Contact Information
Catholic Family
Services Office
523 N. Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605.988.3775
1.800.700.7867(STOP)
(FAX) 605.988.3747
Email
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I AM PREGNANT!
What are my options?
Knowing and being confident about your choices will help decrease your
worries and increase your decision making power. You can take control if you have
the information you need to make wise decisions.
When you come to see us you may be feeling several emotions and contemplating many
decisions. Among these maybe an Abortion, Parenting the Child, or Placing the Child
for Adoptions. During our time together we would explore the feelings you are having
and if you are contemplating an abortion we would explore the many different options
that exist for you and how we can assist you. We will also assist with appropriate
referrals (WIC, Housing, Food Stamps, financial resources, transportation, TANF,
child birth classes, child care options, support groups, etc.)
WHAT DO I DO?
- Call the Catholic Family SErvice office nearest
your home on the toll free line. We have pregnancy counselors
in these full time offices and they outreach to 10 other communities:
 Sioux
Falls........ 1-800-700-7867
Mitchell.............
1-888-496-2273
Pierre................
1-888-503-8255
Aberdeen..........
1-888-471-4673
Watertown.........
1-800-700-2376
- An appointment will be set up with you in that
office or at an outreach office if that is closer. If you lack
transportation, a location can be dtermined that is accessible
to you and the counselor will come to you. A first name and some
way to contact you may be needed in case of an unexpected schedule
change or inclement weather.
- You may bring with you support persons of your
choosing (birth father, parents, friends) or you may come alone.
WHAT DOES IT COST ME?
The counseling is FREE to the pregnant woman regardless of her
decision. We also provide FREE counseling to the father of the
unborn child and other family members that may be affected by the pregnancy. There
is no limit to the number of pregnancy counseling sessions available. If adoption
is the plan, Catholic Family Services covers the costs of voluntarily terminating
the parental rights.
WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU HELP?
- Support you in telling your family about your
pregnancy.
- Assist in making suitable living arrangements.
- Make sure you receive prenatal care information
and assist you in finding medical and financial assistance.
- Provide temporary care for your baby, if you
so choose.
- Maintain supportive contact with you
following the birth of your baby.
CAN I COME IF I AM NOT CATHOLIC?
HOW WILL I BE TREATED?
Although we are a Catholic agency, we accept clients of all faiths and include those
who may no longer practice their faith. Many pregnant women may be intimidated by
a Catholic agency and fear they will be condemned. (They may have been told this
in the past.) We DO NOT condemn any individual but rather offer an open and caring
place to sort through feelings and determine what is best for the unborn child.
A variety of worksheets are used to help sort out feelings/thoughts. Each counselor/social
worker at Catholic Family Services is licensed by the state of South Dakota.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Choosing to parent your baby
After exploring the personal, emotional, financial, family support and other resources
available to you, you may choose to parent your child. We will assist you in locating
appropriate resources and services in your local community. We will maintain contact
with you, if you wish, and you are welcome to participate in the various parenting
groups offered through our agency.
“I know in my heart I have made the right decision in raising my daughter. I would
not have been so sure about today if I had not had the guidance Catholic Family
Services gave me to see all aspects of such a major decision.” --Jennifer
Choosing to place your baby
Adoption is a special process in which you make all the choices and decisions. Catholic
Family Services offers closed, semi-open and open adoption services. That means
many more options are available to you. See
Adoptions.
“When I discovered I was pregnant, I felt like my worst nightmare had come true.
I was going to have a baby and I was a baby myself. I knew almost from the beginning
that I’d be placing Cody for adoption and that was painful. I spent a lot of time
in tears, but I believe I raised my child in one day. I provided a family, a home
-- a secure and loving environment to grow in. Through adoption, I gave him everything
I wanted to give him but couldn’t.” --Mary
“I alone know the plans I have for you. Plans to bring you peace and not disaster,
plans to bring you the future you hope for. You will find me with you, says the
Lord, and I will change your lot.
--Jeremiah 29:11,14
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