MOTHER & CHILD EDUCATION CENTER
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Mission Statement
Mother & Child Education Center (MCEC) strives to create and support a community of strong parents, who nurture their children confidently before, during, and after pregnancy. Through no-cost service offerings, MCEC advocates for the population it serves, regardless of racial, ethnic, cultural and gender differences. MCEC acknowledges that there are other organizations in the area that specialize in homelessness, hunger, and maternal health, but we pride ourselves in being one of the only non-profits that employs a holistic approach to pregnancy and parenting while also addressing underlying issues or trauma. Initially established in Portland in 1971 as a chapter of Birthright, MCEC transformed over decades (officially becoming MCEC in 2008) to become more inclusive and accessible. Our clients are predominantly low income and include expectant women, single fathers, and families facing challenges, such as lack of housing, poverty, domestic violence, refugee status, immigration, DHS involvement, substance abuse, or trauma. MCEC provides prenatal and parenting classes; supplies; and access to additional resources through community partners. We strive to empower clients to gain healthy parenting habits; to understand safe sleeping for infants; and to achieve personal goals, such as self-sufficiency and self-advocacy.
About This Cause
Mother & Child Education Center has been serving families in the greater Portland community since 1971, primarily families who are low-income or experiencing a family crisis such as divorce, housing instability, domestic abuse or unemployment. Our center is open five days per week for quiet conversation & services, and thanks to volunteers we offer a 24-hour pregnancy & parenting phone line as well. Annually, we serve more than 2,400 expectant mothers, fathers, their children and families. MCEC is funded primarily through individual donors, grants, foundations, baby bottle campaigns and special events. Mother & Child Education Center offers classes and workshops in prenatal health, labor & delivery, newborn care, parenting, nutrition, breastfeeding, safe sleep habits, budgeting and . We also provide emergency clothing, maternity clothes, diapers, food/formula, healthy food, and other needed supplies to more than 100 families each month. Finally, we help connect the young parents with other services such as birthing centers, housing and food banks. In the past several years, the number of expectant women we serve who are suffering from mental illness, domestic violence and homelessness has increased. Most the children and families we serve qualify for the free or reduced lunch program, are supported by the Women Infants and Children Program, and are served by other social service agencies including ones serving immigrant refugees. 2022 Program List Individual Support – assesses clients’ needs and goals in a judgment-free space to provide personalized support. Physiological Needs – provides formula, diapers, wipes, baby food, family food boxes, hygiene products, clothing, and shoes. Safety Needs – provides car seats, strollers, baby bathtubs, cribs, safety locks, and connections to domestic violence support systems. Safe Sleep Program – provides education, equipment, and supplies to reduce SIDs in the community. Monthly Client Care Days - a resource-focused event with supplies and a meal. (on hold since the Covid pandemic) Pregnancy Testing – state-approved lab for proof of pregnancy, which can help clients gain access to government resources. Educational Classes – provides classes on topics such as birthing, newborn care, safe sleep, and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding/Nursing Support – provides nursing bras, supplies, education, and support for breastfeeding. Free Library – parenting and children’s books are available in English and Spanish. Tummy Time – shares the importance of tummy time for infants and provides hand-crafted quilts. Maternity Support – provides monthly maternity clothing for expectant moms, morning sickness packets, unlimited prenatal vitamins, and tools for a healthy pregnancy. Connections & Referral – connects clients to additional counseling and community & government resources. Our vision is to create a world where children are welcomed and nurtured in the home, in the community, and beyond. Our gentle care of mothers is highly respected in the local community, including Universities, that work with Mother & Child as a maternal training site for student nurses. We offer our services for free and without restriction.