TAPP N2 the News

TEEN ALLIANCE FOR PREPARED PARENTING

FALL 2017
Summer 2012 www.medstarwashington.org/tapp

TAPP
MAKES GOING TO A PROVIDER
AS SIMPLE AS WALKING DOWN THE HALL
Exciting news foritsnew parents:
T APP has expanded presence in D.C. public high schools, by
adding a second school-based health center at Roosevelt High
School. At school-based health centers, students have access to care in a
location that is convenient and caters to their specific needs as teenagers.
Students meet with a midwife who provides same day services for
prenatal and post-partum care, birth control, STI screening and
treatment, pregnancy testing and family planning education.
Students can schedule appointments with a pediatrician,
psychologist, nutritionist and nurse. Some students call the
center a one-stop shop that
addresses their medical needs.
Students can also meet with the TAPP social
worker, who provides supportive counseling,
therapeutic interventions and community
resources for those experiencing symptoms
associated with depression, anxiety, domestic
violence, sex trafficking, STIs or
substance use. TAPP and the New Heights
Program for Expectant and Parenting
Students provide support and information
for youth through weekly workshops. Group In This Issue
education includes topics about healthy
Provider Care continued . . . . . . . . . 2
parenting, sustaining healthy relationships,
TAPP All Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
continued on next page Howard University Intern . . . . . . . . 4
Summer Cookout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Domestic Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Keeping Warm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Parenting Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TAPP SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTERS continued

reproductive and sexual health education, as well

as life skills training. Hands-on activities and
peer-to-peer training are also presented.
TAPPs midwife and social worker collaborate
with school personnel and the New Heights
program, to ensure that the school-health center
partnership meets students needs, while reducing
health disparities among minority students. TAPPs
goal this year is to widen its reach to non-
traditional students receiving their education at
Roosevelt, through the STAY Opportunity
Academy program. STAYs alternative school
program allows students to stay in school and
attend programming at varying times during the
day. TAPP looks forward to its ongoing partnership
with Roosevelt High School.

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HELPING THE COMMUNITY

All Star Sade Bray

TEEN ALLIANCE FOR PREPARED PARENTING

TAPP

M any teens are shocked, excited and scared when they find out that they are pregnant. Some
begin to question if they are ready for the responsibility of caring for a child.
Sade Bray, an 18-year-old expectant mother, did not plan her pregnancy, but she believed her child
was a blessing. Her childs father disagreed with her decision to continue with the pregnancy, and he
was determined not to be involved in their childs life. Sade
did not know how she was going to care financially for
herself and a child, as she had just graduated from high school.
Sade enrolled in the TAPP program during her first trimester,
and was partnered with her social worker, Anita Maina, LGSW.
Anita supported Sade through her pregnancy, delivery and
post- partum care. As part of TAPP, Sade participated in
CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care program, where
expectant moms connect with one another, learn about their
pregnancy and participate in prenatal care.
Sade excelled, stating that she was more confident as her
pregnancy progressed. She felt supported, knowing that she had
one-on-one time with her midwife; support and encouragement
from other young women; and that Anita was always available
to her, to give her supportive counseling. Sade often provided
and shared information with other women in Centering, and went on to deliver a healthy baby boy with
the assistance of her Centering midwife.
Things were not so easy when Sade went home. Like many new mothers, Sade experienced the
baby blues after she delivered. She had bouts of crying, and reported feeling overwhelmed with
caring for a newborn. She was also scared that her son was not breastfeeding enough. Anita
provided home visits, discussed Sades symptoms, provided post-partum education and offered
guidance, as Sade adapted to motherhood.
With Anitas support, Sade and her sons father worked out their differences, and decided how to co-
parent their son. As Sade became more confident as a mother, she started an internship at a daycare
center, which inspired her to become a child development associate. Sade is working full time at a
pharmacy, while caring for her son. Her positive energy continues to motivate her to be the best

3
parent that she can be, and Anita and the TAPP program will continue to support for Sade through
her journey.

fall 2017
TAPP WELCOMES

TEEN ALLIANCE FOR PREPARED PARENTING

Howard University
Intern Abena Habia
G rowing up, I always knew that I wanted to help
people with their problems, and to see people
experience happiness regardless of their situation. I was very
confident that a career in Social Work would be fulfilling and
rewarding. I majored in Social Work for my undergraduate
degree, and am currently pursuing my Masters degree in
Social Work at Howard University.

Ghana, my country of origin, is a developing country,

and we do our best in the provision of social services. As
a nation, we have numerous pressing health issues, such
as cholera and malaria, which we battle on a daily basis.
We do not have enough health facilities to cater to
people with these diseases. Almost all economical resources are
directed to the solution of medical complications, rather than the social aspects of life. Emotional
help, which actually costs less to provide, is not common, because people do not believe it makes a
difference.

In Ghana, there are many teenage pregnancies. A program like TAPP would be very beneficial in
developing countries. A medical and psychosocial model of care would provide teens with prenatal
care, birth control, emotional support and life skills training to break the cycle of poverty. My
volunteer work with the TAPP program will enable me to gain the skills and knowledge, to start a
similar program when I return home.

