Community Action Day educates Starkville on self-sufficiency
Prairie Opportunity Community Action Agency held a Community Action Day Friday to educate Starkville residents on self-sufficiency programs provided in the area.
Dozens of people visited Starkville's McKee Park Friday and were greeted by businesses and organizations from the area that had booths to highlight programs they offer that promote self-sufficiency.
"We wanted to be able to give the clients and the community an opportunity to come together," said Prairie Opportunity Human Resources Director Pauline Nicholson. "We have all kind of vendors that offer services. The clients are here to ask questions, visit with vendors, and find out all the information they need."
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department, Starkville Fire Department and Starkville Police Department were present with their squad cars and a firetruck.
Sales Manager Derek Eaves represented Fair Propane at the event.
"Prairie Opportunity has a program where clients can get gas and propane," Eaves said. "They call us, give us a quote, and we take them gas so they can stay warm and cook their food."
Greater Starkville Development Partnership Interim CEO Heath Barret was provided information to people who visited his booth about programs and businesses in the area. Barret handed out information on the Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit (SMART), the Community Market and a QR code that connects to information on Starkville's businesses and restaurants.
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services District Manager Shondra Gathings and Counselor Assistant Darnice Clay were sharing information on programs and services MSDRS provides.
"We help the physically and mentally disabled get back into the workforce," Gathings said. "We offer services depending on the disability and what they need in order to go back to work.”
Prairie Opportunity Executive Director Laura Marshall said the non-profit organization's mission is to provide services to the lower-income and disadvantaged population, elderly, disabled and to families with small children.
"We provide a range of services and activities to bring those clients closer to self-sufficient life,” Marshall said.
Prairie Opportunity serves eight counties — seven within the Golden Triangle area as well as Leake County.