Our mission: We exist to mentor parents with skills and courage to build healthy futures.
Growing Pains was founded in 2008 by Susan Fudge with the desire to provide unconditional love, understanding and support to pregnant and parenting teens. After encountering a pregnant teenage girl that Susan knew in the past, she felt compelled to “do something” for her and others like her. This encounter led to the start up of Growing Pains, a program designed to provide support and be a resource to teen parents - both moms and dads - in their unique situations, with love and compassion.
This seed is what began the pilot program in March 2008 and what has continued to grow and serve an increasing number of families. What began in high schools and continuation schools, has grown into small groups and long standing relationships with continued support for those that desire it. Now Growing Pains is serving in three different areas: pregnant and parenting teens, young parents, and single moms.
The rooted values of love, compassion and encouragement are not only what began Growing Pains, but are also what have sustained it. The dedication to valuing life and loving each individual that interacts with the organization is what sets us apart. We meet people where they’re at without an agenda, and walk with them for as long as they’d like. These are still the values we hold today.
Growing Pains is changing the very culture of a family through empowering young mothers and fathers to create healthy environments for their children and to set a good example by finishing school and continuing to improve the quality of their lives.
Meet the Growing Pains Team
Susan Fudge, Founder
While volunteering at a food bank in 2007, Susan encountered a pregnant teenage girl that she knew from the past. Recognizing the hurdles she faced, Susan felt compelled to “do something” for her and others like her. This encounter led to the start up of Growing Pains, a program designed to provide support and be a resource to teen parents - both moms and dads - in their unique situations, with love and compassion.
After running Growing Pains for 15 years, Susan retired in June of 2022 and is enjoying traveling with her husband and spending lots of time with her grandkids.
Holly Bettge, Executive Director
I’ve been serving with Growing Pains since 2018. I got started with Growing Pains because I have a heart for young parents and have a desire to help them in any way I can.
I am honored to have become the Executive Director of Growing Pains in May, 2022.
Juanita Braunwalder, Board Vice President
I have been serving with Growing Pains since 2009. I got started with Growing Pains because I have a heart for service. After volunteering I realized how much I wanted to be a part of these young parents and to encourage them as they walk this journey of being a parent as a teen. I believe that when we invest in our young we help to change their world in a positive way.
Growing Pains Board of Directors
Holly Bettge, Juanita Braunwalder, Natalie Stidham, & Roger Katona.