Thanks to St Joseph Parish, St Anthony Parish, and the Knights of Columbus (Archbishop Blenk Council 1905), a new 3D ultrasound machine was purchased to help save unborn babies. Since its inception in 1995, the Community Center for Life that offers "a message of God's love and hope during a crisis pregnancy" has been able to serve over 8,500 women. The faith-based nonprofit center, located at 539 Lafayette St., Gretna, offers free pregnancy testing, confidential counseling, Medicaid application aid, abortion education, ultrasounds, doctor referrals, adoption referrals, STD education, maternity and baby clothes, plus prenatal, post-abortion healing and parenting classes. There is an all important 8-week prenatal class that prepares young mothers and fathers for birth and parenthood. The center also offers an 8-week course that provides a confidential bible based forum, which sets women free from guilt and shame of past abortions. "We are not just a place for a free pregnancy test. Community Center for Life is a safe haven and a lighthouse for many mothers and families in the community," Executive Director Deya Onsotti said. Other devoted staff members include Center Director/Licensed Counselor Ashley Constant, Counselors Frances Autry, Heather Allen and Lonnie Kerce, as well as weekly volunteers Nancy Sarver, Joy Guillot and Dorie Shipp. Onsotti and the staff are very excited and grateful about their new 3D Ultrasound Imaging machine that was recently donated by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1905. There was a ribbon cutting when the new ultrasound machine was delivered where KC members, Mayor Belinda Constant and other community leaders, as well as center staff and volunteers gathered. Rev. Gary Copping offered a blessing of thanksgiving. Although Council 1905 are the heroes of the center, having the new machine wouldn't have happened without the efforts and generosity of many people. The chain of events began last summer when Rev. Gary Copping was assigned as the new pastor of St. Joseph Church and Shrine, located just a block from the pregnancy center. During his first week, he was walking around the neighborhood to familiarize himself with the area. When Father Gary, as he's known to locals saw the Community Center for Life, he entered and was impressed by the facility. When he learned that it is a prolife women's health center, he offered to help in any way. Director Onsotti told him that their ultrasound imaging machine was broken beyond repair. Fr. Gary asked her to write a description of what they needed and he would check into it. When he presented the request to K C Council No. 1905, it grew wings. Turns out the national Knights of Columbus Supreme Office will match up to one half of the cost for a new ultrasound machine, but there are stipulations with this offer. First, the equipment could only be for a prolife center and an inspection of the facility and program had to be approved by the New Orleans Archdiocese. All went well with the inspection "earning gold stars" and there was a green light to proceed. "Our council started the fund campaign with a $1,000 donation. Our initial fundraising program was to produce yard sign "garden angels" with a prolife message. The angels were made of cedar fence boards and sold for $25. That program worked very well, but it was the generosity of other K C councils and individuals that allowed us to reach our goal of $16,800, half the cost of the unit," Don Caskey, the council's culture of life director said. "The total cost of the machine was $33,600. Of interest is that within this year, six councils around the state raised money to acquire 6 other ultrasound machines. "The primary and common factor expressed by each person that was involved in this process was prayer. This is what started us and carried us through, with some great surprises along the way," Caskey said. A recent additional donation of $500 was made by Council 1905 to the center to help with consumables needed for the machine, like gel and other materials. The pregnancy center was founded by Swiss missionary and midwife, Dagmar Mueller with a vision to help mothers in the Greater New Orleans area who might be experiencing a crisis pregnancy, perhaps unplanned. The pregnant mother may be feeling a lack of resources and contemplating abortion. Mueller founded the organization and led it along with the Board of Directors from 1995 until 2006 when her green card was rejected. She had to return to Switzerland for what she thought would be a short period of time while paperwork was straightened out. Mueller asked Dotty Crotwell, who was at that time a volunteer, to run the center for the expected month that she would be gone. Mueller was not able to return and Dotty Crotwell took over as director. She served the ministry for over 10 years before leaving to explore another season in her life. Crotwell was an instrumental part of the expansion of services offered at the center. Free services that were initially offered included one pregnancy test, pregnancy education and counseling. No-cost-to-client services were expanded to include increased follow-up visits, ultrasounds, prenatal and parenting classes, postpartum education and an emergency shelter. The center offers a diaper program for newborns to 3 year olds. Mothers are able to go to the center once a month and receive diapers, clothing and other resources for her baby or babies. The center is in partnership with Junior League of New Orleans from which bulk diaper donations are received. Counseling and literature to Spanish-speaking clients is also available. The Community Center for Life organization owns the building that houses the center. Thankfully the White Dove Fellowship paid off the remaining mortgage on the building, but it has countless structural needs. The facade structure requires reinforcement and the facade needs stucco and paint replacement. Other serious renovations and repairs are badly needed. There are leaks from the outside, old and leaky pipes, as well as counseling rooms and restrooms that need updating. Ultimate on the wish list is a dedicated space very near the center for additional parking and classes. The Community Center for Life provides resources to support, assist and encourage mothers in their choice to choose life for their babies. Building families, saving and restoring lives with God's truth and principles provide help, hope and healing. Those needing services or anyone wanting to donate or volunteer can reach Community Center for Life at 504.227.9090 or by email at [email protected].