If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you are most likely experiencing a multitude of emotions - fear, confusion, doubt, and uncertainty. Baby Steps is a safe place for you to come exactly as you are. We realize there are many outside pressures to make certain decisions during this season. We want to provide the time and space to decide what is truly best for you. We are here from the very beginning to walk alongside you, whatever you may need, whether that is simply an ear to listen, someone to accompany you at an appointment, or help gaining resources to navigate through this journey.
*Read other stories of unplanned pregnancies here.
You have rights.
Title IX ensures that any university that receives federal funding cannot discriminate against students who are pregnant and/or parenting. For example, if a student becomes pregnant and chooses to stay in school, the school cannot use the student’s pregnancy as a reason to terminate or reduce that student’s athletic, merit, or need-based scholarships. Likewise, if a student misses class due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions, the school must allow the student to make up the missed work and provide the appropriate information to complete assignments. (*information from Pregnant on Campus Initiative)
For more information regarding your rights as a pregnant or parenting student, contact Auburn University's Title IX Coordinator or visit The Pregnant Scholar. If you are a student-athlete, visit NCAA's website for information pertaining specifically to you.
Baby Steps provides the following for pregnant and parenting Auburn University students living in our home (at no cost):
Housing
Transitional Housing (once baby is 18 months or older housing is offered at half cost)
Childcare
Educational Support (tutoring, career advising, etc.)
Life Skills (mentorship, time management, budgeting, nutrition, counseling, etc.)
Support and community that instill confidence in our moms’ abilities to be successful mothers, students, and college graduates
Community
If you are pregnant or parenting but are not in need of housing, Baby Steps would love to welcome you into a community of women who share a common experience. Each week we host our Community Dinner with a delicious meal provided by community members. Here, we gather together to share in friendship and support of one another. This is a special time because, although we may have different stories, we have much to learn from one another, and there is great power in realizing we are not alone. If you are interested in joining us, email thrive@baby-steps.org!
Qualifications for living at Baby Steps:
Be a female between the ages of 18 and 25 years old
Be a full-time college student at Auburn University (transfer students are welcome)
Currently be pregnant or have a child under 18mo.
Have no other dependent children
Be willing to live in community with Live-in Support, other student mothers, and their babies
*see Frequently Asked Questions below for more information
Live-in Support
A critical part of Baby Steps is our Live-in Support whose sole purpose is to provide an environment of friendship, encouragement, accountability, and hope. With this help, we believe those who live in the Baby Steps home will have a great opportunity to thrive.
Our Values
Baby Steps is designed to be a place of peace and security. It is our greatest desire to see young women thrive. We are here to offer the support needed for the women we serve to become successful and fulfilled in many areas of life. This will take hard work and dedication, and we are confident that together, we can do what is necessary to guide each woman towards a beautiful future for her and her child.
Here at Baby Steps, our house expectations are based on two values we believe will help us become the best versions of ourselves: authentic love and excellence. We desire to uphold a level of excellence in all areas of our lives because we want to help the women we serve live their best lives possible. We believe the most meaningful part of living a full life is to do so in the company of people who truly care, who put other's wellbeing before their own, and who have authentic love towards one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when my child becomes older than 18 months? Once your child becomes older than 18 months, Baby Steps will help you transition into more independent living.
What if I'm considering adoption? Baby Steps is in full support of mothers who choose to place their babies for adoption. We will guide you to the appropriate resources so you can come up with the right adoption plan for you and your child. You are welcome to live in the Baby Steps home throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.
CONTACT US we would love to hear from you.
Email
thrive@babysteps.org
Phone
(344) 521-2184
Mailing
PO Box 713 Auburn, AL 36831
If you or someone you know is a student and finds themselves in an unplanned pregnancy or is a student- mom, please call or text 334.521.2184. We are here for you!