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Hi Anati. Take a deep breath. Today will be a better, brighter day.
You have many resources. Here's a few suggestions to start with.
If you live in a small town, you can usually get assistance at the town hall or government center. Many times, they have a food pantry/social assistance office. You could start there.
If you live in a larger town, you can contact your local state social services office. Or the WIC office (stands for Women, Infant, and Children). Or both.
Another resource for you is larger churches, which usually have extended resources available to assist those in need. You do not need to be a member to seek assistance. I would try going to the church office and ask the secretary for help. They ususally know who handles the outreach. Do not feel obligated to take any of the pastors or social service workers' advice. Follow your heart as you educate yourself.
You have plenty of time to decide whether or not to place your child for adoption. These boards, in particular, this section, will give you invaluable support and advice, from a number of sources in the triad... the expectant moms, like you, birth parents who have placed, or, adoptive families who have good intent (do not let anyone PM you here, it is against the rules of this board).
Should you decide to move forward on adoption after much education on your choices, there are agencies, attorneys and facilitators out there who can help you find a good family for your child. The agencies are licensed, nonprofits, and many of them are very careful to assist and educate expectant women without pressuring you to place your child for adoption. YOu have to do your homework and don't pick the first agency or attorney that comes along. I'm sure the first moms on here and expectant parents can give you deeper criteria than I on questions to ask and information to gather while at the agency/attorney.
There are social agencies out there that place expectant moms in living situations. Many of them are associated with hospitals and community health resources. A state social services agency can most likely assist you in finding housing, or, do a google search for your town or the biggest town near you and type in something like "women in crisis" and it should pop up.
If you do not have a doctor (and your family doc can be your doc for a while, but eventually you will have to get an OB/GYN for the delivery and for prenatal care for the baby), in many larger towns/cities there are free medical clinics available. Usually located in churches, they can provide you w/assistance until you get added to the State Medical care roster (see a state social service agent to be added to your state's medical care). Again, a google church type in "free medical+the name of your town or state or both) should give you that info.
Good luck to you. I really hope this helps. I know you are overwhelmed and it seems like a lot to do, but make a few phone calls and things will start falling into place for you. You are educating yourself NOW for the benefit of your child and your own well-being.
Take care, hugs,
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