Compassion • Empathy • Love
Growing Pains
Growing Pains serves teen/young parents & single moms.
Our Impact
Serving teen, young, and single moms in the inland empire
Growing Pains began as a grassroots, volunteer driven organization in 2008. Seeing the need for unconditional love, understanding and support, Growing Pains was birthed out of the desire to simply serve and show kindness to those going through a major growing pain in their life.
What once began as a program for pregnant and teen parents has expanded greatly to meet the needs of the community. Growing Pains serves in three different areas: teen moms in the Chaffey Joint Unified School District, young moms, and single moms. Our desire is to provide a safe place for moms to come and be their true self as they navigate pregnancy and motherhood.
4+
inland empire high schools
We began in one local high school, and are now connected with two school districts in the Inland Empire and growing. We also have a single moms’ group that meets twice a month called Dear Single Mama.
15+
Years serving our community
Students are hungry for connection. They feel very disconnected to the world, because they have entered another world – parenting. We provide mentorship, practical needs and teach parental skills.
90+
percent graduate high school
An estimated 90% of teen parents involved in Growing Pains go on to graduate high school! This is the result of compassion and community.
Get Involved
Growing Pains began as a volunteer driven organization and volunteers are still the structure of this non profit. We are always in need of help with our high school group discussions during the day, help with our evening classes in providing and serving food, and speakers to share with our group about living skills or educational topics. We also need mentors in supporting moms and dads with compassion, practical advice, etc. Childcare, teachers volunteers are needed for our Thursday night group- this is a 6 week commitment.
Please consider supporting Growing Pains with a regular monthly contribution!
join a Program
Growing Pains is a resource group for students and teens who are parents of babies/ young children, or pregnant.
Volunteer opportunities
What we do wouldn’t be possible without your support, and we are always looking for helping hands to join us.
Make a Donation
Your donation helps local, young parents graduate high school, learn parental skills and support basic needs.
“I cannot put into words all that Growing Pains means to my family and I . GP has been a lighthouse in the midst of a storm. They have blessed me and encouraged me to bless others. I am a better parent for being a part of this amazing group of people. I have learned so much with the classes provided. My marriage is better, my finances are better and my mental health is better. Thank you to all in Growing Pains for showing me and my family love.”
“Before tutoring I was emotionally exhausted the days were long and we would not finish my children’s school work. I was really lonely and did not talk with anyone. We were just at home doing school and everyday chores. I was feeling a lot of depression and stuck not doing anything in life. I felt like I was not a good Mom. I felt I was letting my kids down. When we started tutoring I didn’t want to go out or do anything but but after seeing how my kids missed being with people and seeing them with a smile every day at tutoring it made me feel good. I started to talk more and have friendships with the other Moms too. Now I have friends and getting out of the depression and now registered for school myself. Thank you Growing Pains for this time you gave me and the help to get to know myself and get back in my right mental health and out of depression”
“A Teenage Pregnancy
Why should my fun have to end?
I thought that this was just the beginning.
I see my friends go out to have fun.
And all I can do is watch as they drive by.
As they set forth to discover their youth,
I’m well on my way towards ending my own.
They call me irresponsible.
They think that now my life’s impossible.
But when they look at me,
They only see the pregnancy.
But do they see the pain that only I know?
I thought I had life figured out,
And that freedom would last forever.
Now I’m hungry and hormonal,
And mom and dad are disappointed.
I think that I can make this work,
With the boy I think I’m in love with.
But my life wasn’t built for perfection,
And I see that now.
They know that I’m much too young for this.
Does it seem like I’m the one to be blame?
And they say that they know better than me.
Does it seem like I don’t feel ashamed?
But they truly don’t understand my pain.
So can they tell me what to do?
Because I don’t know.
I’m underaged, and pregnant.
– Poem by Agustin Antonio
”
Growing Pains Gallery
