Members of EBLC met on October 22 at Shiloh’s Kitchen to share a delicious lunch compliments of Janie Riddle and Sherrie Bergstrom. After lunch everyone met at the Texana Room of the Farquhar Building, President Carolyn Strnadel introduced Mrs. Bridget De Los Santos, executive director of the Gabriel Project the Crossroads. This program began as a deterrent to abortion and has expanded its services to not only include a Maternity Home but also a larger, one-time Outreach assistance to those experiencing challenging circumstances and are struggling to make ends meet.
The Maternity Home provides a safe location “for pregnant women facing unstable or unsafe living situations”. De Los Santos stressed that residents, who can stay up to a year after giving birth, are nurtured to be able to eventually “thrive, heal and take crucial steps toward independence”.
Serving 10 counties surrounding their Victoria home site, the Gabriel Project provides diapers, wipes, formula and baby-needed equipment such as strollers when such items have been donated. The group trains partnering “Angels” who assist qualified individuals within the program. All activities, training and discussions are confidential.
After De Los Santos presentation, the EBLC voted to send the Gabriel Project a $500 donation to purchase items needed.
During the business portion of the meeting President Strnadel reminded members about Trunk & Treat on Oct. 27 at EHS.
The Missing Man display will be set up Nov. 6 at the Veteran’s Day celebration at the BRC.
