Lighthouse Shelter
Lighthouse Shelter

The Lighthouse Shelter for Women and Children provides warm beds and daily meals for up to 35 women and children at any given time.


HariettaThe Lighthouse Shelter for Women and Children provides warm beds and daily meals for up to 35 women and children at any given time.

Women like Henrietta…

Henrietta came to Acadiana Outreach sick and afraid. She never knew what it was like to live in a loving home until she came to the Lighthouse. Henrietta had a very difficult upbringing….she was raped and beaten as a child and became a mom at the age of 12. But what really pushed Henrietta over the edge was when she witnessed the brutal murder of her first born daughter.

During this time, Henrietta had also been diagnosed with Lupus and after the death of her daughter, she began to self-medicate to try and ease her pain. She moved around for a while, living from hotel room to hotel room and she finally realized she was living a bad dream that she didn’t think was ever going to end. Most of her family no longer wanted anything to do with her, and her illness was getting worse.
playgroup9She called Acadiana Outreach and moved into the Lighthouse Shelter for Women and Children. At the Lighthouse she found a safe refuge and a structured, caring environment. She also found strength and a desire to live a clean, productive life. Henrietta is proud to say that today she is sober, has a great doctor, and a good, safe apartment of her own. She makes goals now and plans to go back to school to earn her GED. Henrietta is thrilled most of all though, that her family cares about her now and allows her to spend quality time with her grand-children.

“I love my life now. God gave me a second chance and it’s amazing what can happen when you are sincere and listen to your heart." -Henrietta

Families like Henrietta's can stay up to six months and are supported and guided in rebuilding their lives back to self-sufficiency. Through Acadiana Outreach's comprehensive services, the Lighthouse works to provide positive outcomes for shelter residents.

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Safe Housing
Meaningful Employment
Food & Clothing
Financial Stability
Transportation
Community Connections
Optimal Mental & Physical Health
Spiritual & Emotional Well-Being

Last year the Lighthouse served 112 women and children, giving them emergency shelter and supportive services.
 
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