Community leaders and local officials celebrated Tuesday as the Center for Pregnancy Choices Meridian cut the ribbon on its new location at 1000 20th Ave.

Sara Smith, executive director at the Center, said it is an honor to be able to help women in Meridian and the surrounding area by providing them with pregnancy resources and support.

“Everything we do here is free because we’re supported by people just like you, by our local churches, by our city government, by our county government, and we’re able to offer a lot of different resources for women and families who are in desperate need of help,” she said.

Just over a year ago, Smith said, the Center for Pregnancy Choices cut the ribbon on its former location at the corner of Ninth Street and 23rd Avenue, Smith said, and the organization is now cutting the ribbon on a new space that will enable it to continue and grow its mission.

“When someone comes to the CPC of Meridian, and they’re not sure what to do or they’ve made decisions in their past they’re ashamed to talk about, this is a safe, confidential place that people can come and talk about the hard things, find hope and find tangible solutions that can help them learn how to thrive as a family or as an individual,” she said.

Smith said she wants to thank everyone in the community for their support of CPC Meridian and its work.

State Sen. Jeff Tate said Smith and her team are filling a need in the community by helping women when it is most needed.

“I appreciate all the work you’re doing. I appreciate all that you have put your heart into this,” he said. “I want you to know if there’s anything with the state that we can do to help, just do not hesitate to reach out.”

Meridian Community Development Director Craig Hitt also thanked Smith and other CPC Meridian staff and pledged the city’s support as well.

“We commend you for the work that you do for our community and for our people,” he said. “Anything that the city can do to support you going forward, please call on us.”