For teens scared about a possible pregnancy, the Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program (MAPP) offers free pregnancy testing and support. For 45 years, the nonprofit has quietly helped local families get a healthy start. The organization’s mission is simple but far-reaching: an investment in futures.
“If we can work with families early to reduce preterm births and birth complications, that improves outcomes for everyone,” Executive Director Jennifer Valentine said.
MAPP works educate pregnant teens, women and families with children up to the age of 5.
Founded to Meet a Growing Need
Dr. James Bazzoli, a retired local obstetrician, helped create MAPP after seeing many young teen mothers in his office. At the time, Marion’s teen pregnancy rate was among the highest in the state. While rates have fallen, the need is still great.
The nonprofit supports expecting parents by providing education, health screenings and connection to community resources.
“MAPP is crucial for our community. The continued services provided by MAPP to families with small children helps keep the children on their physical and educational growth paths while supporting the families as they
grow,” said Tami Galloway, president of the MAPP Board of Directors. “We truly value local medical offices and community partners who can help identify families that would benefit from these services.”
Free Testing and Early Support
MAPP offers free pregnancy testing to anyone in Marion County. If the test is positive, the nurse can issue a proof of pregnancy document to help the mother apply for health care through Medicaid and nutrition assistance through programs like Women, Infants and Children. .
For expecting mothers with income below 200% of the federal poverty line, social workers provide prenatal education, smoking cessation information, and options for transportation to prenatal appointments, postpartum check-ups and well-child visits. They also provide support.
“Some of these girls don’t have anybody,” Valentine said. “Postpartum depression can happen to anyone. Sometimes they just need to talk. We can also refer them to local counselors.”
Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies
Another key aspect of MAPP is to reduce unplanned teen pregnancies. Clients who test negative receive health information including referrals for STI testing and birth control options available through other providers.
Helping Families Grow Together
After a child is born, MAPP offers free home visits through the Help Me Grow Home Visiting Program.
“We’re not there to judge them. We’re there to empower them,” Valentine said. “The program is voluntary. They want to learn. They want their children to thrive. They are trying really hard to make ends meet and be good parents.”
The majority of the parents have jobs.
“Just because a family might get food stamps doesn’t mean they’re not trying or not working. These teenage moms are like little sponges. They want to learn all they can,” Valentine said.
Nurturing Child Development
The MAPP educators offer different strategies for parents to work with their children through an evidence-based program. The strategies use everyday items in a home or educational aids MAPP provides.
With regular developmental screenings, MAPP helps identify delays and offer a parent strategies to help their child hit milestones.
“If we can meet their needs now, they may not need other services later — things like individual education plans or therapy. If we can get there early and make those differences, hopefully they will be better off down the road,” Valentine said.
If a delay needs more in-depth intervention, the family is referred to the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
“I love going on home visits and working with these families and these kids and watching them flourish. I never want to see anybody struggling, but when I see the lightbulb go off and all of a sudden, they’re a whole different family – it’s very rewarding,” Valentine said. “Those are the best days.”
Dedicated Staff and Community Partners
MAPP’s staff includes six employees with backgrounds in nursing and social work. Valentine, a Marion native and graduate of Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University, said the work remains deeply personal.
“I love what I do. I love our staff, our families, and this community,” Valentine said.
MAPP also collaborates with other partners on events like the annual Community Baby Shower, which provides free items as well as info. They value financial support from the Marion Rotary Club, the United Way, the Marion Community Foundation and the Junior Service Guild.
A New Home for a Longstanding Program
This summer, MAPP moved to a new location inside Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Valentine said, “It’s been a great fit. They’ve made us feel very welcome.”
For more info:
Social media: Facebook
Related articles:
Volunteers Work to Put Smiles on 1,500 Children’s Faces on Christmas Morning | MarionMade
Imagination Library Celebrates Five Years of Serving Community | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
