Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center offers mentorship, educational support

After she experienced a medically complicated miscarriage, additional health challenges, unforeseen expenses and had invested money in their family farm, Ashley Stocker found out she was pregnant in August 2022.

During a routine doctor’s appointment, the medical staff asked her if she had any concerns about finances and introduced her to Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center in St. Cloud, formerly Birthline. 

“After all that had happened to us, we were a bit worried about finances, but I didn’t know if I deserved the help,” she said. “After weeks of hesitating, I decided to go to Elevate.” 

Sabrina Hanson-Reiter, executive director of Elevate, explained that level of financial need does not factor into the assistance they provide. 

“We have all income levels participating in our programs. Anyone with a child six months old or younger can come to the center and continue as long as they need support from us. We do not turn anyone away,” she said. 

“I started going to Elevate in the fall of 2022 and immediately felt relief. It meant the world,” Stocker said. “I love that their program is a ‘learn to earn’ style. For people like me who have a hard time asking for help, knowing that I educate myself to earn points that can later be redeemed for baby necessities makes it a lot easier to accept the help. The points I earned help me purchase diapers, a stroller and car seat.”

Hanson-Reiter said, “Every time a woman meets with her mentor or takes a class online or in person, she earns points to purchase needs she may have. The mentorship and class opportunities help the women who come to Elevate reach their individual goals.”

“Mentors work with participants based on what their goals are. For example, if their goal is to be more financially stable, classes and mentor sessions would be geared more toward financial stability. If their goal is to make better decisions in relationships, their classes might be about communications and boundaries. We do encourage that, if they have a partner, both come to receive the information.” 

Stocker meets with her mentor, Andrea Warnert, every two weeks.

“Andrea has been so much help for me,” Stocker said. “The program has made me a better parent in so many ways while also easing some financial stress as well,” Stocker said.

Warnert currently mentors over 20 individuals to help them achieve self-set goals.

“I enjoy seeing women take steps to improve their lives and the lives of their children,” Warnert said. 

“I am extremely grateful to Andrea and Elevate,” Stocker said. “When my daughter, Ava, arrived prematurely, Elevate reached out to let me know they had preemie clothes and diapers. It was so touching that they reached out. I didn’t even ask, and they were there with what I needed.”

Beyond educational and financial support, Stocker gained much more. 

“I found a doula through Elevate. They also referred me to Early Childhood Family Education,” she said. “Meeting other women in the community is helpful, too.”

Stocker encourages women who are pregnant or may be pregnant to reach out to Elevate. 

 “Don’t feel bad about reaching out. Elevate is so helpful. What they have done for me touches me emotionally. It’s a gift to have women who lift you up.”

 

THREE AREAS OF ELEVATE PROGRAMMING

• HEART (Healthy Education and Relationship Training) 

“This program allows us to go into eighth and 10th grade classrooms. In eighth grade, the curriculum is mainly definitions — What is self-care? What is peer pressure? What are boundaries? What is love? Then, in 10th grade, the curriculum takes that information and teaches students how to implement strategies to make a healthy decision and stick with it,” Sabrina Hanson-Reiter, executive director of Elevate, said.

• Medical Grade Pregnancy Tests

“We see teens as young as 13 come to receive pregnancy tests. Elevate is very discreet, as a name does not need to be given and women are not asked to wait in the lobby,” Hanson-Reiter said. “As part of this, a mentor will do options-based counseling based on the Minnesota Department of Health women’s right to know. We talk about abortion, adoption and parenting. Although we do not necessarily believe that abortion is an option, it is to some women, so we want to provide them the facts. They may not get that information at other places and learn the risk factors related to abortion.” 

• Mentoring Program

“Regardless of the option they choose, women can come through our mentoring program. The mentoring program includes one-on-one time with a mentor, group classes and online classes,” Hanson-Reiter said. “Group classes can be anything from setting up a birthing plan, parenting in blended families to crafting and car safety. We take a wholistic approach and create a space to build community with other parents and families.”

 

Elevate is a 100% donor-funded program. Here’s how you can help. 

• Participate in an upcoming event of support: 

May 16 Online Auction 

June 23 Butterfly/Lantern Memorial Release at Sartell Community Center

Oct. 25 Evening for Life Gala at The Regency

• For more information on events, visit: www.friendsofelevate.org
• Purchase and send Elevate items from their Amazon wish list at https://a.co/gGORgGm
• Provide prayers for those who work and volunteer for Elevate and pray for the women, men and families who receive their support. 
• Donate at https://bit.ly/donateelevate

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Story by Amber Walling. Photography by Dianne Towalski