By Ben Cox
Photos/Submitted to The Source
Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center celebrated with a 40th Anniversary Banquet on October 28 at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, marking four decades of service, compassion and life-changing impact in the Jacksonville area.
The center is located at 1440 West Walnut St., Suite A3 in Jacksonville, and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nonprofit center provides free and confidential services including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, options information, H.O.P.E. Pregnancy/Parenting mentoring, after abortion support, adoption information, pregnancy loss support and STI/STD information.
The 40th anniversary banquet welcomed 166 guests who enjoyed a catered meal by Bella Wedding and Event Design, with volunteer service provided by teens from Westfair Christian Academy, the Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene and the Tosh girls. Music was provided by the Rhythm Makers Orchestra. At the event, a moving presentation reflected on the history and growth of the center — celebrating the many lives touched through its mission over the past 40 years.
This year’s Colton Award winner (Volunteer of the Year award named for longtime volunteer Carolyn Colton) was Sarah Strotheide, who had not only over 1,000 hours given in support of the center’s ministry but is also a regular donor.
The evening was also able to help the center meet its fundraising goals for the year.
For more information about the Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, call 217-245-9340 or email jacksonville@laprc.org. To schedule an appointment, visit pregnancyresourcecenter.org or stop by the center.
