Free Pregnancy Testing
Think you might be pregnant? Guiding Star Wakota offers free and confidential pregnancy testing. No appointment is needed, although you can click here to schedule one online.
Life can be complicated. One of our Client Advocates is here to listen to your concerns about pregnancy, plus any other pressing needs or issues.
After performing the test, the Client Advocate will provide you the results within just a few minutes. No matter what the results, a Client Advocate is right there with you to provide emotional support. Your personal information is always safe with us—we follow strict confidentiality policies and procedures. Read more…
Free Ultrasounds
Having an ultrasound early in your pregnancy provides an accurate due date and also can help reduce the likelihood of premature delivery—particularly if you enroll in a prenatal care program as soon as possible. Guiding Star Wakota has a Registered Nurse and a Registered Sonographer (RDMS), who are both specifically trained to perform these exams, as well as a medical doctor who reviews all ultrasounds. Read more…
Pregnancy & Parenting Classes
Guiding Star Wakota offers free classes in childbirth, parenting, childcare, food/nutrition, finance/budgeting, and life coaching to help minimize any fears and better prepare you to deal with common newborn behaviors. We want you to welcome your child into a safe and happy home, so one of our Client Advocates will work with you to create a customized educational plan that fits your life circumstances and needs. Read more…
See the complete list of Guiding Star Wakota’s Pregnancy & Parenting Classes
Safe Sleep Program
Guiding Star Wakota staff members will determine whether you may qualify for financial aid—including rental or housing assistance—through Cradle of Hope , a nonprofit organization that assists women who are pregnant or have infants under three months of age. Through its Safe Slumber Program, Cradle of Hope also distributes Pack-N-Play portable cribs so newborns are guaranteed a safe, comfortable sleeping environment. Read more…
Emergency Housing Assistance
On a limited basis, Guiding Star Wakota provides rental assistance to pregnant or parenting clients facing eviction, family instability, or medical issues stemming from pregnancy or delivery complications. GSW distributes emergency housing funds directly to landlords. Occasionally, we provide families or pregnant women with temporary housing in an extended-stay hotel while working with the county or local agencies to locate stable, long-term housing.
Community Referrals
Over the decades, Guiding Star Wakota has developed strong relationships with numerous community agencies and other nonprofit organizations. One of these is the Dakota County Service Center in West Saint Paul—located less than three miles from Guiding Star Wakota—where we have direct contact with the case managers of state and federal programs that provide medical, food, child care, and other forms of assistance. Read more…
Fertility Education
Want to know more about your monthly cycle? Tired of the side effects from contraceptives? Attend a one-hour Fertility Education & Medical Management (FEMM) class to better understand your reproductive system and the role it plays in your overall health. You’ll also learn an effective way to track your natural fertility.
Free Diapers & Clothing
Receiving a positive pregnancy test and remaining a Guiding Star Wakota client until your baby reaches one year of age enables you to participate in our material assistance program. Once a month, you can simply stop in or make an appointment to receive free items such as:
Onsite Child Watch
You are welcome to bring your young children with you to Guiding Star Wakota, which features a play area designated for free, supervised child watch while you meet with staff members. There are no costs and no conditions to use this service. Your children will be safe, secure, and well cared for onsite, so you can focus on your appointment.