FRANKLIN — An agency which has provided assistance to domestic abuse survivors for the past 25 years celebrated both its past and future on Friday.

Chez Hope held its grand opening-25th celebration on Friday. The all-day event  included an official opening ceremony for its Manor House Emergency Shelter on Main Street in Franklin. A candlelight vigil concluded the day’s events. Guests included 16th Judicial District Judge Lori Landry, St. Mary Parish President Paul Naquin and others.

Executive Director Sami Riley described the event, in which Chez House was presented with a plaque from the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce for 25 years of service, as a success.

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“We had about 200 people attend,” Riley said. “We had a big crowd for the tours, the Mayors’ Breakfast and the ribbon cutting.”

Chez Hope, which began in 1983 as an all volunteer organization, works to assist women and children who come from domestic abuse situations. In 2007, it assisted 1,080 women and children, with 1,050 assisted so far in 2008.

To donate to or volunteer  with Chez Hope, contact them at 337-828-4200.