July 26, 2020

Teen Mom Reflects On Finding Support From Stork's Nest: Chelsea Davis

Chelsea Davis was a senior in high school when she found she was pregnant with her first child.

Like many young mothers-to-be, Chelsea began to tackle her new reality by educating herself on what was to come. Part of that included the young moms class offered at her high school.

Through that class, she found Stork's Nest, an educational incentive program offered through EveryStep.

Stork's Nest participants earn points for healthy behaviors such as keeping medical appointments, WIC participation, breastfeeding and school attendance.

The points can then be redeemed at the Stork's Nest for needed baby items such as diapers, clothing, strollers, cribs and car seats.

"I was going to be a young mother with limited funds, raising a baby and trying to finish high school," she recalls. "The Stork's Nest program seemed like a great opportunity to help educate myself, ensure proper care for my baby and provide me with a chance to purchase needed items using points I was earning."

That was in 2002, and Chelsea stuck with the program through her daughter's first year.

"I loved the experience," she said. "Everyone was always so helpful."

As a young mother, Chelsea said she felt as if she was never judged when she visited Stork's Nest.

Chelsea found other valuable resources at EveryStep, including nurse who were there to answer all her questions.

"Having the visiting nurse come to my home was nice also," she says. "It was someone I felt I trusted enough to ask questions."

Because Stork's Nest is designed to promote prenatal care participation and encourage healthy behaviors during pregnancy, Chelsea was able earn points for things she was already doing, such as taking her daughter to her well-baby exams.

With the points she earned, Chelsea was able to get her daughter's crib mattress, bottles, bottle nipples, pacifiers, onesies, diapers, wipes and other toiletries.

"This was huge for a young mom like me and many others," she says.

Although it's been nearly 18 years since Chelsea found EveryStep and its programs, the impact is still felt in her and her daughter's life.

"It made a difference in the way I cared for her and provided things she needed," Chelsea said. "I'm not sure she realized the difference it made, but I sure did."

Today, Chelsea's daughter, Taija, turns 17.

"I would definitely recommend this resource to others," she says. "I will always remember how much it helped me. The program is great for all parents to be especially young moms, who maybe just need some guidance, or support."

Please help us keep EveryStep's Stork’s Nest well-stocked with an online donation.