Community and Connection Resources
Parenting is a journey best traveled with support. Whether you’re looking for a place to meet other parents, find a listening ear, or connect with people who understand what you’re going through, these community resources are here for you. From support groups and mentoring programs to family-friendly activities and practical help, Utah offers caring communities that can make your path brighter and less lonely. Reach out—connection changes everything.
Quick Links
Utah Parent Center
A statewide nonprofit led by parents, the Utah Parent Center connects you with caring support, resources, and practical help—especially if your child has a disability or extra needs. Whether you’re navigating early intervention, special education, or just feeling alone, UPC offers judgment-free advice from people who truly “get it.”
What They Offer
- One-on-One Consultation and Mentoring: Get matched with experienced parent consultants for guidance on parenting, disability resources, or school services.
- Free Workshops and Classes: Access webinars and trainings on positive parenting, early intervention, and self-care.
- Family Events and Support Groups: Meet other parents through social events and support networks, like the Family to Family Network.
- Bilingual Support: Services and resources are available in Spanish, welcoming all families.
How to Get Help
Call: 801-272-1051 (Salt Lake area) or 1-800-468-1160
Website: utahparentcenter.org
Service Area: Statewide (Utah)
Why It Matters
When parenting feels overwhelming—especially if your baby has extra needs—the Utah Parent Center can offer a sense of belonging and expert help. They’ll connect you with someone who’s walked this path, and who will listen with true empathy. You’ll find friendship, validation, and the tools you need to face each new challenge. No matter how hard things get, you’ll have a supportive community on your side.
Teen Mom Strong (Planned Parenthood Association of Utah)
Teen Mom Strong is a free support group for pregnant and parenting teens in Salt Lake County, providing a safe, welcoming space to build parenting skills and lasting friendships. Hosted by Planned Parenthood, this program is designed for teens under 20 who want community, encouragement, and a chance to succeed as both parents and students.
What They Offer
- Weekly Group Meet-Ups: Gather weekly with other teen moms and expecting teens, with sessions led by caring facilitators. Free childcare and snacks are often provided, and meetings may be in-person or virtual.
- Education and Incentives: Learn about baby care, finishing school, budgeting, and healthy relationships, with guest speakers and practical tips. Regular attendance may even come with small stipends.
- Peer Support and Mentoring: Make friends with other teen parents, share experiences, and access mentoring and resources for housing, healthcare, and education.
How to Get Help
Call: 385-232-3704 (Planned Parenthood Utah Education Department)
Website: ppau.org (see “Teen Mom Strong” under Education Programs)
Service Area: Salt Lake County, with expanding services statewide
Why It Matters
Being a teen mom can feel incredibly isolating, but Teen Mom Strong proves you’re not alone. You’ll find peers who understand exactly what you’re going through, plus mentors and support for your unique goals. With each meeting, you’ll gain new skills, confidence, and the support of a community that wants to see you and your baby thrive.
Family Support Centers of Utah
Family Support Centers offer safe, welcoming spaces across Utah where parents and children can get immediate help, crisis childcare, and ongoing support. These nonprofit centers are open 24/7, providing a judgment-free environment where your family’s safety and well-being come first.
What They Offer
- Crisis & Respite Nurseries (24/7): Access free, confidential childcare for children (ages 0–11) up to 72 hours when you’re facing overwhelming stress, an emergency, or simply need a break.
- Parenting Classes and Workshops: Join group classes on parenting skills, child development, stress management, and more, often with the chance to meet other parents in your community.
- In-Home Coaching and Support: Some centers send trained mentors to your home for personalized help with routines, discipline, or connecting to local resources.
- Additional Services: Depending on location, you may find free counseling, support groups, emergency supplies (like diapers), special programs for grandparents or adoptive families, and help for issues like substance use. Every center tailors services to community needs, but all aim to help families thrive.
How to Get Help
Call: 801-875-0883 (Utah Family Support Centers Network, 24/7) – This line will direct you to the nearest center.
Website: utahfamilies.org
Service Area: Statewide, with centers in Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, and more—call or check the website for your local center.
Why It Matters
Every parent needs a lifeline sometimes, and that’s exactly what Family Support Centers offer—whether you’re at your breaking point or just need a little extra help. You can find rest, reassurance, and real support—no questions asked and no judgment. Beyond emergencies, these centers offer a warm community of people who genuinely care, teaching you new skills, helping you connect with others, and celebrating your family’s strengths.
Embrace Grace
Embrace Grace connects single pregnant women with loving, church-based support groups in their local community—but no religious commitment is required. Their mission is simple: to make sure no mom ever walks through pregnancy alone or feels ashamed for her circumstances.
What They Offer
- 12-Week Support Group (“Embrace Grace”): Join a weekly group for women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, meeting at local churches throughout Utah and nationwide. You’ll find encouragement, practical help, and friendship, led by women who have walked a similar path. Most groups end with a special baby shower to celebrate you and your little one.
