By Diane Engle
Patsy Cavenah, founder and director of Lighthouse Ministries, Inc. in Reeves was the guest speaker at DeQuincy Rotary Club’s Wednesday, Nov. 13 meeting.
The Lighthouse is a home to better meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs for young women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. They are welcome to step away from the world and all its pressures and take time to reflect on their past decisions and plans for their future.
Cavenah opened the Lighthouse Unwed Mothers Home in June 2001. She pioneered this home, licensed by the state and has ministered to over 250 girls, ages 12-30, along with their babies. The staff and qualified volunteers assist in the healing and education of the girls.
In December 2016, the Lighthouse Child Residential Center opened for teen pregnant girls to enable them to live with their babies until age 18. This will give them a greater opportunity to succeed. They are home schooled, taught life skills, and have one-on-one counseling.
Cavenah shared her story of the opening of both phases of the Lighthouse Ministries and encouraged Rotary members to consider volunteering.