For many young parents served through Parent Life, the journey toward stability is about more than learning parenting skills. It’s also about healing from painful experiences, building healthy relationships, and learning a new way forward for themselves and their children.
Through a $23,700 grant from Kaleo, Parent Life has been able to provide mental health therapy and career coaching for expectant and young parents ages 12–21 who are navigating difficult circumstances while raising children. Niccole Wilkes, Parent Life Director, described the work as “beautifully hard,” as Parent Life walks closely with young parents through consistent relationships, discipleship, and practical support.
One way the Kaleo grant is making an impact is through therapy services offered in partnership with Flanner House in Indianapolis. Many of the young people Parent Life serves have experienced significant trauma and sexual abuse, and while some can access therapy through Medicaid, others cannot. Kaleo’s grant helps cover the cost for those who might otherwise go without this support.
“That mental health piece is super important,” Niccole shared. “It helps our young people process hard things and reshape the way they engage with hard things.”
Career coaching is also helping older students and young parents think through school, work, housing, and next steps. These conversations help them consider not only what they want to do, but why it matters.
Niccole hopes Kaleo givers will remember that every person is made in God’s image and worthy of love, dignity, and hope. She shared that Kaleo’s faithful support helps Parent Life meet young parents where they are, offering healing, encouragement, and hope for the future.
“All people are image bearers of God,” she shared. “That means they have beautiful gifts and abilities. God is at work restoring all things, and He is using His people to do it.”
—Niccole Wilkes, Parent Life Director
Because of the generosity of Kaleo givers, Parent Life can come alongside young parents in meaningful and practical ways—offering resources that help staff and volunteers love students more holistically, encourage them in hard places, and remind them that God is faithful and still restoring.
Prayer Focus
Pray for wisdom for the therapists and staff, and for healing and hope in the lives of the young people they serve.
Volunteer Opportunities
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Parent Life, contact Niccole at nwilkes@ciyfc.org.
