MCH Rebuilds Around a Miracle
in Stained Glass
With the help of a tremendous group of volunteers and supporters from around the corner and as far away as Kansas, Moore Community House (MCH) has reopened! We're helping Biloxi's low-income families rebuild their lives and the local economy by providing child care, family, community development, employment, and other core services
Moore's facilities were almost completely destroyed by Katrina (see demolition). Wedged between the Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi Bay, we were hit by tremendous water surge and wind damage. Seven structures were razed and the Epworth Church building had to be gutted to the studs and rafters Somehow, miraculously, the beautiful stained glass windows (pictured above) remained intact.
Lots of Activity Going on!
New Buildings & Programs
The rebuilt Epworth Church is temporarily serving as our main building. It is now bright and beautiful. We were able to retain its original character while completely gutting the interior to make it better suited for child care and community activities. We're moving forward to complete a much needed community center, safe new playground, additional classrooms for quality early childhood education, and we're offering new training and employment programs.
Biloxi 's working poor were particularly hard hit by Katrina. Unlike New Orleans, many of East Biloxi's low-income families stayed--living in tents and temporary trailers. They still need a lot of help to rebuild their lives. Moore is fostering their self-sufficiency and the community's economic recovery. We're particularly excited about our new Women in Construction Program, which is preparing low--income women with skills to enter the building trade.
Two dollars arrived with a note:
"I just wanted to help."
We are so grateful for each dollar that has been given to recreate Moore. Heartfelt thanks to every contributor – large and small.! It will cost some $2 million to replace the buildings, playgrounds and all the supplies needed for early education. We're almost there -- together, we'll reach our goal . If you can help, click on the Donate Now button above or contact us. As always, we pledge to use your funds wisely and look forward to sharing our progress with you.
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With appreciation,
Carol Burnett
Executive Director
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MCH works with the east Biloxi community assisting low-income neighbors with quality child care, family services & local economic development.
VIDEO AVAILABLE! email, write, or call for volunteer-produced DVD
All children benefit from quality early child care and education. Research shows that low-income children gain the most. And subsidizing good child care is the single most important factor in moving low-income families to self-sufficiency. Unfortunately, it's very difficult for them to afford. MCH provides quality child care to low-income families as well as education and community services to help them improve their lives. Programs include:
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EARLY HEADSTART
Providing early care and education for birth to three-year-olds and comprehensive health and family support services--including for pregnant mothers. MCH's program targets teen mothers so they can remain in school and graduate. The program reopened March 2007 at GorenFlo Elementary. We will rebuild a new center in the Hope 6 public housing site in Biloxi.
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PRE-SCHOOLPROGRAM
Serving ages three to five of low-income working parents. The MCH Pre-School Program offers services to support children's development and prepare them to enter school ready to succeed. Moore is constructing a new building on its campus for the pre-school program , which is poised to reopen in the rebuillt Epworth Church, pending various permits.
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"Rebuilding Moore Community
House is job #1 in recreating
the heart of east Biloxi."
Bill Stallworth, City Council Member, Ward 2
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CHILD CARE FOOD PROGRAM
MCH's Child Care Food Program provides each enrolled child with nutritious meals and snacks. It also supports nutrition education.
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM New!
Spurred by the construction boom on the Gulf Coast, Moore is offering a new program designed to teach women the skills needed to join the buidling trade. We are offering four ten-week sessions per year with the goal of traiining and helping place 80 women. For more information contact
Karissa McLane (tel: 228-297-0965) and see separate program page >>
Urgent child care needs are being
met by Moore's newly reopened
Early Head Start Program.
COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY SERVICES
Case management starts with an intake interview with each parent and includes a comprehensive family needs assessment. MCH responds where possible and makes referrals to partner community organizations.
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING REFERRALS New!
Beginning in Fall 2007, MCH began offerning employment and training referrals for adult residents who live in public housing and have kids in our child care programs.
GULF COAST CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL
Provides parents and employers with information and assistance in choosing the best available child care services. The program has launched a project in partnership with Keesler Air Force Base and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (MS network) to expand the supply of quality, in-home child care for military families.
CONGREGATIONS FOR CHILDREN
Conceived at Moore, Congreations has grown into a state-wide eccumneical program with offices in Jackson at the Methodist Building. It promotes preventative, cost-effective, non-punitive policies and programs in the following areas: child care, maternal and child health, welfare reform, juvenile justice, and education, in order to meet the needs of children living in poverty in Mississippi. website >>
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