EnCana supports Pregnancy Resource Center
Earn While You Learn program empowers first time parents
by Pregnancy Resource Center
November 6, 2009
EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. contributed $5,900 to the Pregnancy Resource Center for its Earn While You Learn Prenatal and Parenting Education Program. Funds will be used to purchase materials and maintain the program.
Designed to restore, equip and empower women and men to make positive choices, the Pregnancy Resource Center provides counseling support, material assistance and encouragement to women and families facing an unplanned or first time pregnancy. The Earn While You Learn program provides pregnancy health and parenting education, mentorship and resources to new parents during pregnancy and through the transition to parenting.
"Earn While You Learn enables young families to become self-sustainable and community-oriented," said Randy Teeuwen, EnCana community relations advisor. "EnCana is pleased to partner with an organization that helps new parents improve family functioning, develop effective parenting skills and enhance their quality of life."
According to Heidi Dickerson, the Center’s executive director, the Earn While You Learn program utilizes DVD-based lessons that are tailored to the needs of each new parent. ‘Program Money’ is earned for each attended lesson or completed homework assignment, which can then be used to purchase needed material items for the baby.
"Our program is easy to use, offers constant motivation and provides incentives to complete the program," said Dickerson. "New parents can apply what they learn in all aspects of personal development, to help with emotional need, be free from government assistance, foster positive community relationships and become financially independent."
Since implemented in March of this year, the Center has conducted 25 parenting and 16 prenatal classes, with 12 participants engaging in the program. "We are also sponsoring classes through Cooperative Extension Services of UW called Cent$ible Nutrition," said Dickerson. "These classes offer an opportunity for parents to learn ways to prepare healthy, nutritious and economical meals for their families."
A staunch supporter of programs that promote wellness and enhance health care, EnCana has contributed more than $18,000 to the Pregnancy Resource Center over the past three years. "EnCana’s support has been vital to the start-up of our organization," said Dickerson. "We truly appreciate their continued support, sustainability and growth to our program services."
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