Local nonprofits receive generous donation from Cadence Bank

This week, Cadence Bank made huge donations to two local nonprofits.

“I mean, I was truly in shock because I was thinking immediately the opportunities that that opened up for us here at the center.”

Susan Kremar Jones, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center, received an unexpected call a few weeks ago. She thought it was a scam due to the large sum of money offered to her. “I don’t think we’ve ever had one single $50,000 donation so it was such a blessing for us here. We have free pregnancy testing. We have free ultrasounds. After that once they find out that they’re pregnant. We encourage them to enroll in our empowered parenting classes. We help teach them very practical skills.”

Walt Pannell, Cadence Bank president of the Gulf Coast Division, says “we believe in making meaningful connections and investments in local organizations, creating a positive impact.”

“A lot of times when people come here, they really scared and they don’t know what to do. And they don’t know how they’re going to choose life for their babies. And I think the thing that they notice first of all is that we are listening to them and we are hearing them, is not as trying to push an agenda on them. We’re really here to help them.”

Jones tells News 25 the funds will allow for major upgrades on the center’s campus. “This opportunity has allowed us, we’re getting quotes right now, to build another structure that will house our resources, our diapers, our wipes, our clothing and everything and actually build another classroom. We don’t have a big company that is funneling money to us and we don’t get a bunch of government grants or anything. So, everything that we get is from local people, churches, individuals, businesses, who understand the impact that we’re having.”

Cadence Banks also donated $50,000 to local nonprofit Feeding the Gulf Coast. CEO Michael Ledger says the donation will help tremendously in fighting hunger locally. An estimated 250,000 meals will be provided for individuals in South Mississippi.

The Women’s Resource Center is always in need of donations as it helps them serve more people.

In May, the center will host its largest fundraiser ‘Biscuits for Babies.’ If you or someone you know may be interested in donating, dial 228-897-8958.