Years of Excellence


1979-1980

The Woman’s Foundation Inc. (WFI) was created to manage 15 acres of donated land and oversee the construction of a hospital.


1983

Women’s & Children’s Hospital was completed.


1984

The Foundation is accredited by the Louisiana State Medical Society as an approved provider of Continuing Medical Educational (CME) programs for physicians.


1987

WFI opened the Health Information Center (HIC), a library of over 500 videotapes and pamphlets on various health and wellness topics, available to the public at no charge.


1988

A regional grants program was established to award programs and initiatives which serve to enhance the health and quality of life for women and children, as well as those who support the family unit.


1988

WFI established a ULL & LSU-E Nursing Scholarship Program in December.


1989

The initial scholarship award was made.


2002

WFI began sponsoring the annual week-long Women’s Health Expo.


2004

The community based Healthy Lifestyle Coalition was created.


2004

Newborn Exhibit at Women’s & Children’s Hospital opened where proceeds from sales of commemorative fish tiles support WFI’s Community Education Programs.


2005

WFI was named “Outstanding Philanthropic Organization” by the Planned Giving Council of Acadiana.


2011

Health Information Center was closed.


2012

WFI Regional Grants Program closed.


Today

WFI is governed by a volunteer board of directors, comprised of individuals from the medical, legal, business, professional and educational community who direct and oversee the work of a seven person professional staff.

Our History

During the period between 1979-1980 a group of local physicians determined there was a need for a women’s hospital to serve the needs of women in the Lafayette community. Woman’s Hospital of Acadiana Foundation (now WFI) was formed and became the recipient of the land donation. The Woman’s Foundation Inc. (WFI) was created to manage the land and oversee the construction of a hospital. The Foundation contracted with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) to build the hospital and subsequently operate the facility. Today, that facility is known as Women’s & Children’s Hospital. WFI was formed as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of women. Once the hospital was completed in 1983, WFI entered into a 99 year agreement with HCA to lease the property. The lease payments from the hospital provide the operating funds for the Foundation.