Having a baby and raising a family is an incredible experience, but the journey of parenting is sometimes a struggle and families and moms may need help along the way. Whether you just found out you are pregnant, are a new mom or a new dad, or are juggling the demands of parenthood, all families need a community to support them.

PREPARES is a nurturing response of the Catholic community in Washington state, open to all, to provide meaningful, local and sustainable support to mothers, fathers, and families as they nurture their children through pregnancy and early childhood. Volunteers at the PREPARES program offer support and activities for families from pregnancy to your child’s fifth birthday.

Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.

PREPARES is proud to have been walking with moms across the state of Washington since 2014. In that time, we have served thousands of vulnerable moms and their families. We look forward to continuing and growing our work over the coming year of service.

What We Do

Basic Needs

PREPARES helps to provide essential needs to new moms and their children through a variety of ways like providing clothing, diapers, and other basic needs and resources.

Parent Support Groups

Parent Support Groups provide regular meetings and activities with other parents to enhance parenting skills and provide a supportive environment for one another.

Play Groups

Play Groups provide an opportunity for mothers of pre-school children to get together, along with their children, on a weekly basis.

Companions

Family Companions offer support to parents during a time of need. A Family Companion is a volunteer who wants to share an unconditional relationship with a parent in their community.