Judy Cocks talks to volunteer Maria Elizarraraz about social services. (Photo by Adela Crandell Durkee)

For the first time in its 38 years of existence, 1st Way Life Center has a home of its own.

To celebrate the milestone, Judy Cocks and the Board of Directors invite the public to join them Sept. 18 in dedicating their new building, at 3714 Fairview Ave. in Johnsburg, celebrating with games, food, and family fun.

1st Way’s goal is to empower women with knowledge and assistance. They offer pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. They help clients find a doctor, transportation, a job, help with groceries, and at times, even provide a place to live. 1st Way offers coursework in childrearing and health. Attending a class earns “dollars” for their store. Turning in homework earns additional “dollars.” The “dollars” are used to purchase new or gently used clothing, furniture, parenting books, and supplies for the mothers and their children. 1st way offers a support group for clients so they can begin to build a network with other mothers.

Marti Marshall and her Mother-in-law Alice Weber pack diapers. (Photo by Adela Crandell Durkee)

Volunteers meet people right where they are. Perhaps a woman is pregnant or just had a child. Perhaps a father is wondering where to get clothes for new twins. The mission of 1st Way is to serve women and girls in pregnancy crisis situations whether that’s financial, emotional, or spiritual. All services are free to whomever needs them. Although most of the clients are female, 1st Way encourages fathers to get involved, too.

Cocks is quick to point out it takes a matrix of caring people from many organizations to make 1st Way as effective as it is. Volunteers get involved in a variety of ways: they help with fundraisers, interface with clients, write thank-you notes, help with bookkeeping, launder and sort clothing, empty the trash, or answer the phones.

Other organizations link with 1st Way to help where needed most. Happy Hookers crochets and knits blankets, booties, and hats. Linus Project provides quilts. The Diaper Bank of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church provides over 30,000 diapers a year. Medela donated nursing bras, breast pumps, and other nursing supplies. Community Care Center donates baby food and formula.

The festivities begin at 1 p.m. Sept. 18 with a building dedication and ribbon cutting. The event is free to all attendees.