In the Fall of 1993, Nicole Woods was a newlywed Sophomore at Northwestern State University. After a visit to the then Crisis Pregnancy Center, she learned she was also pregnant with her first child. With the support of the late Mrs. Terri Galloway, a volunteer at the Center, she began her motherhood journey with the encouragement of a small group of women who were determined to make a positive impact on expectant mothers in the community. Her oldest son, Colt, was born in May of 1994 but not without complications that resulted in an orthopedic issue. With the support of her family and the amazing volunteers at the Center, she was able to properly care for him with the confidence they all helped to instill. More than 30 years later, Nicole
Woods has been named the Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center.
Nicole went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University and
spent the next 20 years working in the criminal justice and non-profit arenas. She would also go on to become Mom to Farrah and Chase. She is very active in the community and serves as President of the Natchitoches Lions Club. She was awarded the 2024 Natchitoches Historic Foundation’s President’s Award for her support of her hometown. Nicole and her husband, Sammy, are members of First Baptist Church, both are avid golfers and supporters of the 4-H program.
The Center is maintained by an outstanding Leadership Team. Sandy Keller serves as the
WRC Program Manager. Sandy was born and raised in Indiana. Since earning her bachelor’s in social work, she has worked with children and families for several years in a non-profit organization. She is the proud mother of three and grandmother to one. She has had a passion for pregnancy centers for many years and volunteered with Crisis Pregnancy Centers in both Indiana and Louisiana. She has called Louisiana home for the last 12 years, with Natchitoches becoming her home when she joined the WRC staff in July, 2022. Sandy enjoys the role of Program Manager because she has been able to work with and support clients by managing volunteers, client schedules, classes as well as the Little Rose Boutique. Sandy also works directly with volunteers and gets the opportunity to work one-on-one with clients as needed.
She played a vital role in the creation of the Rose Long Educational Center which provides space for onsite educational programs for community members and clientele. She is excited about the future of WRC and the possibility of additional educational opportunities to benefit new parents.
Brandi Kay serves as the Center’s Office Manager. Brandi joined the Women’s Resource
Center as Office Manager in August 2024, boasting an impressive 10-year financial tracking and record management background. Focused on consistently delivering exceptional outcomes in grant and donor tracking, daily office tasks, event coordination and communication; Brandi ensures that the Center continues to be a good steward to our supporters and clients. A long-time resident of Flora, Brandi has been married to Johnny for 22 years and they have two children, Cailynn and Conner. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, crafting, and baseball games.
Established in 1989 as the Crisis Pregnancy Center, it has now evolved into the Women’s
Resource Center (WRC) and serves as the only Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic in a 50-mile
radius. The Center currently serves women from Bienville, DeSoto, Grant, Natchitoches,
Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon and Winn and is here to serve anyone who is, or may be, pregnant. The Center focuses on offering hope and enables expectant mothers to make educated decisions.
The mission of the WRC is to educate and empower individuals to make life-affirming
choices. The Center offers 100% free and confidential services such as pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds and material assistance to mothers from pregnancy through the baby’s first year regardless of insurance status or income. With over 850 educational visits in 2024, the Center offers classes in: Child Safety, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Education, Healthy Beginnings (a two-part nutrition class in partnership with the LSU Ag Center), Carseat Safety and Financial Literacy (in partnership with Engage Federal Credit Union).
The success of the WRC is strongly based on the support of its advocates, volunteers and
donors. While some grants are received, the Center offers numerous ways to support through monetary and material donations. Individuals and organizations are vital to the day-to-day operations of the Center. From the support of volunteers to NSU special interest groups to local churches, the Center draws its strength from supporters in all forms.
Fundraisers are an important part of the Center’s success and two major fundraisers are
quickly approaching. We are excited to announce that this year the Run Baby Run will be held in conjunction with the 28th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival. On May 10th, runners, walkers and supporters will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Natchitoches while supporting the Center. When Jazz Fest organizer (and WRC Supporter) Rodney Harrington was asked about this new collaboration he said “I think it’s awesome that the Run Baby Run is going to be held the morning of the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on May 10th! It’s going to be a spectacular day in our town. The participants will be able to finish their run, shower and still make it down to the riverbank in time to hear Gretchen Wilson, the BAR-KAYS and all the other great acts at the festival. See y’all there!”
The largest fundraiser of the year, The Right to Life Gala, is slated for the evening of
September 18th at the Natchitoches Event Center. This premier event is a sellout year after year, so plan to buy your tables early this year.
All information on the Center and its events can be found on the Women’s Resource
Center’s Facebook page, at wrcnatchitoches.org or by visiting 107 North Street, Natchitoches.
Anyone interested in becoming a client, a volunteer, a donor, or have questions can call 318-357-8888.
