By Baptist Message staff MONROE, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries has opened a center that will provide the hope of Christ to those in one of the nation’s poorest regions. Supporters gathered April 10 for a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of the Compassion Center, located at 501 Kansas Lane on the campus of the LBCHFM. Approved by entity's trustees during its May 12, 2023 meeting, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility will provide food, school supplies, diapers, shoes, new clothing and other life essentials. Matt Hancock, executive director with Compassion for Kids, a LBCHFM ministry that will operate the Compassion Center, told the crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting that the facility should serve 25,000-30,000 individuals a year. According to the 2020 U.S. Census American Community Survey, 34.9 percent of Monroe residents live at the poverty level. “Luckily, all the time at the Children’s Home we ask the question, ‘Lord, where are the children and families who need us,’ and we don’t have to look very far for the answer,” Hancock told the crowd “It’s right here in our community, and it’s all across the state. So, the Compassion Center will be here to meet physical needs, … [Read more...]