Who We Are & What We Do

background

Moore Community House (MCH) was founded in 1924 to serve the children of immigrant workers in the seasonal fishing industry. Today, MCH serves low-income families in east Biloxi, a neighborhood geographically bound by Biloxi Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Keesler Air Force Base. Unfortunately, MCH's neighborhood is also economically bound by poverty. Most families served by MCH were headed by single mothers who were either working in low wage jobs or in school. MCH offers a range of programs to improve the community and help families gain self-sufficiency

mission

MCH is a local mission agency of the United Methodist Church related to the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries. Committed to east Biloxi's development, MCH believes that a neighborhood organized around its own interests can support individual dignity and self-sufficiency. MCH's programs are designed to promote community development, community solutions to neighborhood problems, and opportunities for personal growth and development .

programs

EARLY HEAD START

Providing early care and education from 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.

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Serves children ages three-to-five of low-income working parents. The MCH Pre-school Program offers quality early childhood services to support children's development and prepare them to enter school ready to succeed.

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

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 >>

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

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 AND 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 (link) to expand the supply of quality, in-home child care for military families.

board of directors

Rev. Zach Beasley, President
Edna Boone, Vice President
Jane Ishee, Secretary
Denise Antoine, Treasurer
Lillie Bender
Rev. Sally Bevill
James Crowell
James Johnson
Alice Matthews
John Jopling
Rev. Elijah Mitchell
Reilly Morse
Ann Smith
Rev. Bill McAlilly, ex-officio
Peggy Hebert, ex-officio