Based in Cook County, Illinois, Caris is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to see women and children thrive during and after unplanned pregnancy. Caris maintains an apolitical stance, focusing solely on serving the well-being of women and families through professional, empirical-based counseling and unconditional support.
For over 40 years, Caris has provided a safe, nonjudgmental space for women and families navigating unplanned pregnancies. Through the provision of essential services like counseling and life-skills workshops, as well as through practical resource support, Caris serves as a beacon of hope and healing in a world that too often pressures teens and women during their most vulnerable moments.
Caris is faith-based and grace-filled, centering on the woman’s well-being and trusting God to work in her life. We do not tell women what to do when they face an unplanned pregnancy. Instead, we stand with them, equip them, and ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate one of the most challenging seasons of their lives.
Key Programs and Services
At Caris, support is not just a moment, it’s a journey. We meet women where they are, providing the emotional, practical, and long-term resources they need to move forward with confidence. Our programs are designed to empower women and families at every stage, from the first moment of uncertainty through early childhood and beyond. Our programs include:
Licensed (LCSW, LSW, LCPC, LPC), Grace-Filled Counseling
Our master’s-level counselors provide professional mental health support for women and families navigating the complex emotions surrounding an unplanned pregnancy. We offer:
Individual Counseling: A safe, confidential space for women to process their pregnancy journey, relationship challenges, and future plans with professional, licensed support.
Couples Counseling: Helping partners navigate the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy, strengthening communication, and fostering shared decision-making.
Post-Abortion Healing and Recovery: Compassionate counseling for women who have experienced an abortion, providing emotional support, healing, and plans for the future.
Adoption Support and Decision Counseling: Informing women and couples of a “third option” through the adoption process with unbiased information, emotional support, and space to explore this option without pressure.
(Clinical) Group Counseling and Connection Groups: Connecting women with others who share similar experiences, offering encouragement, building self-esteem, and long-term resilience in a judgment-free environment.
The C25 Program (From Conception to Age 5)
This comprehensive program is designed to journey with the woman and child from conception to age five (C25), and includes: Connection Groups, Essentials Boutique, 3:17 Partnership, and Community Resources. This niche program is a long-term, holistic support system that fosters dignity, confidence, and community, equipping teens and women who decide to carry with encouragement and resources she and her child needs to thrive. This journey also includes celebrations like baby showers, important milestones like birthdays, and shared meals, reinforcing that no woman should walk this path alone.
This includes three phases of (clinical) group counseling support:
-Ignite (Pregnancy to Birth): Providing prenatal education, birth preparation, and emotional support to equip women for a healthy pregnancy and confident delivery.
-Evolve (Birth to Two Years): Supporting mothers through the critical early years with parenting classes, developmental guidance, and community connections to help them build a strong foundation.
-Thrive (Ages Three to Five): Empowering families with early childhood development tools, parenting support, and resources to ensure long-term stability and a flourishing future.
Every day, women and teens come to Caris searching for acceptance, clarity, and a future where they can thrive. In these moments, they need more than words; they need practical resources, emotional support, and a compassionate community that will stand with them in their most vulnerable moments.
