Guidelines for Inspirational Counselors
of the Nurturing Network

If, after reading these Helpful Hints, you would like to be an Inspirational Counselor to one of our Clients, please follow the link to the online application. We will be in contact with you. If you prefer, you may indicate your interest in receiving this form through the mail on our Contact Us page or you may download the Adobe Acrobat version and mail or fax it to the address below. Click here to request additional information about our program.

The relationship between each Client and the Members will naturally be as unique as the individuals involved. While there are no hard and fast guidelines to follow, these suggestions may be helpful to you:

• Try to establish, from the start, a relationship with the Client in which you are both at ease. You may decide to treat our Client as you would your own daughter or a close friend at a similar age. By doing so, you can show her the respect and friendship that you would accord an adult along with the parental concern and guidance you offer your own children.
  
  
• As our Clients benefit from the various services of the Network, it is vital that they sense the same commitment and understanding from each Network member. We hope you use every opportunity to let our Client know that you respect and support the choice she has made to give her child life. At this time in her life when she may be particularly vulnerable, reassurance is needed and very much appreciated.
  
  
• While some Clients will be more concerned than others, we have assured all Clients that each Member of our Network will protect the confidentiality of her circumstances. We ask your on-going assistance in fulfilling this commitment to our Clients. 
  
  
• Keep your word if you agree to phone once a week for the next month, please be sure to follow through. Often our Clients have experienced betrayal and broken promises from the father of their baby and any reminders of this behavior really hurt.
  
  
• This may understandably be a time of confusion and uncertainty for the woman you are advising. She may need a sensitive impartial friend who will listen. If she wants to talk, please be there for her whenever possible. Sometimes a compassionate sounding board is just the assistance a person is seeking to avoid a crisis.
  
  
• We encourage you to keep a watchful eye on the mental and physical health of the woman to whom you are offering advice. Proper diet, sufficient rest and exercise are all keys to ensuring her well-being and that of her baby. The changes which she is undergoing are probably new to her, and perhaps she may look to you as someone with whom she can share her physical and emotional concerns.
  
  
• If expense is a concern, we are willing to reimburse you for your long distance phone calls with our Client. If this is necessary, please be sure to send us a copy of your phone bill with Client calls highlighted. 
  
  
• If your role as an Inspirational Counselor with any Network Client places an unexpected strain on you, please let us know immediately. We believe that this experience should be a positive one for all involved, and do not expect you to continue if a situation is unpleasant.
  
  
• It is the commitment and willingness of our Members that will enable us to serve our Clients. The more extensive our membership, the more women for whom we can provide the support and understanding they need at this time in their lives. If you know of others who might be interested in joining our Network, please encourage them to speak with a member of our staff about becoming a Member. 
  
  
• Above all, on behalf of our Clients, please know how much your kindness is appreciated. The support and services which you have generously offered are a most precious gift. You can be assured of this person’s gratitude for a lifetime.