Mrs. Davidson said Catholic Charities soon learned that the former school building, with a more central location, had space available—and LaFollette mayor Mike Stanfield invited the center to locate there.
"I just love the process," said Mrs. Davidson. "You can see how God puts everything in place for you to complete his mission."
The Lord’s work is being accomplished with a whole lot of local helpers. "We got a huge grant from the LaFollette Medical Foundation, and that’s why we’re able to offer brand-new baby items," she said. "St. Mary’s Hospital gave us funds, and the Campbell County Commissioners are paying our rent."
Mrs. Davidson also mentioned another grant that "we’re not advertising" but that is allowing the purchase of other essential supplies.
A number of churches in the community are on board as well.
"Baptist, United Methodist, Community Hope Church—it doesn’t matter what religion you are," she said. "Everyone has the same goal: to save babies, help babies, and help women."
A member of LaFollette United Methodist Church, Mrs. Smith said the weak economy is increasing local need for the center—"especially for women whose husband or boyfriend is out of work, and they can’t afford to buy things."
"Maternity clothes, baby items, diapers—those things cost so much," she said. "This has really filled a gap. We have formula if people need it. If they need jobs, we can refer them to the Job Center, if they need help with food or other needs, we have resources and can take care of those needs. We have counseling if they need it."
Since early April, when the center opened its doors, more than 50 women have already come for help. About half are pregnant and half are new mothers, said Mrs. Smith.
She said her own church community has been "very supportive" and recently held a baby-bottle drive that raised "quite a bit of money to help start the program."
Working for the center has been very rewarding, she said. "It’s a great opportunity for me to feel like I’m giving back a little."
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Six volunteers, Mrs. Smith, and an intern staff the facility, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
To reach Pregnancy Services, call 877-990-4673. CCET’s Pregnancy Help Centers provide pregnancy testing and education, referral services, adoption help, mentoring, and post-abortion healing and recovery.
Printed with permission from The East Tennessee Catholic, newspaper from the Diocese of Knoxville.