118 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
 

As the oldest non-profit agency in Northwest Louisiana, and possibly the oldest in the state, The Center

for Families hosted an open house event on May 4, 2004 to celebrate its 115 years of service and dedication
to the community. As a distinctive tribute, Mayor Keith Hightower proclaimed May 4th as "The Center for
Families Day." The celebration was hosted at the counseling agency on 864 Olive Street in the recently
created Serenity Garden. During the open house, several speakers shared with the public about their life-
changing experiences at The Center for Families. Special engraved bricks were presented to key people and
organizations who have been instrumental in the 118 year history of the agency. The bricks mark the
beginning of a Serenity Path created in honor or memory of many significant people from our community.
A small Silent Auction will also be part of the festivities. Among the items featured are a luxurious stay at a
Perdido Key beach resort, a Limited Edition LSU championship football from the 2003 Nokia Sugar Bowl, a
one year family pass to Sci-Port, and a romantic evening for two beginning with dinner at Ernest’s.


Several hundred guests enjoyed
the gathering
Jim Beadles speaks with Mayor Keith Hightower moments before the mayor declared May 4th as the Center for
Families Day
JessicaWatts,Executive
Director of Gingerbread
House, visits with Heidi
Cooper from Brentwood.
Both were interns at The
Center for Families
Joe Pierce, Executive
Director of United Way,
accepts an engraved brick in honor of United
Way

Linda Fong was honored as Volunteer of  2004!

Sharon Reed & Emily
Parratt help prepare...

Joan Williams and Ed Bailey enjoyed the event

Kim Bailey, surrounded by staff,
shows surprise at being honored
with a specially engraved brick

Jody Kirkpatrick supplied
incredible music for the
Open House!
Nancy Cosse heard Brenda Owen was in town & dropped in to surprise her!