Make Parenting A Pleasure class info

Opening Doors

Opening Doors connects low-income pregnant women with services that help them have healthy babies. Our trained outreach workers provide resources and support during pregnancy to help women access health care and a variety of social services.

Many of the women who work for Opening Doors have "been there," struggling to make ends meet while preparing for the birth of a child. Opening Doors workers provide advocacy and education, as well as reassuring support during pregnancy.

Opening Doors helps with:

• Finding a doctor
• Referring to needed services
• Enrolling in the Oregon Health Plan
• Communicating with your doctor
• Preparing for childbirth and motherhood
• Applying for WIC and other services
• Learning about breastfeeding and infant nutrition
• Stabilizing your living situation
• Having someone to talk with

In surveys, 97-percent of parents report that Opening Doors made a positive difference for them.

Parenting is a skill. New Parent Network is a voluntary program that helps first-time parents get off to a great start.

Parents learn about:

• Child development
• Positive guidance
• Discipline
• Communication.

Lesson Topics Include:

• Nurturing
• Health & physical well-being
• Creating a safe and stimulating environment
• Creating support systems

This service is especially helpful for new parents who want to learn better parenting than they experienced as children. Parents who did not experience a nurturing childhood environment will be able to learn how to create one for their children using positive parenting techniques. Parents also receive opportunities to learn how to build their support network with information about community resources. Emphasis is on health and well-being. Parents receive help accessing primary health care for their children including immunizations, developmental screening, well child checks and dental care.

Opening Doors staff make home visits throughout Washington County.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be Washington County resident
• For Opening Doors, must be pregnant
• For New Parent Network, must be first-time parent

Where to Find Us

Our offices are in Beaverton

Central information and intake: 503.517.3198