Turning the Tide on Poverty_Neshoba Co.: March 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012

Strenghtening Families & Health Communities

Strenghtening Families and Community Coalition [SFCC] is a local effort spearheaded by Mayors James Young, Philadelphia, and Mayor Sheri Berry, Meridian. The area meeting was held November 5th in Meridian. The second meeting was held January 27 in conjunction with the Health Conference at Pearl River Resort. Community agency department heads and local civic leaders discussed efforts to involve the community with improving the lives of children and families at the local level.

2012 Tide Update Meetings

Even though the Turning the Tide on Poverty Actions have been completed, there are many people in Neshoba County with great ideas on how to prosper our community!

Tide Update Meetings: Last Wednesday of each month!
12Noon, Neshoba County Extension office/ conference room

What is Poverty?

The U.S. Census Bureau states that poverty for a family of four is just under $22,000 a year. For an individual under age 65, the poverty threshold is $11,201. Living on less than these amounts means you are "in poverty."Many people think these numbers are too low. Others think the poverty figure is not accurate because it only includes cash income, and does not include non-cash items such as food stamps,housing assistance or TANF support.Some believe the poverty line should be based upon the cost of living in different communities. Some say there are different kinds of poverty. A person who lives alone without the support of family or friends, or a person without skills to handle daily life can be poor. Others say poverty is not always about individuals. It can affect whole communities.This is why a study on poverty is so important. It is designed to help local people and groups talk and work together to reduce poverty.Turning the Tide on Poverty is a grassroots effort taking current research and information to the people in the county. This is and always has been the mission of the Extension Service. While, like a blight, we may not be able to stop poverty, together with knowledge and effort, we can make an impact to improve conditions locally.

Action team volunteers needed

Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make your community a more attractive and prosperous place to live? Volunteers are needed to serve on action teams:

*Collecting food for local food pantries in Union and Philadelphia
*Clean-up "Adopt-a-Street" in Westside and Stallo communities
*Telephoning citizens and community agencies
*Meeting with single mothers and grandparents raising grandchildren to share parenting lessons.

Call or email the Neshoba County Extension Service today!

601-662-4602 or neshoba@ext.msstate.edu

Turning the Tide on Poverty_Neshoba Co.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Strenghtening Families & Health Communities

2012 Tide Update Meetings

Helpful Resources and links

Community Outreach Action Team

Taking the university to the people...