Pregnant and Broke? Places to Get Help

I got an email from a pregnant woman looking for advice on how to get things for her new baby for free or very little money. Kids are expensive! Whether you’re expecting and need help preparing for the baby, or you’re a teen who thinks she’s pregnant and isn’t sure what to do next I hope this post helps. Use this post if you are interested in donating some of your old baby items to a worthy organization!

East Memphis Moms does not collect or distribute items to needy families. If you are in need please utilize a local charity.

Birthright of Memphis
Part of Birthright International
115 Alexander St, Memphis, TN 38111
Birthright International provides caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy.
Some Services: pregnancy tests, resource referrals, education, shelter referrals, adoption information, parenting classes

• We donate to Birthright
• I second the Birthright suggestion. We donate all our baby items there

Life Choices of Memphis
5575 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38134
Life Choices is a safe, confidential, and FREE pregnancy help medical center offering factual information about all your options so that you can be educated.
Some Services: pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, adoption services. They have a separate website called Pregnant? Want Help? that is geared towards answering questions for those who think they are pregnant and are not sure what to do next.

• Life Choices on Raleigh-Lagrange has parenting courses and you get a crib at the end if you complete them
• Life Choices also lets mom earn “points” maybe by also attending classes (not sure) so that they can use the point of basic necessities.

Maternal League of Memphis
Founded by Rebecca Harsh in 1935 to support mothers and their newborn infants. Help support The Maternal League of Memphis. According to website: “Donations are always welcome, but becoming a new member is the most important way that you can help.”
The Maternal League of Memphis is devoted to improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in our community. We accomplish our mission through educational and volunteer programs. The Maternal League strives to develop strong minds and bodies in mothers and children in hopes of a brighter future.
The website says they provide layettes (diapers, blankets, sleepers, bottles, etc.) to needy mothers and babies, which are distributed through the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department. I can’t find anything on the county website explaining HOW you get these items, so it’s best to contact them.

Agape Family Services
3160 Directors Row, Memphis, TN 38131
Maternity and adoption services. Call Agape they have housing program and adoption services (901)323-3600

Teen Plus I cannot find info on this program any longer.
A confidential Shelby County program for pregnant teenagers that helps them find out if they are pregnant and figure out what to do next. They also provide parenting support for teenagers.

Operation Swaddling Clothes
St. John’s United Methodist Church (Midtown)
1207 Peabody Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Provides dignity through diapers to “the least of these” in the Memphis community, giving a 1-2 week supply of diapers to each MIFA-screened family of a child in diapers who visit the St. John’s UMC food pantry. They take money and diaper donations. “We are continuously seeking donations of diapers, funds, or store gift cards to help satisfy the increasing need for diapers.”

The Care Center
1277 Main St, Southaven, MS 38671
Some Services: ultrasounds, layette items, parenting support, abortion education, adoption referrals, job assistance, transportation, Spanish-speaking employees, childbirth education. Care Pregnancy Resource Center, Southaven, offers Free Pregnancy tests, abortion education, confidential support for those having an unexpected pregnancy.
The Care Center in Southaven helps a lot. They have clothes, diapers, wipes, bassinets, etc. They were a lifesaver during my last pregnancy.

WIC Program
A government program that provides food to needy Women, Infants and Children (WIC). According to several EMMs they sell car seats to needy moms for $10.

Healthy StartI cannot find a current link for this program.
A government program providing community-based maternal and child health home visitation

The Baby Shop now defunct?
A Shelby County program for new and expectant mothers. 3740 N. Watkins St. Memphis, TN 38127 901-358-3391

Neighborhood Christian Center: Operation Smart Child
A parenting program that aims to improve brain and social skills development in children ages 0-3 by driving the behavioral change of caregivers through parent education programs and ongoing mentor support. One of the programs they offer is “Baby Bucks” – where parents can earn “bucks” for attending classes, and then spend the money in the OSC Baby Store to purchase vital infant care items including diapers, formula, clothing, books, cribs, strollers, and more. They take donations of new baby items and cash.

National Diaper Bank Network
Info here on how to call to get diapers.

Happy Birthday Baby Book
A county program to reward good mother and child healthy habits. Each time you go to the doctor or health clinic for a checkup, they will stamp the coupons in your Happy Birthday Baby Book. You receive discounts on soap, lotion, disposable diapers, toys, and clothes. You can also get personal care items, free grocery items, fast food, and much more.

Baby Feat Store
According to this Memphis Parent magazine article, this store provides diapers, wipes, baby gear and clothing to women in need ages 20+ and they accept donations of baby items. 2285 Frayser Blvd 859-6832.

Freecycle Memphis
A place where you can post items you are giving away, respond to posts and request specific items.

CraigsList Memphis
You never know what you might be able to get inexpensively via CraigsList

Facebook Groups
Check these groups for people selling kids’ items second hand.

Porter Leath Parents as Teachers Program may be helpful to those with children under the age of 5.
901- 577- 2500
contact jcardenas@porterleath.org
This program offers free parenting education to all residents in Shelby County.

LeBonheur Nurse-Family Partnership program
901-287-4726
FYI….Eligibility for the Nurse-Family Partnership program is also you have to be a first-time mom.
If you are less than 7 months pregnant and are low income, PLEASE call LeBonheur’s Nurse-Family Partnership Program ASAP. They have openings to give you support and nurse home visits. FREE Program!
Yes, the program is LeBonheur Nurse-Family Partnership. Call to register. They are currently accepting new clients.

Christ community on broad offers group pregnancy classes. They are free if you are on TennCare or CoverKids maternity. If you aren’t yet they can help you with all the paperwork. Also, the Dolly Parton Book club is a free reading program and The Med will give you an infant car seat.

Donate To These Places

If you have supplies to give, call these places to ask if they could use your donations.

Room In The Inn Memphis
Room in the Inn-Memphis is an ecumenical ministry that serves people experiencing homelessness.

Dorothy Day House
The Dorothy Day House keeps homeless families together, creating a safe haven and a community for entire families.

Hope House
Mission: To improve the quality of life for HIV-affected individuals and their families by providing high quality early childhood education and social services.

The Moriah House
Women whose lives have been shattered by domestic abuse, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and prostitution can receive wholeness and restoration at Moriah House.