Knowing Where to Start

Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services Partners with Pregnant and Parenting Teens

Pregnant at age 17, Kaiti Robertson didn’t know what to do. What she did know was that she had no idea how to be a parent, and she didn’t have the finances to support a child. The baby’s dad was out of the picture, and Kaiti had yet to finish high school. “When it came to raising a child, I didn’t know where to start,” said Kaiti.

Kaiti and her son, Raedyn

When a friend told her about Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services (TOPS), a free program for pregnant and parenting teens, Kaiti eagerly enrolled. Through TOPS, she would be able to attend support groups with her peers, attend teen-specific parenting education classes, receive home visits from a nurse, and get her many questions answered. She would have access to the support she needed every step of the way.

During her pregnancy, Kaiti was especially grateful for the help she received from her TOPS nurse, Jasmine. “I didn’t know anything about pregnancy,” said Kaiti. “Everything I experienced, I thought there was something wrong.” One day, during her third trimester, Kaiti began feeling strange spasms in her abdominal area.  She panicked. “I was prepared to go to the hospital,” said Kaiti. But first, she called Jasmine.

Jasmine assured her that nothing was wrong. Her baby merely had the hiccups. “Jasmine helped me realize what I was experiencing was normal,” said Kaiti.

Now, Kaiti is the proud mother of a healthy 6-week old boy, Raedyn. Together, they live at home with her parents. “I didn’t think I could raise a baby on my own, but at TOPS, I know I have the support I need.” said Kaiti. “I met people in my same situation. TOPS helped me feel more confident.”

Kaiti said that the parenting classes she has attended have been particularly helpful. “I don’t think there was anything that I knew about parenting before these classes,” said Kaiti. “We learn about everything, from the importance of bonding to eating healthy.” Like many of the other girls at TOPS, Kaiti had been terrified of giving birth. The support groups and classes helped with that, too. Together, the girls watched labor videos and laughed as they learned birthing breathing techniques.

By attending the parenting education classes offered at TOPS, teens earn “TOPS dollars,” which they can redeem for baby items and necessities at Jensen’s Corner, a small “shop” located at the TOPS office. With her TOPS dollars, Kaiti was able to purchase a crib for Raedyn.

TOPS also helps teens plan for the future, and teens can stay in the program until their baby turns 2. This fall, Kaiti is working on completing her GED, and will then begin a job hunt. “Everyone here at TOPS is supportive, helping you make the best decisions for you and your baby,” said Kaiti. With the help of TOPS, Kaiti is looking forward to her future of motherhood and watching Raedyn grow and learn.

In Yavapai County, Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services (TOPS) is funded by First Things First. For more information about TOPS or to enroll a teen, please visit teenoutreachaz.org.