Teens - Pregnant and Alone
Since its creation, Mustard Seed has focused primarily on the well-being of the young and particularly of those who are unable to care for themselves, the ill, the handicapped and the abandoned. As Mustard Seed continued its work in the community, its focus expanded beyond its caring apostolates and began to concern itself more and more with sharing and training.
The transition from childhood to adulthood can be a trying period in the life of a young person who does not have the correct supports in place. For this reason, Mustard Seed has established a number of initiatives which aid teenagers in their development towards adulthood.
Designed in 1992 to provide a secure and spiritual environment for abandoned pregnant teenagers, the Mary's Child program was created.
Not satisfied with simply providing shelter for the mothers, Mary's Child is devoted to making a meaningful difference in each of their lives. With the same approach as that taken in other Mustard Seed apostolates, Mary's Child is dedicated to stimulating growth in every facet of the young mother's life.
Residents of the homes must be first time teenage mothers and are usually referred to the institution by social workers, the police, schools or health authorities.
At Mary's Child, each mother is exposed to daily morning meditation, mid-day rosary, and weekly Mass. Alongside her spiritual growth and development each mother is presented with educational opportunities as well as life enabling skills.
Among those offered are computer courses in the new lab constructed on site, home economic classes including sewing and the culinary arts, as well as educational lectures on topics such as parenting skills and life choices. This is seen as an essential approach to providing a means of employability once they leave the home.
Recognizing the importance of providing access to computer courses, Mustard Seed Communities built a new lab at Mary's Child in Kingston. Mustard Seed Communities has opened this opportunity to not only staff and residents of Mary's Child, but to the people of the community as well. Upon completion of each course, students are presented with certificates.
There are currently two locations for Mary’s Child, the original Mary’s Child apostolate in Kingston and the most recent addition to the Mary’s Child program, at Blessed Assurance.
