By Sierra Morse, Communications and Marketing Strategist
Growing up comes with a lot. For teenagers and young adults, the journey into adulthood is already filled with significant questions about identity, independence, and the future. Stepping into adulthood means learning how to manage money, navigate relationships, and find your footing in a world that doesn't slow down to let you catch up. For some of those young people, that journey also includes something even bigger: learning how to be a parent.
Expectant young moms pose with diaper giveaways
On April 18, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona and the Department of Child Safety Office of Prevention welcomed 29 young families ages 14 to 21 for a full day of connection, learning, and support. From two different workshop blocks to 27 resource exhibitors poised to offer support, YPU gave these young families something hard to come by: a place where they felt seen, prepared, and not alone.
A young couple visits the Unlimited Potential resource table
One attendee, pregnant with her first child, described what walking through the door meant to her. She shared that her family hadn't been supportive of her pregnancy. Still, her boyfriend's father had told them about YPU, and they decided to attend. "It feels like a deep breath after not being able to breathe for a while," she said. "We were so stressed, but this took the stress we didn't need off." Her boyfriend added, "All the resources being offered are truly amazing... Now we feel like we know where to go for what we need."
That sense of clarity and relief is what YPU is designed to deliver. This year's theme, Bringing Color to the Journey, captured it beautifully, because for many young parents, the road ahead can feel gray
with uncertainty. Several of the families who attended have lived experience in Arizona's child welfare system. Some are still in care themselves, navigating parenthood while also navigating a system that is very much still a part of their own story. For those juggling finances, housing, healthcare, and child care all at once, having trusted information and real resources gathered in one place can be exactly the foothold a young family needs.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged with sessions on personal finance, parenting skills, healthy relationships, and capturing milestone moments with their children. Another expectant young mom shared that the budgeting workshop hit close to home: "I've been working with my boyfriend so we can learn how to budget for our baby. This helped."
Free child care was provided so parents could fully participate, knowing their little ones were in good hands nearby. And as in years past, everyone left with their hands full, literally. Each family walked away with a diaper bag packed with practical items, a box of diapers, and a $100 gift card to use however their family needs it most. A raffle brought extra joy
A young couple attends the "Budgeting and Babies" workshop
Raffle prizes
to the day, with prizes including toys and a stroller, because every young family deserves to feel celebrated.
The numbers reflect what the words already show. 100% of attendees rated the event good or excellent, and 100% said they'd likely or very likely attend again, which shows what happens when young families are invested in and supported.
Young parenthood isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be isolating. With the right community around them, young parents can thrive. They exhale, they find their footing, and they grow into the parents and adults they're already working so hard to be.
Do you know a young person expecting a child, a young parent who could use support, or perhaps you're on this journey yourself? You don't have to wait for the next Young Parent University. Visit pcaaz.org/resources to connect to resources available right now. To stay up to date on next year's Young Parent University and other events and programs, follow Prevent Child Abuse Arizona on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and sign up for our monthly newsletter here.