Alternative Insemination Support Services
Exploring Parenthood
In conjunction with our counseling program we offer an annual workshop entitled “Exploring Parenthood”. This seven-week group provides a supportive and educational environment in which lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and trans people can explore the path of parenthood. This group provides information and facilitated discussion on alternative insemination, adoption, foster care, legal issues, and emotional and social factors. For more information call 773-935-6126 x223.
AI Peer Support Group
Our AI Peer Support Group is an ongoing, drop-in group for current or past clients of Chicago Women's Health Center's AI program. The group is facilitated by Denika Wheat, LCSW, who is a former AI client. We welcome single people and couples, those contemplating AI, those currently inseminating, and past clients who already have children or who are pregnant. This group provides a space to talk to people who have experienced the process first hand and to share with and support one another while going through the process of AI. It also provides a place to meet other families who have had (or are expecting!) children through donor insemination.
The group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at CWHC's downstairs space, 950 W. Newport Ave. RSVP required -- please call the AI program at 773.935.6126 x223. Leave the name(s) and number of adults who will be attending, as well as your phone number. Assume enrollment unless you are contacted. Donations will be accepted at the group; no minimum amount is required.
LBGT New Parents Group
CWHC and Center on Halsted are partnering to offer a LGBT New Parent Support Group. The LBGT New Parent support group is modeled after the AI Peer Support group and will serve to give new parents the chance to share their stories and experiences in parenting and find support from other LBGT families. We welcome all LBGT parents with children up to age five regardless how that family was created. Children are welcome to attend the group with their parent(s).
The group will be hosted at Center on Halsted, on the third Saturday of the month. Similar to the AI Peer support group we do ask for RSVPs, but participants do not need to commit to attending more than one group at a time. Please contact Karen Rothstien Pineda at 773-472-6469 ext 261 or email krothstein@centeronhalsted.org.
CWHC AI Baby Playgroup
Designed as a place for AI babies and children to meet other families like theirs and to offer parents a place to meet and relax, the CWHC AI Baby playgroup is organized by a past AI client Victoria Slone, mama to lovely 18 mo old Lily. The group meets bi-monthly at Bubbles Academy on Tuesdays, from 2- 3:45. Bubbles Academy is located at 1504 N Fremont near North and Clybourn. The fee for the play time is $10. Please contact Victoria at slonefamily@comcast.net with questions or to RSVP.