On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your interest in the United Way of South Mississippi. Our organization is committed every day to improving the quality of life for our families in Hancock, Harrison, Stone, and Pearl River Counties. Our staff, board members, and community partners are passionate about achieving this mission, and we could not do this without the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Together, we create a better, more united South Mississippi.
We focus our efforts on creating a positive, measurable impact in three primary areas – education, health, and financial stability. 99 cents out of every single dollar stays local, and helps children and families who are our neighbors. In June, our Community Impact Council continued its biennial process of awarding over $430,000 in community impact grants to local agencies and organizations that serve our residents in these three focus areas. There is no better way to see the impact of your donations than by serving on a community impact team, and witnessing first-hand, the wonderful work these amazing organizations do in our communities.
Our PreK4Ward program continues to grow stronger each year, and offers these students an opportunity for early academic success that often is not possible otherwise. Students of these programs enter Kindergarten more prepared both academically and socially than the majority of their peers. In addition, in the area of education, the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides over 2,000 books each month to children in the counties we serve, with no cost obligation to the family participating. Our children are our community’s greatest asset, and these are just two of the many programs dedicated to their future success.
There are so many ways to get involved with our organization. Our volunteers donate over 150,000 hours each year giving back to the community through a wide range of projects and service initiatives. You can sign up with your company or friends for our annual Dragon Boat Festival in April, one of the most fun team-building activities in which you will ever take part. Buy a ticket or table to our annual CEO Talent Show in September, and watch business and community leaders across the Mississippi Coast display their wide array of hidden skills. Purchase tickets in our annual Nifty 50 campaign each fall, for a chance to win the $50,000 grand prize.
Achieving our mission takes continuous support, and we hope that you will reach out to us with any questions, feedback, or to explore new ways for us to work together to build a better South Mississippi.
– Scott Gregory