs, we refer clients to our partner organizations which offer medical services, pregnancy classes, mental health services, childcare resources, legal assistance, adoption services, social services, shelter/housing, job resources, and counseling programs.
At the end of the appointment, our nurse referred the couple to Better Together, Healthy Start, and The Clothes Closet. Providing job opportunities and an alternative to foster care, the couple was very interested in Better Together. Our Fort Myers nurse will continue to follow up with the couple throughout pregnancy and offer material and emotional support until 3 years after their baby is born.
If you feel like you are in a hopeless situation, Community Pregnancy Clinics is here to help. We have clinics in Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Gainesville. Make an appointment at one of our free pregnancy clinics today.
