What is Parent Life?

Why is there a need for this ministry in Lubbock?

While they may have access to medical or economic assistance, most teen parents feel disengaged, forgotten, and judged. Intentional friendships in a safe and welcoming environment with authentic, Christ-sharing adults create an atmosphere of acceptance in which teen parents’ lives are transformed. The Parent Life ministry has been effective in helping teen parents overcome many of the statistics associated with teen pregnancy such as low graduation rates and a higher likelihood of abuse and neglect. As a pro-life ministry, we also believe that being pro-life means more than just asking a young woman to give birth to her baby. It means being willing to walk with that mom through the joys, trials and mess of motherhood helping her to be the best mom she can be.

What drew you to start this type of ministry?

I felt God calling me to start the Parent Life ministry in Lubbock after learning of the extremely high teen pregnancy rate in the area. Having recently had a baby myself I knew how hard being a new parent was…even as an adult with a husband, good jobs and supportive family. I couldn’t imagine how hard it must be at 15 with no support or guidance. Statistics say the younger a parent is and the less resources available to them, the higher the likelihood of abuse and neglect occurring. God placed a strong desire in my heart to reach out to these young moms and dads with support, encouragement, education, resources and most of all, the unconditional love of God. I also felt led to begin advocating for the idea that being pro-life meant more than asking a girl to choose life for her baby. Rather, it meant that if that girl chose to give birth to her baby, then she would need a community of people to stand beside her and guide her as she raised that baby. And what better community than the body of Christ?

Parent Life Lubbock started with 5 teen moms at our first meeting in 2007. Since then, hundreds of teen moms and dads and their children have found hope, love, grace, and a place to start over by walking through our doors.

How long has Parent Life been in Lubbock?

We just celebrated our 10th year in September 2017!

What is the greatest need for the ministry that outsiders can help with?

Our biggest need is consistent financial support. We are a small ministry and are often overlooked by big grants and businesses. Instead we rely on committed individuals who partner with us financially each month to ensure the growth and sustainability of Parent Life. Partners can give any amount they feel led to give. Every dollar makes a difference in the life of a teen parent and their child. Donations can be made online: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/30930 or by text to give at 806-370-3390.

What are the volunteer opportunities and the time commitments for helping?

We depend on the involvement of caring adults to accomplish our mission—to reach local teens with the message that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. We are asking God to raise up an army of caring adults who will establish relationships with kids in the Lubbock Area. We need volunteers who will serve directly with students as mentor moms and dads, intercessors, finanical partners, childcare during our weekly meetings, meals provided for our weekly meetings, meals train volunteers for when new moms have their babies, volunteers for special events like our quarterly baby showers or help in the office and baby boutique. Wherever your gifts and talents lie, you can make an eternal difference in a young person’s life.

What is the biggest obstacle you have to overcome while running Parent Life?

Honestly, helping the church community understand why this ministry is so important. Many times we find people are afraid to be seen as “supporting teen pregnancy” by getting involved in the Parent Life ministry. The truth is that teens are having babies. Who better than the church to come alongside them and love them through the mess of life and parenting?

What kind of environment and culture do you create for these teens and their children?

Parent Life has become a second home to our young families. The Parent Life ministry’s holistic approach allows staff and volunteers to work towards meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of teen parents and their children.

As one of our teen moms puts it: “Parent Life is a place where others actually understand you. A place to be heard and to be at peace from whatever you’re going through, have a laugh, and make new friends. I’ve learned the greatest things from Parent life, from how to parent my baby, how to get along with my significant other and how to put a smile on my face when I’m feeling low. It’s a great place for young parents to hang out and learn new things WITHOUT judgement. I’m so glad that my friend introduced me to Parent Life.”

We typically see around 100-150 teen parents each year. This includes both moms and dads. Our young fathers program has taken off significantly over the last couple of years and we now have a great group of guys who come with or without their baby’s mother! Teens can stay in our program until they turn 21 and then they age out. So depending on how young they are when they start, we often have the privilege of really walking through life with them into young adulthood.

What is your favorite story from doing this type of ministry?

I have a lot of favorite stories, but one of the most meaningful ones has been my journey with Devin and Mike who are now on staff with us. Devin was one of my very first teens involved in the Parent Life ministry back in 2007. God allowed me the honor of being a part of her life through many ups an downs. It wasn’t easy and to be honest, there were a lot of painful parts of our journey together. But God is faithful. Devin found a relationship with Christ because of Parent Life and the people who poured into her here. She and Mike eventually got married (at the Parent Life ministry center!) She even wore my wedding veil as she walked down the aisle! She had truly become like a daughter to me. Over the course of several more years, God continued to work in both Devin and Mike and began to call them into full time ministry with me at Parent Life! They are now on staff and leading teens who are walking the road they once walked!

Tell us about the people in leadership at Parent Life.

Our staff includes me, our area director, Devin Vergara, my assistant director and Mike Vergara, our young fathers program coordinator. Our team includes a group of 15 volunteer mentor moms and dads and 5-7 nursery volunteers. We also have volunteers who help outside of group and behind the scenes.

What is the scripture that keeps you going when things get tough?

My mentor in ministry shared this verse with me when I first began working with Youth for Christ 16 years ago and it has stayed in my heart ever since, encouraging me not to give up:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58

Parent Life is not an easy ministry. There are no quick fixes or simple solutions. Our teens are dealing with so much hurt and mess in their lives. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. But when we are willing to allow God to use us to be his hands and feet to the hurting and vulnerable, He can do great things…not just in the lives of those we work with, but in our own lives as well!

What are the most impactful events that you have done inside of Parent Life?

We do several big fun events like our quarterly baby showers and our Mother’s Day celebration, but honestly the most impactful times are not during big events. The most meaningful and impactful times happen during small groups during our regular weekly group meetings and one on one between mentors and their mentees outside of group. This is a time where our teens can really open up and talk about what they are struggling with, ask for prayer and encourage one another.

Another really significant event we recently held was our first retreat. Taking our teens away from he chaos of their world for just two days and helping them encounter God in a way they never had before was so powerful to witness.

How can the local church help?

Volunteer. Support our ministry financially. Connect us to teen parents in your church. Be a safe and welcoming place for teen parents who are seeking a church community that we can plug them into. Advocate with us for being more than pro-baby but fully pro-LIFE. Pray for us regularly.