Introduction

Madonna’s Center is a public benefit, volunteer-run, charitable nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status - serving the needs of teen parents and their children in Clackamas County, Oregon.

Our main purpose is to provide for the basic needs of disadvantaged teens who are "with child" - either pregnant or have a child up to the age of 3 years old - and who do not have adequate essential support.

Here, at Madonna’s Center, we recognize the many challenges teen parents face when they make the decision to raise their own child(ren). We know, due to a teen parent’s age and circumstances, they are often not eligible for community social services typically available to low-income adult parents. We understand, it is difficult, as a teen parent to work towards self-sufficiency, complete an educational program, afford necessary baby items, secure stable housing, obtain employment and get access to helpful community resources, such as emergency food assistance.

We realize teen parents oftentimes lack a means of transportation, or find it very difficult to use public transportation with a small child along for the ride. This is why Madonna’s Center is an OUTREACH effort. We respond to their call, and we go to them, if needed.

The foundational elements of Madonna’s Center are solidly built upon a set of firmly held beliefs. All policies, practices, procedures and programs are developed with these beliefs in mind. All services are implemented within a framework of four cornerstones – each designed to address primary concerns teen parents have for their children and for themselves. We strive to develop flexible, user-friendly programs to help fulfill their unmet physical, emotional and financial needs within a set of compassionate values.

We do not provide support that can be readily obtained through other resources. We make referrals to other local agencies and services who we know can provide specific assistance to teen parents. Thus, the kinds of services offered by Madonna’s Center are not currently being provided through government agencies, social services, health centers, church groups or other charitable community organizations, especially with teen parents in mind.