Empowering Pregnancy
Flexible pregnancy support tailored to your needsEmpowering Pregnancy is a prenatal support outreach program offered through SHORE Centre for folks in Waterloo Region who have decided to continue an unplanned pregnancy and become parents for the first time OR who are experiencing pregnancy for the first time in Canada.
At SHORE, we recognize that unplanned pregnancies often present unique needs and unforeseen challenges so we provide a range of practical and emotional support services to help you reduce your stress, make community connections, and prepare for birth and beyond.
Our program coordinator will connect with you through an intake appointment (virtual, phone, or in person) to discuss your needs and priorities, as well as any additional support we may be able to provide throughout your pregnancy as you prepare to transition into parenthood or navigate pregnancy in Canada for the first time.
How We Can Help
Our team is here to help you navigate the extra challenges that come with unplanned pregnancy.
Based on your needs, priorities, and decisions, we can provide:
- Information and referrals to community resources for pregnancy and parenting
- Assistance finding a prenatal care provider or navigating the healthcare system
- Administrative support with birth registration or applying for benefits
- Bus tickets to help you get to your medical appointments
- Limited financial aid for practical challenges related to pregnancy (availability based on funding and eligibility)
- Internal referrals to our clinical, perinatal counselling, or peer support programs
- Free prenatal vitamins
- Advocacy, and more!
“Weekly calls and having someone to talk to made a world of difference…. Just having someone to … trust my concerns to … helped me navigate the new world of parenthood. To be honest, if this parent support would not have been there for me, I would not have been able to do it or be alive at this point. Providing support and supporting my baby and also information on where I can get help. They opened for me a way if I need help, I can just ask.”
– Client Feedback
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for Empowering Pregnancy Outreach support you must:
- Live within Waterloo Region
- Be continuing a pregnancy for the first time OR pregnant in Canada for the first time*
- Demonstrate a need for financial and/or emotional support
- Have an expected due date of June 2024 or later
Empowering Pregnancy outreach support is available to pregnant people living within Waterloo Region throughout pregnancy and continuing for 3 months postpartum**
**This is a prenatal support program and you must be pregnant to qualify.
How to Book an Empowering Pregnancy Intake
Please read all the steps before booking.
Step 1: Go to our online booking site: https://shore.inputhealth.com/ebooking
Step 2: Select Empowering Pregnancy as appointment location and choose to have a Virtual or In Person appointment.
If you do not see this location as an option, the program is currently closed for new intakes.
Step 3: Select Empowering Pregnancy Intake appointment and select the next available date and time
Step 4: Complete the required intake forms right away**
Step 5: Attend your appointment virtually, over the phone, or in person with a member of our Empowering Pregnancy Team to review your request and determine how the program can support you
**If you do not complete the required intake forms or contact us in advance, your appointment request will be cancelled.
Not quite sure what to do? Email outreach@shorecentre.ca for help requesting this appointment or filling out an intake form.
Interpretation services available free of charge with notice.
Not what you are looking for? We have other supports for pregnancy and postpartum: Counselling and Stork Secrets
Looking for other parenting support available in Waterloo Region?
Click here view our interactive resource map.