Seeds Women’s Center drew a large crowd to its annual fundraising banquet Tuesday at the Minden Civic Center, where supporters heard that 71 families have chosen life for their unborn children through the center’s work during the past two years.
Themed “Home is Where the Heart Is,” the banquet highlighted the center’s efforts to provide a place of support and stability for women and families facing difficult circumstances. Marnie Gregg served as emcee, and comedian Tim Lovelace provided the evening’s featured entertainment.
During the program, Seeds reported 410 client visits over the past 24 months, including 287 pregnancy tests and 390 ultrasounds. Sixty-one clients enrolled in parenting classes during that period.
“This incredible ministry is a safe place for women who are in their most vulnerable state, and it offers a new place to call home — an emotional refuge that provides safety, familiarity, belonging, and freedom,” Gregg said.
Executive Director Amber Bradford expanded on the evening’s theme while describing what she hopes clients experience when they enter the center.
“Seeds Women’s Center is home for so many women. These ladies sometimes don’t have a home, they don’t know where to go, but they know that Seeds Women’s Center is home,” Bradford said.
“Home is where you feel safe and loved and protected. Home is where you belong, right? Home is where someone knows your name. Home is where someone knows when you are hurting — they can see it when you walk in the door. Home is where you can walk in carrying a burden, and you don’t have to carry it alone. That’s what we do at Seeds.”
Minden Mayor Nick Cox thanked those gathered for supporting the organization and spoke about the role Seeds plays in the community.
“What makes Minden special is the heart of the people, how we come together to make a difference in our community, how we want to impact each other’s lives, and that’s what Seeds does,” Cox said. “In those quiet moments when someone is listening and praying and lends a hand at that very perfect time when they need it the most. That’s what you’re supporting here tonight. Tonight is about investing in hope, and you are helping to create those moments that will echo in eternity.”
The impact of that assistance was illustrated through a video testimony from a Seeds client. The woman described a period when she and her husband had lost their jobs and their home and were staying with friends while she was nine months pregnant. She said finding Seeds and receiving a welcoming response and the supplies they needed for their baby helped change the direction of their lives.
“This place changed our lives. This place absolutely blessed us,” she said. “I credit Seeds with being the start of my husband and I really coming back to the Lord and starting our new life together.”
Lovelace kept the audience laughing through much of the evening with a mix of lighthearted, sometimes goofy, and heartwarming comedy. His performance took a more serious turn near the end as he shared a story centered on children and their need for protection, tying into the banquet’s message of providing safety and support for families.
Gregg returned to that message while discussing the needs of mothers who come through the center’s doors.
“We know that our ultimate protection comes from the Lord, but we are here to protect each other,” Gregg said. “These mamas, a lot of them want to protect their babies, but they need protection themselves, and that’s what Seeds does. It provides protection for these women, it provides a safe haven for them so that they can then provide that protection for their children.”
Seeds Women’s Center provides free pregnancy and family support services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting classes, counseling, and material assistance for families. The organization also operates a baby boutique and provides resources to foster families and others caring for young children.
The center continues to seek volunteers to assist with its programs and outreach. Those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more may contact Bradford at [email protected] or 318-639-0907 or visit the Seeds Women’s Center website at seedswomenscenter.com.
