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Valerie Parker, the Executive Director of HHC’s Young Families of Indiana Network – Future Promises Program (YFIN), said the eight-person staff uses individual support, educational workshops, college and career tours, and fun events to help pregnant teens and young parents across Marion County achieve their personal goals.
“Our goal is to let participants know that becoming pregnant as a teen doesn’t mean giving up on dreams,” Parker said.
The program currently serves 61 participants, including eight young men in the program’s Dads Affirming Dads component.
The program purchases and stocks items needed for moms, dads, and babies in YFIN’s Baby Boutique. Participants can earn points by meeting school-based or parenting-based
goals, and then use the points to purchase items at the events where they host an incentive store. Baby shampoo can cost two points, while a potty chair can cost six points, and a crib can cost 20 points.
Parker said the program had an amazing seven-week summer session, which included field trips to a local YMCA swimming pool, a rented-out movie theater, and a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo.
“The babies love the zoo,” Parker said. “Want to get toddlers talking? Let them pet an animal!”
The field trips also allow the case managers to observe the participants’ interpersonal relations, and can step in to offer suggestions during teachable moments like toddler tantrums.
Since its inception in 1997, the program has impacted the lives of more than 2,000 pregnant and parenting teens.
The program is currently active in seven Indianapolis high schools:
- Pike High School
- Warren Central High School
- Arsenal Tech High School
- Lawrence North High School
- Lawrence Central High School
- Simon Youth Graduation Academy
- George Washington High School
At the 2025 Year-End Awards Ceremony, 14 participants graduated and were recognized for their accomplishments in balancing parenthood, academics, employment, and life. Special awards were given to participants with the highest grade-point average and the best school attendance at each school.
Former participants often return and share their stories, demonstrating that pregnant teens can go on to get married, graduate school, and start careers.
To learn more about YFIN and the Future Promises program, please call (317) 221-3190.