The purpose of the "Earn While You Learn" program is to educate women and men on a variety of subjects, such as:
• Prenatal issues
• Child discipline
• Nutrition during pregnancy
• Development of the baby during pregnancy
• Postnatal concerns
• Understanding child development
Here's how the program matches education with domestic items. First, the client selects books, pamphlets, or views videos at the Center which discuss maternity facts and parenting principles. Second, the client takes worksheets home to proceed from concept to demonstrating understanding through answering questions about the material studied. Third, the client return their homework to the Center where it is catalogued and specific credits are awarded for the completed assignments. Also, the client can earn credits by going to doctor or WIC appointments, or attending parenting or Lamaze classes. Finally, as each educational concept is completed the client can "spend" or exchange these earned credits at the Center for maternity clothes, baby clothes, baby furniture (when available), or other baby related items.
The following is an example of how many credits are needed for various items.
• 6-10 diapers 2 credits
• 1 package of wipes 1 credit
• 1 blanket 3 - 5 credits
• 1 item of clothing 1 - 3 credits
• 1 piece of furniture 5 - 10 credits
In addition to education credits, clients can receive credits for furniture brought to the Center which is in good, safe, and clean condition for someone else to "purchase".
As with all services at the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center, this program helps to meet essential needs, but does so by maintaining the dignity and self-respect of the client.