- Embrace Life Follow-Up Group: Continue receiving support after your baby is born, with ongoing groups for young single moms focusing on confidence, practical skills, and building a supportive mom community.
- Practical and Spiritual Support: Get help finding resources for prenatal care, housing, or baby supplies. Every participant receives a “Love Box” of comforting items and encouragement, and while Christian themes of hope and love are woven in, the focus is on making you feel seen, valued, and never pressured.
How to Get Help
Website: embracegrace.com (Use the “Find a Group” tool to see active groups near you, or reach out for more info.)
Service Area: Nationwide, with multiple groups in Utah—especially along the Wasatch Front.
Why It Matters
If you’re feeling scared, overwhelmed, or judged by your circumstances, Embrace Grace will wrap you in acceptance and hope. The support is both practical and emotional, giving you the confidence to step into motherhood knowing you’re not alone. You deserve to be celebrated and surrounded by people who believe in you and your future.
Ohana Beginnings
Ohana Beginnings is a Utah-based program that provides a safe home and comprehensive support for young single mothers who need a place to land and rebuild. “Ohana” means family—and that’s exactly what you’ll find: a team committed to your growth, healing, and independence, whether you’re parenting or considering adoption.
What They Offer
- Transitional Residential Program (“Ohana Home”): Live in a safe, structured home with your baby while you work on life goals like finishing school or finding a job. Meals, essentials, and daily support are provided, with caring staff and mentors to help you every step of the way.
- On-Site Childcare and Early Childhood Program: Your child will be cared for by professionals while you attend classes, counseling, or job training.
- Counseling and Mental Health Services: Access on-site therapy, group counseling, and support for healing from trauma, depression, or anxiety.
- Education and Career Support: Finish high school or start college/vocational training, with help enrolling, applying for aid, and building a career plan.
- Adoption and Pregnancy Planning Support: Compassionate guidance whether you’re considering parenting or adoption, with ongoing support for whichever path you choose.
- Community and Volunteer Network: Ohana also connects you to a circle of mentors, volunteers, and (soon) support for young fathers.
How to Get Help
Call: 801-441-0557 (Pregnancy Help Center hotline)
Website: ohanabeginnings.life
Service Area: Utah (statewide)—residential services in Utah; contact Ohana for eligibility and availability.
Why It Matters
If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope—without a safe home or support—Ohana Beginnings offers a fresh start. Here, you and your baby are treated like family, surrounded by encouragement, safety, and practical help. They’ll help you heal, grow, and believe in your future again. With Ohana, you’re never just a client; you’re someone whose life and dreams matter deeply.
Help Me Grow Utah
Help Me Grow Utah is a free, statewide helpline and resource network for parents, caregivers, and expectant parents. Acting as your personal guide, they connect you with trusted answers and referrals for anything related to parenting, pregnancy, or child development.
What They Offer
- Personalized Support by Call, Text, or Email: Reach out with questions or worries and connect directly to a Parent Support Specialist who listens, answers, and follows up with tailored resources.
- Developmental Screenings: Access free screenings to track your child’s milestones or check for postpartum depression, with referrals to services if any concerns arise.
- Connection to Community Resources: They can connect you to parenting classes, playgroups, clinics, counselors, and anything else your family might need.
- Parent Activities and Events: Find fun, skill-building activities to do with your child, plus regular tips, milestone mailers, and online family events.
How to Get Help
Call/Text: 801-691-5322 (Mon–Thurs 8:30am–6:00pm, Fri 8:30am–5:00pm)
Website: helpmegrowutah.org
Email: helpmegrow@unitedwayuc.org
Service Area: Statewide, serving families with children under 8, as well as expecting parents.
Why It Matters
Parenting often feels like a puzzle—and you don’t have to solve it alone. Help Me Grow is there to listen, reassure, and connect you to the right help, so you can focus on what matters most.
The Single Parent Project
The Single Parent Project is a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting single moms and dads as they build stability and hope for their families. When other safety nets fall short, this project steps in with practical help and a welcoming community.
What They Offer
- Financial Assistance for Essentials: Support with urgent needs like bills, rent, groceries, or child care when other resources aren’t available.
- Resource Navigation and Advocacy: Get help finding additional services, applying for benefits, or even advocacy if you’re facing red tape.
- Community Meetups and Support Groups: Connect with other single-parent families through events, workshops, and weekly support nights (with childcare and kid-friendly activities).
- Seasonal Programs and Donations: Access holiday gifts, school supply drives, and special partnerships to help lighten your family’s load.
How to Get Help
Website: singleparentproject.org
Email: info@singleparentproject.org
Service Area: Utah (primarily the Wasatch Front); contact for availability in other areas.
Why It Matters
Being a single parent is a heavy lift—but you don’t have to do it in isolation. The Single Parent Project offers not just financial support, but emotional and practical encouragement from people who care. You and your kids are not alone in this journey.