HANCEVILLE, Ala. – First Source for Women is a pregnancy resource center that, through its advocacy and baby boutique, supports young and unprepared mothers through the trepidatious waters of motherhood. The nonprofit looks to the community for support in continuing its outreach programs with various fundraisers every year.
The largest annual fundraiser First Source hosts is called Baby Bottle Boomerang. In past years, it asked local churches to place empty baby bottles at counters and entrances to collect spare change and donations to assist with purchasing medical equipment, counseling materials and baby care items for clients. This year, First Source is opening the fundraiser to more than religious organizations and churches; any business or organization that wishes to participate in the Baby Bottle Boomerang is welcome.
The 2023 Baby Bottle Boomerang saw the center raise an astounding $63,000 for its ministry and associated programs; for 2024, the staff hopes to surpass that, setting their sights on raising more than ever.
“I will be uploading weekly a bottle ‘thermometer’ to keep track of how much this campaign has raised. The goal on the thermometer is $65,000, but I would honestly like to blow that out of the water and raise $100,000 with this fundraiser this year,” said First Source Administrator Meredith Little. “We are seeing more clients than ever, and their needs are outpacing our available funding.”
Last year, FSFW successfully got 21,000 diapers into the hands and bags of local mothers, as well as matched parents and families with safe cribs and car seats along with clothes and other necessities, all free of charge. The growing ministry means the center is making an impact and reaching the community in the way it was intended, but a growing ministry means growing needs.
“In 2023 alone, we saw almost 700 unique clients for prenatal care and parenting classes. and nearly 200 babies were born from First Source for Women clients last year. From 2022 to 2023 we experienced a 50% increase in clients, appointments and babies born,” said Little.
First Source supports mothers and the community through its baby boutique, providing parents and caregivers “baby bucks” in return for completing various parenting and informational classes. The boutique is a place where new and expecting mothers can go to receive necessities for their children. The boutique, along with the nonprofit’s other resources, support and classes are all available until children are 2 years old.
At the resource center’s recent banquet, Invest in the Gift of Life, Board President Julia Rushing said of the ministry, “If a woman comes to us in the first few weeks of her pregnancy, we will walk with her along the way and support her and comfort her until her child is 2 years old. That is almost three years that she can take advantage of the friendship, support and education throughout her pregnancy and early family life. That’s what we provide to the community; that’s what you all are a part of.”
For more information on First Source, its ministry and programs or to receive a collection bottle at a church, organization or place of business for the Baby Bottle Boomerang fundraiser, contact First Source at 205-908-8137 or info@firstsourceforwomen.org.
