LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – When Becky Girola was 12 years old, she says a safe space for pregnant women was just a dream.

Today, she says she smiles thanks to her determination and community members who share her mission to help some of Southwest Louisiana’s most vulnerable.

“God gave me a mission a long time ago to run a center like this, and it’s just amazing to see it come to life, that this dream actually came true,” Girola said.

The $1.4 million project was funded entirely by community donations, and will offer free resources to young and expectant mothers such as diapers, wipes, clothing, replacement, ultrasound and counseling.

“Motherhood is not a shameful thing,” she said. “Motherhood is a beautiful thing and babies are the future, so we need to make sure we love them and reach out to the most vulnerable people in our society.”

ABC has been in the community since 1991 and has seen their needs grow over the years.

Since covid, they had done most things online.

“The only real interaction we would get is when they would pick up their supplies,” she said.

Girola said she believes real impact comes from mothers helping other mothers.

“And that’s where the real change happens,” she said.
“It’s them coming together and supporting each other to build that community.”

Girola hopes the facility’s location just off Interstate 10 will not only be convenient for those seeking resources, but will hopefully bring new life to the I-10 corridor.

The facility will be located at 600 Belden St. in Lake Charles.

To volunteer or see what resources they offer, click here.

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