Prints
Since the creation of Abraham’s Tent, started by the Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles in 1970, Pearl Cole has worked nonstop to oversee the essential community hub where countless people and organizations give their time and energy to make sure people have what they need. Abraham’s Tent provides hot meals, donations of clothing and hygiene supplies, other community resources, and fellowship. The operation started in a kitchen with no air conditioning and has grown into a bustling center that welcomes anyone with open arms who wishes to drop in, volunteer, or share a meal. After 25 years in the old building, Ms. Pearl’s dream of a new facility came true, but not without challenges along the way. In a struggling economy, the possibility of a new home for Abraham’s Tent seemed impossible, but she pushed forward, saying “you have to make the first step, and I knew the right people were out there who would help.” Even though the new building is named after her, Ms. Pearl emphasizes that it takes a whole community to make the work happen. The community came together to sponsor the construction then, and the community helps keep the doors open today. Many groups volunteer their time with meal preparation and serving, such as churches, missionaries, schools, businesses, families, and individuals. Ms. Pearl wants to give the community and the people within it ownership of the program- they are a part of it as a connected whole. “We all have a calling inside of us, and once our personal needs are met, you should look beyond, and say what can I do for someone else?”
Residency at the Museum, 2023