Community Resource Guide

Thanks to diligent work the Community Resource Guide revisions and additions are complete.
It has helpful services and information for anyone in Neshoba County needing assistance with housing, job opportunities, education, health care, or community information. Tribal service agencies are also included. The guide is available at the Community Development Partnership or online at www.neshoba.org/community.

Union church of Christ hosts event to provide resources

With unemployment high and the small town of Union located on the Neshoba-Newton county line, everyone in the community is not eligible to receive food distributions in Neshoba Co. A 20 mile drive limits access to the Baptist center for many families in need. The church in Union held it's first community outreach Oct. 2nd
Thirty-one families (98 adults and children) came for clothing, household cleaning products, food items, prayer and counseling.
The church plans a similar event in the spring.

Food boxes at Neshoba Baptist Center

Update: Neshoba Baptist Center

Increased nutritional value and stocked shelves are the result of Glenn Jackson's actions at the Baptist Association's Center. A collaboration with Wal-Mart management and completing the necessary requirements to be approved in the MS Food network took place over the summer. Wal-Mart is now sending overstock in produce, frozen meats, shell eggs, and deli-breads. The association can also purchase bulk food items at low-cost through the food network.

Any individual or family in need of supplemental food is eligible to participate. There is application to complete. Food box distributions are Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
The Baptist Center is located at 903 Valley View Road in Philadelphia.
For more info., call Glenn or Judy @ 601-656-1820

Summer 2010_ Action team progress

This summer some people in Neshoba County are working on Tide project action teams to improve the lives of families struggling to meet basic needs. Yes, we need more folks working on these projects! Even so, the work being accomplishing on teams this first year is awesome! Here are some examples of what is being done:

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Sandy Lewis and Karen Benson met with Mayor James Young to discuss how the project can best assist the mayor's office with requests. When people can't pay for city services, need work or a job, or can't get the answers they need, the mayor is often contacted. Our mayor is concerned about community needs and has approved the start-up of a citizen's corp. This group would consist of volunteers who could assist the public with information to help resolve issues. Volunteers would work one day a week for 1-2 hours mostly making phone calls to area agencies and businesses. If you would like to help, please call the county Extension office at 601-656-4011.

FOOD & BEAUTIFICATION

The action team in Union has placed 8 community garden kits with limited-resource families who are growing their own vegetables at home this summer.

A food pantry was expanded at the Union church of Christ. The Union Post office did a community food drive in May for the food pantry. New families have been coming for food each week.

The Baptist Center in Philadelphia continues to need food during the summer months. The shelves are almost empty. If your team or organization can donate food items, please contact Glenn Jackson at the Baptist Center. 601-656-1820.

EDUCATION

Three Master Family Life Educator Volunteers completed training in June. Vickie Carter Madison, Judy Mason, and Mickey Gibson will begin "coaching" single parents and grandparents raising grandchildren this fall at our local schools and Head Start center.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

The committee has met twice and divided the sections to be revised. The target date for completion of an online/web-based guide is September 7th. The community resource guide was first published five years ago with the leadership of Mrs. Doris Perry and the Neshoba County Literacy Council. It was noted in the study circle process that agencies and contact information in the guide needed revised and updated. With information changing quickly, the team decided an online version could best serve the community.

PUBLIC POLICY
This team is in the research phase of action. They want to organize regular "town" meetings but realize public discussion can be intimidating for both public officials and citizens. What makes a successful town meeting? That is exactly what this team hopes to find out and share with the project soon.

As teams continue through the summer to complete efforts, remember to email or call in your progress to the Neshoba County Extension Service. 601-656-4011
neshoba@ext.msstate.edu