Dreams with Open Arms
"Giving the Gift of Independence"
The adolescent pregnancy rate in the United States continues to be among the highest of all industrialized countries, and its reduction is a primary concern for policy makers and community members alike. Early pregnancy affects not only adolescents but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Factors linked to teenage pregnancy are complex and range from poverty, school failure, and behavioral problems to family distress and restricted access to health services. Preventing these pregnancies, therefore, is no easy task.
Dreams with Open Arms, Inc., is a 501 (C)( 3) tax exempt nonprofit organization. The purpose of Dreams with Open Arms is to assist adolescent mothers, fathers ages 12 to 19 and their baby by providing life sustaining programs in a purposeful and caring environment. By providing positive developmental opportunities to fulfill the physical, intellectual, social, moral, and ethical needs of adolescent mothers and fathers.
Our vision is to enhance the quality of life by providing resources, services, education, advocacy, networking opportunities, and promoting self-awareness of adolescent mothers and fathers who live in the Metro Atlanta community.
Our mission is "Giving the Gift of Independence to adolescent mothers and fathers through Education, Enrichment, Exposure and Empowerment"
Our programs and services are :
• An adult-supervised, supportive living arrangement
• Pregnancy prevention services or referrals
• A requirement to finish high school or obtain a GED
• Access to support services such as child care, health care, transportation, and counseling
• Parenting and life skills classes
• Education, job training, and employment services
• Community involvement
• Individual case management and mentoring
• Family group counseling sessions.
• Culturally sensitive services
• Services to ensure a smooth transition to independent living or reconciliation with existing family after family group counseling sessions.