Currently, more than 5 million undergraduate students across the country are pregnant or parenting. That makes up more than one-quarter of the entire student population. This highlights how common pregnancy is among young adults.
It does not matter whether the case was intentional or unexpected, we have compiled a list of various resources to help throughout their journey. It is important to limit stigmas regarding this conversation and spread educational information to others who may need it.
Please note: This article does not hold a certain political affiliation or belief system. The intended goal here is to provide a safe place for students to seek out resources or proper information regarding reproductive health services.
Resources
WSU Children’s Center
Helble Hall | 507.457.2300
Winona State University’s Children’s Center offers early-childhood education and full-day care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children–with after-school and summer care for enrolled children to WSU students, employees, and community members.
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota
Winona, MN | 507.454.2270
Catholic Charities is available to take your call 24/7 at 800-222-5859. They offer free, confidential support to those who are pregnant. They help people thoughtfully decide between either parenting or adoption so they can confidently pursue the best plan for themselves and their babies. They provide financial assistance for rent or utilities, free baby items, parenting groups and education, financial literacy education, pregnancy counseling and adoption planning and placement. Their services for new and expectant parents are free, and they serve people of all faiths!
Birthright of Winona
Winona, MN | 507.452.2421
They offer Information about pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, prenatal care, community programs, parenting skills and childcare. They also offer referrals for medical support, financial resources, housing, social assistance and professional counseling.
In addition to those, some free resources that are offered include pregnancy tests, maternity and baby items, a 24/7 help hotline 1.800.550.4900, and live chats through their website.
Children’s Home Society of Minnesota
651.419.1951 24/7 Pregnancy Counseling Helpline
The Children’s Home Society of Minnesota offers an array of services ranging from adoption, foster care, and pregnancy support resources.
Bridge to Benefits
Bridge to Benefits is a multi-state project by Children’s Defense Fund to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits.
WSU Basic Needs Resource
Find resources at WSU and local organizations for support with housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and more.
Karen Stoltz |
ka**********@wi****.edu
| 507.457.5023.
Winona Volunteer Services
Winona, MN | 507.452.5591
Food shelf and clothing shop – to secure and distribute food, clothing, information, referrals, and emergency assistance in a respectful and dignified manner to people in need. The agency operates a food shelf that is open 5 days a week, coordinates the home delivered meals programs within the cities of Winona and Goodview, administers emergency assistance to those needing financial assistance and operates a used clothing store.
Women Infants Children (WIC)
Winona, MN | 507.457.6500
The WIC program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. Provides nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services.
WIC Serves: Pregnant people, breastfeeding people, non-breastfeeding postpartum people, infants, toddlers and children up to the age of five.
Baby Connections (Support Group)
Winona, MN | 507.494.0916 or 507.494.1469 |
he*************@wi****.us
Baby Connections offers information, support and access to community resources to families with infants in Winona County. Their goal is to help parents feel good about raising a baby and to connect them to people and places that will help them learn and enjoy parenting in their baby’s first year.
If you would like to speak with someone on campus, Winona State University offers counseling services in the IWC. In addition, Health & Wellness Services offers medical advice through in person appointments or by utilizing their Ask-A-Nurse hotline at 507.457.2292.
– Makayla Lende ’23
