Idaho Falls Moms Blog is proud to feature Shepherd’s Inn Pregnancy Support Center as our nonprofit of the month. We are excited to share one organization each month in an effort to highlight the amazing things happening in our corner of the world. Many of these groups are so busy that they don’t have time to sing their own praises, so we want to talk about what they are doing and hopefully encourage moms and families to get involved, too.
I knew nothing about the Shepherd’s Inn before beginning research on this post, but have come to realize that they provide a vital service for young women in our area.
Shepherd’s Inn provides free and confidential pregnancy and parenting support and education for youth and young adults. Their main focus is pregnancy counseling, and they have a long history of helping young women who are facing unplanned pregnancies. Their counselors meet with clients weekly during pregnancy, then as much as they wish after the baby is born. They help with creating a parenting plan, infant care, exploring adoption options, preparing for childbirth, and anything else that might be needed. Many of their clients are struggling financially, so the Shepherd’s Inn also operates an “Earn While You Learn” program, in which clients can earn vouchers by participating in the program that they can then spend on baby items. The staff also runs a parenting group for teens at Emerson Alternative High School.
I was 35 when I had my first child, who was planned. I had an okay pregnancy, but a very difficult birth, and I struggled a lot during the first few months postpartum. I cannot imagine how I would have handled an unplanned pregnancy when I was younger. Assuredly not well! The Shepherd’s Inn is a wonderful resource that has helped countless young women during their 20 years of operation.
Support Shepherd’s Inn
As with most non-profits, they rely almost entirely on donations from the community. You can help by giving money, or by giving new or gently used baby items. Their current needs are listed on their website and include strollers, swings, carriers, diapers, wipes, newborn clothes, and baby formula. They will be hosting a Christmas party for their clients on December 15th so any donations that could come in before then will be very much appreciated! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with them directly if you are interested in helping.
Website: www.shepherdsinn.org
Address: 437 Parkway Circle, Idaho Falls, 83406
Phone number: 208-525-2014
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshepherdsinn1/
Do you know of a nonprofit or service organization we should feature? Nominate them!
