TUSCALOOSA, Ala. —  For the first time in Tuscaloosa, parents, families and caregivers will have access to a no-cost shopping experience designed to support the needs—and wants—of their children with the launch of West Alabama’s first completely free baby boutique at Tuscaloosa’s One Place.

Designed to feel like an upscale shopping experience, the Family First Boutique offers TOP clients access to new, high-quality baby items—from clothing and blankets to books, toys and everyday essentials—at no cost. Clients shop using credits earned through participation in TOP programming, including parenting classes and personal goal achievement.

From left, Antoinette Ferguson, TOP Program Director: Healthy Families Tuscaloosa; Sallye Longshore, Director of the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama; Lacey Reid, TOP Interim Senior Compliance Director of Programs; Kevin Besnoy, Executive Director of TOP; Danielle Kimbrough Spikes, JLT President; Chelsea Ratcliff, JLT President-Elect; and Jennifer Colburn, JLT Sustainer.

“Whether it’s picking out that first outfit to bring your baby home in, finding the perfect soft blanket, or choosing the first book you’ll read together—those moments matter,” said Danielle Kimbrough Spikes, president of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. “As women and many of us as mothers, we understand how meaningful this season of life can be. The Family First Boutique was created to bring a sense of joy, dignity and normalcy to families who may be navigating added challenges, allowing them to focus on what matters most—welcoming their child.”

JLT sustainer members transformed a former vault space at TOP into a bright, welcoming boutique—reimagining what was once a place of storage into a space filled with care, comfort and new beginnings for families.

“Tuscaloosa’s One Place is honored that the Junior League of Tuscaloosa has created this space for us,” said Kevin Besnoy, executive director of TOP. “Since 1999, JLT has been a founding community partner, always there to support our mission of helping families move from crisis to stability through incentive-based programming that empowers families to be self-sufficient and to prevent child abuse and neglect. The ‘Family First Boutique’ is just the latest example of their commitment to strengthening the Tuscaloosa community.”

The boutique is the latest example of the long-standing partnership between JLT and TOP. As one of TOP’s founding organizations, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa has selected TOP as its 2025–2026 Centennial Community Partner, committing 100 volunteer hours and $20,000 in financial support over the year.

How to Support the Family First Boutique

Community members can support the boutique by donating new baby items with tags, making financial contributions, or volunteering.

About the Junior League of Tuscaloosa

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. With more than 100 active members and over 200 total members, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa provides leadership training, education, and volunteer opportunities that empower women to make a lasting difference in West Alabama. To learn more, visit jltuscaloosa.org.