A new community center opened on South Drive, offering free Wi-Fi, coffee and a quiet place for students to study.

Pamela Lockridge, owner of Jesus Lifted Ministries Community Center, opened it in July because she wanted to provide a place for students and community members to meet and support each other.

“I wanted a place for [students] to be self-motivated and see how their skills fit into their community,” Lockridge said.

The community center is faith-based, and there are Bible studies weekly.

Students who are looking for internship opportunities should contact Lockridge. Though this internship would be unpaid, applicants can build their resumes and gain experience in tutoring or basic tech support.

The center offers a variety of activities aside from being a quiet study location. There are low- and high-impact group exercise sessions, chess lessons and tournaments, Bible studies and support groups for a handful of different things.

“People are so engrossed and busy that they don’t get that social interaction,” Lockridge said. “I want the community to be able to come together outside of the tourism aspect of our town.”

The center’s hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., but hours may change with the needs of the community.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating should contact Lockridge at 318-413-1814, or stop by the community center at 99 South Dr. Suite B.