Amber Bradford, executive director of Seeds Women’s Center, spoke to the Minden Lions Club during its noon meeting Thursday, September 4, sharing updates on the center’s work and upcoming fundraising banquet.
Bradford, a Webster Parish native who has lived in Minden for 15 years with her husband, Jody, and their two children, Belle and Brock, told the club that Seeds has recently moved into its new, larger location at 308 Pine St. The center now owns the building.
She announced that the Seeds Annual Fundraising Banquet will be held at 6 PM Thursday, October 9, at the Minden Civic Center. The banquet will feature Christian comedian Tim Boyd as guest speaker. “It’s going to be a blast,” Bradford said. “He’s pretty hilarious.”
Bradford highlighted Seeds’ impact over the past two years, including 257 pregnancy tests, 363 ultrasounds and more than 200 families enrolled in prenatal and parenting classes. She said the center has supported families in choosing life for 54 unborn children.
“Our goal at Seeds Women’s Center is to help women choose life,” she said. Bradford also noted research showing that 86% of pregnancies in which the father is involved are determined by his choice, underscoring the importance of male support.
Drawing from her own experience, Bradford told the group she was once a single parent and a client at a pregnancy center. She said Seeds not only provides material items such as diapers and clothes, but also helps women become self-sufficient. “We want you to be a contributing member of society and to say, look, I did this and I survived and I’m okay,” she said.
Seeds receives no state or federal funding and relies solely on donations, making the upcoming banquet vital to its operations. Bradford also promoted the Louisiana Maternity Wellness Center Tax Credit Act, which returns 50% of donations as a tax credit. For example, a $10,000 donation results in a $5,000 credit.
Seeds also has an ongoing need for volunteers. More information, including how to donate, is available at www.seedswomenscenter.com/donate.
The Minden Lions Club meets Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, 119 W. Pine Street. This community service organization is open to new members.