There’s no doubt in my mind that parenting is tough! Not just because you’re tired both physically and emotionally by the everyday tasks of raising your kiddos, but because raising kids these days is expensive! So because spring always feels like the season of babies, I thought it might be a great idea to mention two very special organizations that offer support to parents in our community.

HOPE Pregnancy Center

For many of you, the building right across from the high school fronting Diamond Drive will always be the old “Ed’s Supermarket” building, (more about that in another post!) But around the corner from the entrance to Gracie Barra, you might see the letters H-O-P-E in purple. The letters stand for Health Options Pregnancy Education and the organization is a national faith based non profit that focuses on exactly what it sounds like.

These days HOPE has moved to a location closer to the downtown area in the old bank building at 1650 Trinity Dr. They’re in Suite 107 right across from Sonic and are still helping everyone who walks through their doors.

Testing

The most critical piece of information when you’re worried that you might be pregnant is that first question. Am I? HOPE offers free pregnancy testing to anyone no matter their age or their religious affiliation. This is an incredible service for anyone worried about that all important question. Perhaps you don’t know which test to buy, how to take it, or maybe you’re just too intimidated to even attempt it on your own. After all, if you discover you are pregnant, what then? HOPE offers appointment based testing in a safe, supportive environment. You’ll be treated with respect by someone qualified to help you through the experience regardless of the answer.

Education

Never considered yourself parent material? Don’t worry! HOPE has classes to help you through the uncertainty of pregnancy. Once you’re holding your baby close, HOPE offers classes on parenting to help you navigate the questions surrounding basic baby care and even best practices surrounding discipline, child development, and safety. Sometimes just taking a class makes you feel more secure. After all, kids don’t come with an owners’ manual!

The Baby Boutique

The Baby Boutique is an amazing service offered by HOPE to their families. Stocked with new and gently used baby and toddler gear of every description, the boutique has a “baby bucks” program that offers material help to bridge the gap between what parents need and what they might be able to afford in a tight spot.

Volunteering

If you’ve raised your kiddos and are looking for a great way to get involved in the community, check out HOPE’s volunteer page. Put your skills to work organizing baby clothes, doing office work, or offering support to new and expecting parents. Volunteering is the best way to really make friends and carve out your very own niche in a new community. So if you’re looking for ways to expand on my previous post about Newcomers in Los Alamos, this could be the opportunity for you!

First Born of Los Alamos

I’ve mentioned this organization before on my blog, but honestly, if you’re expecting your first child here in Los Alamos, you should really reach out to this program! The most incredible resource they offer is the home visit. Now that Covid restrictions have lessened, home visits are once again taking place. This is an amazing opportunity to have someone come to you with an offer of help. Even if it’s only a piece of advice here or there or a kind smile and a “you’re doing great!” That can be the difference between feeling secure in your parenting and feeling like a hot mess!

The best way to get a good picture of the First Born Program is to check out their introductory video here. Honestly, I can’t tell you about them more effectively than they can tell you themselves!

Regardless of your parenting status, I hope you’ll agree with me that it’s wonderful to be part of a community that offers so many resources for people in every stage of life! I love it here in Los Alamos. And I hope when you decide you want to talk real estate in Los Alamos County, you give me a call!