By MATT LINDSEY

CANTON – A community-funded organization recently opened offering free pregnancy tests, counseling, support groups and educational materials to those facing a pregnancy decision.

Viable Option, 11 Court St., is a not-for-profit organization formed by North Country community members in 2013 as a resource to help teens and young adults faced with a pregnancy.

“We approach the conversation of pregnancy from a different light,” said Josh McGrath, executive director. “People are tired of picking sides.”

McGrath says they have assisted about a half dozen pregnant girls since opening Jan. 1.

The organization runs exclusively on donations from community members and receives no government funding for now.

The organization is working on a new program to educate pregnant teens that their lives are not over or limited because they are pregnant.

“These are often people who feel abandoned by society … we want them to learn to thrive in their decisions,” he said.

McGrath said he is learning the needs of the area to better suit the community.

“Looking down the road we may look at government funding as our services expand,” McGrath said.

Building Relationships

One service that Viable Options provides is referrals to organizations and resources such as social services, midwives and lactation consultants, substance abuse, food pantries and mental health services.

“We are a relationship-driven culture … we don't’ just give them a name and number,” he said.

Those who are pregnant are referred to the organization through teachers, counselors and health clinic workers.

“We’ve taken an organic approach to marketing,” McGrath said.

After speaking with Canton Mayor Michael Dalton, McGrath says it was recommended to him to seek out digital advertising.

During Dalton’s tour of the facility he said he was “excited at the approach we are taking,” according to McGrath.

Educating Pregnant Teens

McGrath says they are working on an eight-week curriculum titled “Your Story.” It is intended to equip the next generation of women to thrive in their decision to carry or not to carry.

“There girls are now facing adult decisions, while their peers are worrying about what to wear to prom,” McGrath said.

Often, pregnant teens do not envision themselves finishing high school or attending college and this program is aimed at helping them pursue their dreams and let them know their value.

Girls will identify their character and identify their goals through group discussion and journaling.

“They will look at where they are now and where they want to be,” he said.

Another part of the program will educate the girls about pregnancy, birthing and post-partum.

Educating the girls is key as “not every girl has a mom or an active mom,” McGrath said.

The program would be simple and session would last about 45 minutes, he said.

Spreading the Word

Moving forward, McGrath says he wants to reach out to all local guidance counselors at schools to let them know about the services they offer.

He says the goal for the next 6-18 months is to introduce themselves to the community as a whole; especially the smaller communities in the county.

“It’s easier to get the word out in Canton and Potsdam … it’s not so easy in some of the outlying towns,” he said. “We can’t be effective if people don't we exist.”

Getting Help

Viable Options employs three part time workers and has four volunteer peer counselors who are trained. The workers include a bookkeeper, administrator and donor relations.

“Down the road as we expand services I look forward to increasing staff,” he said.

McGrath said counselors from Viable Options can meet with teens at schools or at medical institutions to discuss resources available.

“Many don’t have their own car or access to transportation,” he said.

“This area is underserved and being able to meet with them on site is a good thing to be able to offer,” McGrath said. “We want to walk with you through the decision … we won’t abandon you.”

Those who with to meet with Viable Options staff must do so by appointment only. No walk-ins are accepted. For now, appointments are available on Tuesday and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Appointment and general info is available by calling 801-2273 or by visiting https://www.viableoptions.org/.