WIC Office opens in Arlington

ARLINGTON The Pregnancy Aid of Snohomish Countys Women, Infants and Children Program Office celebrated its ribbon-cutting March 6 at its new location, at 204 E. Fourth St. in Arlington, as staff and clients reflected on the groups accomplishments.
WIC Program Coordinator Carolyn McGinty thanked the Arlington United Church for hosting WICs Arlington office for more years than anyone in attendance had kept track of. Not only has the non-profit organizations Arlington office relocated, but its central administration office, which had been previously located in Everett, has moved to its Arlington office.
Since February of 1971, Pregnancy Aid has served tens of thousands of expectant mothers and their children, providing assistance ranging from pregnancy tests and prenatal vitamins to maternity and baby clothing, emergency infant formula, informational resources and referrals to services not provided by Pregnancy Aid. The group runs on donations of money, supplies and time from volunteer workers, several of whom started out as clients of its services.
Jennifer Fairbanks has served as a breastfeeding peer counselor for the past two and a half years, but shes been a WIC client for the past five years, when she was laid off while her husband was attending college.
They help you out with nutrition, what to eat and how much, said Fairbanks, who moved to Arlington from Lake Stevens in January, and is currently raising a six-year-old boy and two girls, a three-year-old and a one-year-old. They hook you up to talk with nurses, and remind you of appointments that you might forget. Its very helpful, especially if youre a first-time mother who doesnt know what to do.
Fairbanks credited the breastfeeding coordinator, Michelle Crockett, with inspiring her to aid mothers whose situations mirrored her own. Ironically, her one day a week as a peer counselor is relaxing for her.
Its my time to be something other than be a mom, Fairbanks said. Its wonderful to be able to be a friend and help out other moms. I love to have people come and talk to me, even if its just for simple questions.
The Pregnancy Aid of Snohomish Countys Women, Infants and Children Program Office is located on 204 E. Fourth St. in Arlington, in the renovated Masons building that has been subdivided into several smaller units, and can be reached by phone at 360-435-3735.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.