Welcome to the Kindred Life Ministries Frequently Asked Questions Page! We hope the following information will help you to get to know us better and learn more about how we serve young families in our community.
Q1: How does Kindred Life Ministries differ from other family social service organizations?
A: Kindred Life Ministries is a Christian based-organization that recognizes that God is the creator of all life and that He placed children in a family setting with a mother and a father. Because we are a fallen people, our relationships have been broken and only Jesus can breathe new life into them. As staff and volunteers we proclaim God’s son Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and want to share the abundant life our families can have in Him. Our faith drives all we do to support each member of the family in their present circumstances and for eternity. (See also Kindred Life Ministries Statement of Faith)
Q2: Why does Kindred Life Ministries limit the number of teenage mothers can serve at each location?
A: Each of our three service locations serve up to seven teen mothers and their families. Experience has shown that seven families is the optimum number to provide the greatest attention to each based on the availability of resources. Kindred Life Ministries’ partners with local churches, communities and the teen mother’s family of origin to provide the most comprehensive program to help all members of the teen family thrive. (See also Partner’s Page)
Q3: How do teen mothers find out about your program and what are the socio-economic and faith backgrounds of the young mothers you serve?
A: Teen mothers are often referred by local pregnancy centers, schools and churches with many finding out about the ministry through friends and social media. Our three office sites are in the northern suburbs of Illinois: Antioch, Gurnee and Wheeling and serve the surrounding communities which are comprised of working class and middle class families with a variety of ethnic, cultural and faith backgrounds. We serve teenagers who have chosen to parent their children.
Q4: How long can a teenage mother remain a part of Kindred Life Ministries, and where do they go after?
A: Each teen mother involved with Kindred Life Ministries is offered an array of services and is asked to meet program guidelines that allow her to grow and mature. A teen mother identifies and works toward meeting her own individual goals with the assistance of the Site Director, her counselor and her mentor. These goals are addressed and monitored regularly. As the teen mother continues to participate in the Life Ed group and on her individual goals, she can remain a part of Kindred Life Ministries. A typical stay in the program is 2-3 years ending with a graduation ceremony. Graduates are invited to join the Kindred Life Alumni Group and encouraged to get plugged into a church and/or Mom’s group to continue to grow and be supported. (See also Programs & Services)
Q5: What type of services do you offer to the teen father and extended family?
A: Kindred Life Ministries outreaches to the teen fathers and extended family members of the teen mothers who are participating in the Life Ed program. Grandparents and support persons are invited to our annual program events: Fall Family Open House, Graduation & Summer Socials. Mentoring and personal/financial counseling is offered to the teen father, while newsletters and group counseling is offered to the grandparents.
Q6: Are my donations to Kindred Life Ministries tax-deductible?
A: Yes, Kindred Life Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Both monetary gifts and in-kind donations are most appreciated and tax-deductible. To make an online gift please visit our Donate Page.
Q7: What is the relationship between Kindred Life Ministries, Teen Mother Choices and Teen Mother Choices International?
For twenty-five years we operated as Teen Mother Choices, Inc. (TMC). TMC was the initial proving ground for a teen mother program where the focus is on direct, hands-on, service to the teen mother and her child. After much prayer and discernment, we determined that in order to better serve this young single-parent, our focus must include the family. After more prayer and planning, we expanded our mission to include teen fathers and extended family members. With this expanded ministry, a change in name was needed to more accurately reflect the mission; the name Kindred Life Ministries was chosen as it describes a loving, Christian community, incorporating both kin– a family and relatives- as well as kindred– alike in nature or character. Kindred Life has a solid foundation, and a wonderful history of ministry, thanks to Teen Mother Choices.
Teen Mother Choices International (TMCI) is a global ministry dedicated to training and equipping churches and organizations with the Teen Mother Choices Program model- enabling them to make a difference in the lives of teen moms in their community. If you are interested in learning more about TMCI, we encourage you to visit their website here.
