Lorna Forest is the founder and Executive Director of For Such a Time as This, a nonprofit that seeks to empower women and children in crisis. It started as a passion for helping underserved children before Lorna recognized the importance of supporting women as well. Based in Covington, Louisiana, For Such a Time as This seeks to create a community where all women and children feel valued, loved, and supported regardless of their circumstances.

Lorna is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare. She has been married to her husband for 33 years, and they both have three wonderful children. The story behind For Such a Time as This begins with a simple interview.

“One day I was watching an interview with a lady who started a nonprofit that provides birthday celebrations for children who have never experienced a birthday or even had a birthday cake,” Lorna recalls. “I just knew then that this is what I am supposed to do.”

Joining her on this journey is her sister-in-law and director of For Such a Time as This, Karen Dressel. Karen has taught preschool for over three decades, is a wife of 43 years, and is a mother to two daughters and a grandmother to two grandchildren. She has always been driven by a desire to help those in need. More than anything, she understands how important it is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive. “She has a heart full of love and compassion,” Lorna says. “Her passion for childhood education and her deep love for the community have inspired her to become a part of our mission.”

Through the company’s partnerships with organizations such as Children’s Advocacy Center-Hope House, Safe Harbor of Mandeville, Northlake Crisis Pregnancy Center, and James Samaritan–along with support from New Beginnings Church of Covington–For Such a Time as This works to provide baskets of items to brighten the days of women and children in need, complete with scriptures to inspire them. These baskets serve as reminders that they are valued and loved. They come with food, clothing, personal care items, and other essentials that will make a difference in their lives. The organization is currently raising funds to purchase weighted stuffed animals for children at Hope House as part of its mission to provide comfort and support to traumatized children. These stuffed animals will be a great source of comfort as the children undergo forensic interviews, and they will be able to take the stuffed animals home with them for a constant source of security.

As far as future plans go, For Such a Time as This is looking toward the horizon. “We hope to expand and partner with additional organizations in our community and the surrounding parishes, and we look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need in Louisiana,” Lorna says. “We also hope in the near future to be able to put on a fundraiser in the community to help us further our mission.”

As a nonprofit organization, For Such a Time as This relies heavily on the generosity of its community to help achieve its mission. If you would like to help make a difference in your community, you can donate to provide baskets to these women and children. Visit 4satat.org or email lorna@4satat.org to make your contribution. No donation is too small, as every dollar significantly impacts the lives For Such a Time as This serves. The nonprofit would also appreciate your prayers to help its vision of providing a beacon of hope, healing, and love in order to break cycles of abuse and neglect.

“We are grateful for the support of our community in making it a reality,” Lorna says. “Whether through monetary donations, donating items or supplies for baskets, or supporting our partners’ programs, your contribution can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Join us in our mission to provide hope, healing, and love to women and children in crisis.”