Are all services free? Do I need to provide proof of income, etc?

All services are provided free of charge to the clients of Options. We are generously funded by individuals who believe in offering you care and support without added financial burden. Our services are built upon trust, therefore, no proof of income or other application process is required to access services within our centre. If you say you are in need of help, we believe you.

I am over 25. Can i still receive help?

As Options is a program of Montreal Youth Unimited, our services are custom-tailored and reserved for “youth” aged teen through 25. We desire to offer a safe space for a younger demographic which may otherwise have difficulties accessing appropriate services. If you find yourself in need and are outside of this age bracket, please do not hesitate to contact us, as we would be glad to point you toward other resources. If material needs are required, and if our stock permits, we would be pleased to offer you some baby and maternity items to help you get on your feet.

are you a pro-life/pro-choice/anti-choice organization?

Options does not identify nor align itself to these terms or ideologies and takes a non-political/non-partisan position. We offer a safe environment for an individual to make a pregnancy decision that is fully informed, evidence-based, consistent with her belief system, and free from external influence. We are committed to offering clear, factual information related to all pregnancy choices available, in neutrality and safety. Informed consent, education and personal choice are at the core of all services provided. We stand against all forms of manipulation, misinformation and coercion. Information, methodology and materials have been carefully considered by external medical and mental health professionals to ensure factuality and best practice. There are three legal pregnancy choices within our province, and each is given care, attention and space to be explored without judgment, and at free will. We strive to create a welcoming and neutral environment for this processing to take place, taking into account triggers that can create bias (ie. our support rooms are free from baby imagery, as is the welcome page of our website).

• We do not take a political stance, nor have a political agenda

• All options shared in a neutral fashion

• Continued care is offered, regardless of pregnancy outcome

• Upfront about our services, even over the phone

• If we cannot provide care/services needed, we redirect clients to other resources

• We ask for consent before sharing sensitive information: ie. fetal development/abortion types, definitions (as needed)

• We practice care through a trauma-informed lens

• Our materials are reviewed by healthcare professionals

• We are woman-focused: desiring her to feel equipped/encourage/empowered

• We provide a safe space for someone to make an informed choice consistent with their belief system

• We have created our own resources and materials, with neutrality

• Statistics used are drawn from medically-recognized, unbiased sources 

• We stand against manipulation and misinformation

• We create space for a person to experience and process their own feelings and beliefs surrounding pregnancy, abortion and adoption: both before and after their choice

• We create dialogue and a different viewpoint surrounding the church’s response to unintended pregnancy

• We advocate for those who feel pressured into a choice that is not their own

WHAT DOES FAITH-BASED MEAN? ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION? HOW DOES THIS FIT INTO THE OPTIONS WHOLE-PERSON CARE MODEL?

Options is a program of Montreal Youth Unlimited, a faith-based not-for-profit organization committed to seeing youth reach their full potential. To learn more about MYU, please visit this link.

Options provides holistic care and judgment-free services to all individuals aged 25 and under, without discrimination; while modelling the example of Jesus; abounding in compassion, empathy, grace, and hope. Our services are custom-tailored and client-led, therefore, clients may tap into one or all of our holistic supports (physical, mental, emotional, social as well as spiritual). We believe that every individual has intrinsic value.

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - WHO

Spiritual health increases as youth are provided opportunities for greater self-awareness and the development of supportive practices that can help them in their current situations and future life. Research shows that identifying and cultivating a sense of purpose (faith, culture, identity) positively contribute to neutralizing early trauma and building resilience through times of adversities. (ACES info)

SPIRITUAL HEALTH AS A PART OF HOLISTIC HEALTH

Many people of diverse backgrounds have spiritual beliefs, and regardless of the classification as “spiritual”, people have values and moral standards which inform their actions. We believe these elements are extremely valuable to whole-person care, because through exploring their values and worldviews, clients can determine what is important to them, which will have an impact on their current circumstances and future actions.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION?
Options is a program of Montreal Youth Unlimited [MYU], a faith-based not-for-profit organization committed to seeing youth reach their full potential. MYU is a chartered member of Youth for Christ Canada (yfc.ca), an international, non-denominational Christian ministry that exists to serve and guide the 37 Canadian chapters. Chapters are commissioned to reach the youth of their geographical area through nationally approved strategies which conform to the standards and philosophy of Youth for Christ Canada and Youth for Christ International (yfci.org). The international office oversees programs in over 100 countries impacting over 9 million young people around the world.

WHAT DOES FAITH-BASED MEAN?

As part of the Youth Unlimited family, Options joins in the collective mission to “empower the youth of Quebec to attain their full-life potential by responding to their relational, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs, and by encouraging them to pursue a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.” Options services focus primarily on the psychosocial and physical needs of youth, specifically relating to sexual and relational health, unintended pregnancy, and young parenthood. We believe that spirituality is an essential element of personhood and include this as part of our whole-person care model.

Our goals regarding the development of spiritual health for our clients are two-fold. First, we encourage an exploration of themselves as part of something bigger than their own experience—as integral to the whole. Second, we provide optional opportunities to explore the Christian faith and the person and message of Jesus.

I am TRANS, and think i might be pregnant. is options a safe place for me?

Options provides holistic care and judgment-free services to ALL individuals aged 25 and under, without discrimination. We believe that all people have value and are worthy of dignity, respect and care.

How do you provide tax receipts? I can’t find your organization listed.

Options is a program of Montreal Youth Unlimited, an independent not-for-profit charitable organization registered as Montreal Youth for Christ under the Canada Revenue Agency. Charitable status and tax receipts are issued by our head organization. Tax receipts are sent digitally, unless otherwise requested, and are issued in February of the following calendar year before tax season.

CAN YOU HELP ME WITH FERTILITY TREATMENTS OR FOLLOW MY PREGNANCY?

Options empowers youth and their families by offering free, holistic support: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual, as they navigate unexpected pregnancy, young parenthood, and sexual health. We do not offer ongoing pregnancy care, nor services to help with fertility. For these services, we encourage you to contact your primary healthcare provider, local CLSC or Family Medicine unit for more information.

DO you provide referrals for or perform abortions at options?

We offer care to you regardless of your pregnancy outcome, however, we do not perform or provide referrals for abortion. In Quebec, no referral is needed to access abortion services. Should your decision to terminate be made and you do not feel the need for additional support, we encourage you to contact your primary healthcare provider, local CLSC or Family Medicine unit for more information. Please know that you are always welcome to discuss and debrief before and after an abortion experience as well as access other services at Options. We care about you!

I am working with dpj/the court/etc and am at risk of loosing my child. can you help?

We love collaborating with the supports you have in place to take steps toward ensuring the healthiest life for you and your child. Options provides many opportunities to build your parenting toolbox, with some programs offering certificates of completion and incentives for participation. We believe in you!