ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Feb. 2nd, 2000, Elizabethton resident Angie Odom created the Abortion Alternatives and Women’s Center, which is now known as the TLC Community Center. 25 years later, the center has expanded to serve its community.

“Over the years, it became more and more,” Odom said. “Then it became helping those that are in school who dread school getting out because of food. And so we started a food program, and it just kept going from there.”

Throughout the last 25 years, the non-profit has continued to give back, including during times of tragedy — such as after Hurricane Helene.

“We’ve been helping in huge waves during the flood,” said Odom. “It’s just been great. We’ve placed over 60-something campers, we’ve had vehicles that we’ve been able to get families.”

But in November, Odom received news that devastated her and the center volunteers.

“The building that we’ve been in for 13 years is now we’ve been told [the owner is] selling it. And it’s a large, large amount of money that is not something that we can do. Not only that, we don’t see the room for that price.”

“It terrified us all,” said volunteer Katie Coppola. “It scared us. It happened in a time when we were trying to help the community hand out Thanksgiving meals to people that really needed it.”

In need of a new location for the center, Odom came upon a property on Lover’s Lane. However, the center hasn’t been able to make the move yet.

“We have to raise $400,000, and that’s what we’ve been trying to do is take pledges and people that would give,” said Odom.

While Odom said she hesitated to ask for money, the community offered it.

“The community is really the ones that said, ‘You need to ask,'” said Coppola. “Because if we don’t have a place to go, then we can’t help them.

Both Coppola and Odom said they’re hopeful for the center’s future.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Coppola said. “But once we get moved over this location, we’re going to help so many people.”

“It’s just plenty to grow in and to be truly a place that the community can pull in,” said Odom. “Anybody can pull in and you’re going to find what you need.”

The center hosted a 25-year celebration and fundraiser on Sunday. By nightfall, the center had raised over $90,000. Those interested in learning more about the center can do so here.