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FAM First

FAM First is a free 9-month program for expecting parents ages 18–24.

Having a baby February - April 2026

Interest Form HERE

Program Starting Soon!

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Program Starting Soon! ~

We are here to support YOU — through pregnancy, parenting, & building your future.

We provide moms and dads with parenting support and work opportunities through group sessions and 1-on-1 coaching. The program provides:

  • Pregnancy Support (Including a FREE Doula)

  • Parenting and Relationship Support

  • Job Training and Work Opportunities

  • Community Resources

  • FREE Milestone Incentives

Parents gain skills to strengthen their relationships, build confidence in raising their child, and connect with others on the same journey. Families are equipped with the necessary tools to create strong foundations for their child’s future.

Submit Your Interest Form Today!

Yes! I would like to take part in FAM First! By completing this interest form, you acknowledge that you are willing to participate in activities for 9 months beginning SOON! You will receive a confirmation email with the next steps for the application process.

Interest Form Here!

By clicking the interest form link, you will be taken to a Google Form (external link). TrainingGrounds will never share your personal information.

Join other expecting moms & dads on this journey

Access free doula care, parenting support, and relationship classes

Get 1-on-1 support with job search, job training, and work opportunities

Connect with a community of other parents 

Earn incentives while getting help through pregnancy and parenting a newborn

Interest Form HERE

“Being a young mom, and a first-time mom, you don’t have a lot of people to talk to, so I wanted to join the group to see if I could get advice and learning skills from other mothers or other people who have kids.”

– Miesha, Parent Representative –

“I know a lot of young parents out there — mainly a lot of males — don’t really know in situations what to do.”

— Vincent, Parent Representative –

These parent representatives brought lived experience as young, first-time parents to the heart of the FAM First Planning Committee. Their insights, leadership, and voices ensured that every decision was grounded in real family needs, shaping a vision that reflects the communities we serve.

Participating Individuals/Organizations

Andre Apparicio, Dad-A-Port

Angela Shiloh Cryer, STRIVE New Orleans

Arlanda Williams, Delgado Community College

Arnel Cosey, Clover

Azeb Negasi, Clover

Caitlin Scanlan, Cafe Reconcile

Dominique Garner Brewer, Total Community Action

Jahné Osby, Total Community Action

Lauren Jones, Parent

Matt Scott, Parent

Melanie Richardson, TrainingGrounds (Parenting Education Sector Lead)

Meshawn Siddiq, H.E.R. Institute

Michele Seymour, New Orleans Youth Alliance

Miesha Taylor, Parent

Rochelle Wilcox, For Providers By Providers & Wilcox Academy of Early Learning

Romeka Dickerson, Parent

Shanika Valcour-LeDuff, Labor and Love (Perinatal Health Sector Lead)

Shannon Brown Joseph, Workforce Collaborative Consulting (Workforce Sector Lead)

Sidney Monroe, Total Community Action

Sunae Villavaso, New Orleans Office of Workforce Development

Taeshaun Walters, Changing Generations

Thelma French, Total Community Action

Vincent Lucky, Parent

Project Manager:

Asante Salaam, TrainingGrounds

Facilitators:

Hamilton Simons-Jones, ResourceFull Consulting

Maureen Joseph, ResourceFull Consulting

Evaluation & Documentation:

Amber Domingue, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Ayesha Umrigar, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Iman Shervington, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Kimberly Garb, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Lisa Richardson, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Mari Jarreau, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Mary Rockwell, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Tyla Maiden, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

Frequently Asked Questions❓

  • FAM FIRST is a 9-month program at no-cost for expecting moms and dads (ages 18–24). Starting in your 2nd trimester, we provide parenting support and work opportunities through group sessions and 1-on-1 coaching. The program focuses on three key areas:

    • Pregnancy Support (Including a FREE Doula)

    • Parenting and Relationship Support

    • Job Training and Work Opportunities

    • You must be 18–24 years old.

    • You must be due in Feb.-Apr. 2026.

    • We especially welcome parents who are not currently working or in school.

    • If you’re working a lower-wage job or taking classes part-time without a clear career path, you may still qualify — apply and our team will review your situation.

  • FAM First offers:

    • Pregnancy support (including free doula services)

    • Parenting and relationship education

    • Career coaching, job training, and employment opportunities

    • A community of young parents going through the same journey

  • The program begins when you’re in your second trimester of pregnancy and lasts for about 9 months — covering pregnancy, birth, and the early months of your baby’s life.

  • Nope! ✅ FAM First is completely free for participants.

    • Fill out the interest form here.

    • After we receive your completed application, a team member will contact you about next steps.

  • Yes — this program is expecting parents.

  • Yes! FAM First is designed for both expecting moms and dads. We encourage couples to participate together, but single parents are welcome too.

  • You may still qualify if you:

    Work a lower-wage job, or attend school part-time without a clear career plan or economic stability.

    We want to make sure this program reaches young parents who will benefit the most.

  • Once your baby is around 3 months old, you’ll be connected to other programs that support families with children from birth to age 4 — so you are supported as your baby grows.

  • Call or text Angel Norwood-Collins at 504-261-3402 or Email Angel@mytraininggrounds.org.