Teenage pregnancy is a growing problem in North Texas, and many young people do not know where to turn when it happens.
Thanks to the efforts of Kayla Schroeder and others, pregnant teens and their partners in southern Denton County now have a place they can go to get guidance, assistance and information in a non-judgmental environment.
Pregnancy Help 4 U is a pregnancy clinic based in Keller that offers free medical services and information on all options regarding unplanned pregnancy. They do not provide or refer for abortion procedures.
Founder Schroeder said her facility is here to help.
“I have been working at pregnancy clinics for about seven years,” Schroeder said. “I had been hoping we could open one in this area, because I know there is a lot of need for pregnant girls.
“I got help with a non-profit consultant, and we have a lot of financial support from the community.”
Schroeder said the problem with pregnancy in the Argyle, Lewisville, Keller and Northwest school districts is “huge,” and said her facility even sees young women from UNT in Denton.
“Girls like to drive outside of their area to be seen for pregnancy concerns, so we get them from all over the Metroplex,” Schroeder said.
The Pregnancy Help 4 U founder said since October 2011 when it opened its doors, the center has seen a total of 330 girls.
“We find that the root of all of it is that lack of self worth and self esteem,” Schroeder said. “These girls need to be helped in that area. We ask them what their dreams and hopes for the future may be, and we show them their options with things like online high school and college courses, and all different kinds of goals.
“If they get pregnant, they don’t have to throw all of those dreams, goals and hopes away.”
Schroeder said that they offer Medicaid and proof of pregnancy if a patient intends to carry.
The clinic offers free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, crisis intervention consultation, adoption information and referral, STD information and check-ups.
Schroeder said the facility also sees males, and is working to provide counseling for them as well.
Donations are always welcome, as some of the staff members have yet to receive a paycheck.
“We had our annual fundraising banquet April 24th at The Piazza in the Village of Colleyville. We had a packed house of 336 people and Pam Tebow (mother of NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow) spoke, as well as two clients giving their testimonies.
“We need donors to help us with marketing so girls can find us and to pay another sonogram nurse to meet the demand,” said Schroeder.
“We’re trying to get ahead of the problem instead of just being reactive. We are trying to educate young people as much as possible.”
The clinic is located at 425 Keller Parkway in Keller, six blocks east of Hwy 377, and is open five days a week. Call (817) 753-6222 to contact Pregnancy Help 4 U. Visit www.pregnancyhelp4u.org for more information or to provide financial support to the organization.