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Summer Cookout

O n July 7, TAPP kicked off its First Annual

Summer Cookout, with a barbecue for
participants and their families. Held at
MedStar Washington Hospital Centers
outdoor pavilion, the barbecue included
fresh food for the families, games for the
children and music.

This community event was part of the TAPP

parenting workshop series, which provide
families a space to build community with
other teen parents, an opportunity to learn
Nurturing Parenting skills, and receive
support and guidance from TAPP staff.

TAPP collaborated with Project Create, a

non-profit organization in Washington, D.C.
that provides accessible arts education, to
promote positive development in families
experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Project Create facilitated an activity, using
art as a therapeutic intervention, to
enhance family communication, reduce
stress and explore artistic self-expression.
Candice Napper taught children and their
parents how to utilize basic art skills to
develop interpersonal skills, increase
self-esteem and self-awareness.

5
OCTOBER

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

T APP realizes that domestic violence thrives when the victim and community are silent. Domestic
violence can be physical, sexual, psychological or emotional violence within a relationship. Violence can
occur in person or electronically, between a current or former partner. During their program enrollment,
pregnant women aged 21 and younger are screened for signs of domestic violence. All participants also
receive education about healthy relationships. Participants living with abuse are provided counseling, and
given resources for shelter and other supportive services.
It is the goal of the TAPP team to prevent the intergeneration cycle of violence,
and prevent children from victimization associated with violence. If you believe
that you are a victim of domestic violence or have questions, please reach out
to your TAPP social worker, and use the resource below.

Real Talk about Real Relationships:

Are you 12 to 24 years old?
Join Lets Be Real, to talk about how to navigate
relationships from dating and hook-ups, to friends and crushes, to
boundaries and relationship goals. Want more information? Visit
the Break the Cycle website, at
https://breakthecycle.typeform.com/to/kD6hti

6
Keeping Warm
UNE

as the temperature drops!

W hether the forecast predicts cloudy skies, rain, snow or sun, being prepared everyday
is very important for you and your child(ren)! Check out a few tips to stay warm as the
temperature drops. Also know the available Resources/Drop In centers offered to teens.

LAYC- 3045 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 202- 713-0475

Sasha Bruce- 741 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003 202-675-9340
Sasha Bruce - 1022 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 202-546-4900
Project Safe Place- 701 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington DC 20002 202-547-7777
Casa Ruby- 2822 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001 202-355-5155
Covenant House 202-610-9600
Promise Place Prince Georges County, MD 240-764-8274

Know Before You Go! Tips to Staying Warm.

n Heat your home, and make sure your heating is safe. If you are
using a space heater, keep it away from children, clothes and
toys. Do not use stoves or ovens to keep warm, because this is
dangerous. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer, and the fire de-
partment may be able to provide you with a free carbon
monoxide detector.
n Bundle UP. Layer on clothing. For assistance with free/inexpen-
sive clothes, contact Bread for the City, Capitol Hill Pregnancy
Center, Northwest Pregnancy Center, Mission of Love, Marthas
Table and other community agencies.
n Eat Well!
n Most importantly, if you do not need to be outside, stay warm in-
doors.
n Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause
colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children
are in school, and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent
handwashing, and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into the
bend of her elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu.
For more information on how to stay warm this winter or how to get
help with your heating bills, contact your TAPP social worker.

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PARENTING Workshops

J oin us every first Friday from 12 to 1 p.m.

for our TAPP Parenting Workshops. Workshops are held at MedStar
Washington Hospital Center, East Building, Room 7124. Lunch is provided.

Friday, November 3, 2017: Parents are the First Teachers:

How to Improve your childs communication, problem-solving and
decision-making

Friday, January 5, 2018: Strong Parents, Strong Children:

Exploring parenting styles

Friday, February 2, 2018: Overcoming the Challenges of

becoming a Teen Parent:
Youre stronger than you think

TAPP offers additional parenting workshops to students at Anacostia High School,

Roosevelt High School and Washington Metropolitan High School. Contact your
TAPP Social Worker for more information.

DECEMBER

Holiday Party

J oin us FOR THE TAPP HOLIDAY PARTY ON FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 1, 2017, FROM 3 to 5 P.M. AT
MEDSTAR WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER, SIEGEL AUDITORIUM

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 TEEN ALLIANCE FOR PREPARED PARENTING
Team Members
fall 2017

TAPP Mission Statement To work with and assist young families in their effort
to parent successfully, live meaningful lives and act with purpose in their community.

TAPP Team Members

Loral Patchen, PhD, CNM, Executive Director
Elysia Jordan, RN, MPH, Associate Director of Operations
Karen Shennette, LICSW, Coordinator of Mental Health
and Social Services
Sierra Hayes, LGSW, Social Worker
Anita Maina, LGSW, Social Worker
Olufolake Ogunyemi, LGSW, Social Worker

To learn more about the TAPP program, call 202-877-0755

TAPP is located on the campus of MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving Street, NW
East Building
Room 7130
Washington, DC 20010