South Mississippi Children's Center
United Way Support Services Partner
1.800.635.9056 | www.mchscares.org | Send Email
Who Are They?
South Mississippi Children’s Center provides a safe, homelike refuge for youth ages 9-17 who are abused, neglected, runaway and/or homeless. It serves as the community sponsor for Project Safe Place and provides 24- hour admissions and crisis line for runaway, homeless or in-crisis youth.
What Does United Way's Funding Do?
United Way funds help cover the costs to operate the full-time shelter, provide case management, offer youth programs and provide outreach through Project SafePlace.
The Impact of Your United Way Investment
Each year about 200 children in crisis situations are able to receive shelter and counseling from abusive or troubled home situations. In addition to meeting the children's immediate needs, the shelter provides a stable environment, which then increases the children's social, emotional and academic skills.
Volunteer Needs
Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one mentors or tutors to help with homework. Other needs include leading in-house activities for groups of children, supervising and supporting children in recreational activities outside residence or performing clerical/computer assistance. Volunteers are also needed to provide advocacy for the shelter and at-risk children and implement projects for facilities.
United Way at Work
“My Stay at the Shelter” – A Letter from a 13-year-old girl
“It is a fun place to stay. They take you places. You go skating and to the movies. You rent movies. We go to the basketball games. You get store privileges. They take you to the mall and Payless. This place feels just like home. We usually don’t do this at home. But sometimes I miss my mom and dad. Sometimes they let me visit my mom. We had fun with her. The shelter is a place that is warm and safe. Mrs. Sonya Duncan was there for my brother, sister, and me. She was like a mother to me. Mrs. April is a fun person to hang out with. She’s like my best friend. She is very cool when you get to know her. Mr. Shane is very nice and funny. But he can’t dance. But I still love the staff. So that is why I like the shelter.”