Graduating high school isn’t easy…and it’s even tougher for students who also happen to be parents.
However, there are some programs in Klamath Falls that are helping teen parents, and their babies…
Even though he’s not quite two, Elijah is heading to Mazama High School this fall.
Klamath Falls City School’s Teen Parent Program Coordinator Trudy Willhite notes that Elijah is one of nearly 80 toddlers in Klamath Falls with a parent in high school…
“In the city I had 38 last year, and the county, I think, was around 40.”
Elijah’s mom Emily Daniels is a student parent getting help from the ‘Viking Babies’ program at Mazama High School…
“It’s very helpful to all the parents. Because if we didn’t have a place for the babies to go during the school day, we wouldn’t be going to school at all.”
Emily and other parents are now getting some extra help through ‘Basin Youth For Christ’s Teen Parents’, which formed last February.
Program Director Krissy Hess explains…
“The basic objective is to put teen parents with loving adults, who are there to support them in a mentorship capacity.”
Emily Daniels notes that the teen parents also provide support for each other…
“It’s nice to be able to interact with the other teen parents, and you can grow a good relationship with them. And they understand you a lot more than the other teenagers do.”
Trudy Willhite says it’s hard to say if Emily, or Elijah will benefit more…
“I think by supporting the parents, getting them educated, and through high school, then they can go on to college, and they can provide a better life for their child.”
The Basin Youth For Christ’s Teen Parent program is looking for volunteers, and donations. You can contact Krissy Hess at: (541) 892-1924 for more information on how you can help.
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