MISSION:  To be a Christ-centered safe environment in the inner city for teen mothers and their children to provide friendship, community, parenting skills and discipleship.

VISION:  Our hope and prayer is to provide physical, spiritual, emotional and prayerful support to teen mothers and their children.

PURPOSE:  For mature Christian women to support young mothers from the inner city to nurture and enhance their parental, spiritual, personal and communal development through caring, compassionate friendships.  The relationship is designed to equip young mothers with tools to counteract negative influences that lead to family and social dysfunction.  It is our desire to love each young mother unconditionally and encourage the opportunity for mature friendships and wise counsel.

Titus 2:3-5
Older women are to be reverent in their behavior … teaching what is good . . . that they may encourage the young women . . . to love their children . . . that the word of God may not be dishonored.

WHY IS MOMS PLACE NEEDED?

Because we believe there are no throwaway kids in the Kingdom of God … no matter how old they are, how many mistakes they have made, how far they have wandered from the fold.  Jesus left the ninety nine to find one lost sheep.  Our girls love God and are struggling to find Him in their everyday existence.  Our hope and prayer is to walk with them on that journey.

STATISTICS

The rate of births to women age 19 or younger in Arizona was 60.2 births per 1,000 women of that age group.  The national rate was 49.6 per 1,000 women (Children’s Action Alliance 1999).

Arizona ranked 3rd highest for teen births for 15-17 year olds at 41 births per 1,000 (Kids Count 2003).

7 percent of all babies born in Arizona are born at Low Birth Weight (5500 grams or less).  The rate of low birth weight babies has been on the rise in Arizona since the early 1990’s.  The national average for low birth weight babies is 7.6% (Children’s Action Alliance 1999)

1 Thessalonians 2: 6-8
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.  We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Neuroscience studies indicate that the first three years of human development are a critical time which set the foundation for the rest of a child’s life. The research has documented that the care a child receives in these early years has decisive effects on brain development and, therefore, helps determine how a person will learn and cope with stress throughout his or her life. A child who endures negative experiences or a lack of care and stimulation during this time is likely to suffer serious and sustained consequences (Children’s Action Alliance)

CURRENT ACTIVITIES:

Bible Study

• Thursday night (may move to Monday nights)

Monthly Activity

• Saturday "club"
  - Crafts/breakfast
  - Outings
  - Family activities

Daily Life

• Support on an "as needed" basis

Play Day

• Currently one day per week
• Pre-school children

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT:

Childcare

• During activities

Transportation to and from

• Activities 
• Appointments

Supporter

Prayer

• Commit to a specific family
• Moms Place support/vision

Orientation and training provided

Moms Place Contacts:

• Susan Leon  602-538-5451