New Iberia residents packed the Cyr-Gates Community Center’s gymnasium in City Park on Thursday night for a worthy cause that potentially could help women across the city. 

The Unexpected Pregnancy Center held its kickoff event with full catering and the musical stylings of the Bunk Johnson Brazz Band. The center has been in the works for several months with a mission to assist pregnant women while being committed to preserving life and family. 

The event featured several guest speakers, including Karol Meynard, director of Pro-Life Services with the Diocese of Lafayette; Dr. Maurice Faugot, a local pediatrician, and Dr. Camille Pavy Claibourne, president and CEO of Cabill Inc.

“To help women, to help babies, that’s our whole intent,” said president of the board of directors for the center, Louis Broussard. 

The board has existed for about four months. During that time a building on Pershing Street has been housed the center.

For women who wish to have abortions, Louisiana law states that pregnancy and ultrasounds need to take place. Faugot, a board member, said staffers will provide services in a non-judgemental way, but with the hope that those women will choose life. 

“We’re hoping we can save a baby, save a mother and ultimately save a family,” Faugot said. 

Once women become involved with the center, they will have access to vitamins, education on nutrition and resources where they can learn about childcare and adoption. The center aims to walk pregnant women through the entire pregnancy process. 

“Our job is if they need something. We’re going to help them get it,” Faugot said. “Our hope is that they come out a better person from when they walked in.”

Currently, Broussard said the building to house the center is in the process of being remodeled. Also, the board is in the process of hiring a director for the center. 

The tentative opening date for the center is early summer.