Present for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Welcome House Extreme Makeover Project were, Kathy Duncan, Alice Duhon, Paige Kibodeaux, Liz Kibodeaux, Mrs. Ienaise Kibodeaux, Rev. Roy Kibodeaux, Shannon Kibodeaux, Kathryn Shea Duncan, Sybil Duncan, Chet Kibodeaux, Elliot Dore, Father Gary Schexnayder, Sigmund and Marie Richard, Joe Freeland, M’elise Trahan, Rev. Brian Hotaling, Emily Stoma, Ezora Proctor, Chris Mayfield, Ron Lawson, Travis and Peggy Sandidge, Trey Signorelli, Milo Nickel, Lyle Fogleman, Alice Whiting, Mike and Marsha Francis.
THE POST SIGNAL
CROWLEY – After many years of prayer and waiting, Rev. Roy Kibodeaux’s dream for a new building for the Welcome House site at Maxie, is finally coming true.
On Tuesday, August 19, 2008, a construction groundbreaking ceremony took place on the grounds. Many supporters of the project were present, which added a special touch to the special occasion.
Reverend Brian Hotaling prayed an opening prayer, and words of blessing and encouragement were offered by Ezora Proctor, Rotary Club President, and Fr. Gary Schexnayder, Pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Crowley.
Reverend Roy Kibodeaux, with tears of joy flowing from his face, could only offer thanks to all who have supported the Welcome House in the years past and present. “I don’t know what else that I can say but thank you,” he said graciously. He then explained that the Welcome House had been in existence for over thirty years, and shared how God has blessed them in so many ways.
“In the beginning, we had one house, and later an additional house was provided,” he continued. The site now has more than three buildings, and soon will be expanded.
Also stressed by Kibodeaux was the fact that the Welcome House is not only a shelter, but a community outreach program that helps those in need of guidance.
Joe Freeland, Rotary Project Chairman , then told of the two phases that the project will entail. “Phase one will include the women’s shelter, laundry, library, isolation room, storage, office, manager’s quarters, and one-half of the day room. The removal of buildings will not be necessary during this phase, as it will begin north of the church,” informed Freeland.
Phase two will begin after the current buildings are removed from the site, and the church is moved over to make room for this part of the construction. This phase will include a small commercial kitchen, two men’s shelter wings, three single family units, two family units, storage, and one-half of the day room.
The finished product will result in a 7,000 square foot facility with the capacity of fifty clients. Freeland estimated that the construction should be completed within the next year.
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