BBB Mississippi 2010 Charities Guide

8/8/2019 BBB Mississippi 2010 Charities Guide

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THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SERVING MISSISSIPPI

WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWINGACCREDITED BUSINESSES FOR THEIR SUPPORTOF THE 2010 MISSISSIPPI CHARITY GIVING GUIDE

The Mississippi Charity Giving Guides are published and produced by the Better Business Bureau ServingMississippi. Through generous support of these BBB Accredited Businesses we are pleased to distribute thisresource free of charge to all BBB Accredited Businesses and charities in the serving area.

The Citizens Bank

Comcast Spotlight

Community Eldercare Services, LLC

DJ Shuttle and Tour Service, Inc.

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

Mississippi Blood Services

Neil King, State Farm Insurance

Riverwood Family Funeral Service, Inc.


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haritable organizations assist thousands in our community each year: children, senior citizens, those

with disabilities, lowincome families and more. These organizations offer food, shelter, clothing,

advocacy, education, medical care and many other forms of assistance to those in need. They cant do

it without help from individuals and businesses that support them with financial donations and volunteer

hours.

The Better Business Bureau regularly gets requests for information from donors who want to know that their

donations are being spent wisely. And several charities are concerned about charity accountability issues that

have been in the spotlight recently and seek to distinguish their operations and assure donors theyre

operating responsibly.

To that end, weve published the second annual Mississippi Charity Giving Guide, a local publication from

your Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi. Weve worked with local charities to compile the

information in this guide and pleased to provide it freeofcharge as a service to you: the businesses, charities,

consumers and donors in our 76county service area in Mississippi. We hope youll use this to help you make

informed decisions when evaluating your charitable donations.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliances 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability, developed over a three year

period, were created based on independent research on donor expectations, professional and technical

assistance from a variety of philanthropic experts and numerous comments from donors and charities. They

promote transparency, accountability and ethics in the nonprofit community,just as BBBs Standards forTrust promote transparency, accountability and ethics in a business community.

Many of the organizations in the Charity Giving Guide voluntarily provided information and we sincerely

thank them for their cooperation. These organizations were evaluated in accordance with these Standards for

Charitable Accountability and the results of their evaluation are included in this guide. There are some

organizations who submitted materials for evaluation but their evaluations were not complete by the time this

guide was produced. When their evaluations are complete, you many receive a copy of their report by calling

our office at 601.707.0960 or 800.987.8280 or by visiting our website ms.bbb.org.

Some worthy charities just missed meeting all 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability but are working withus to move toward compliance. Some charities did refuse to work with us or simply did not respond to our

request. We are willing to work with them to try and participate if possible.

It is our hope that this guide will help donors avoid throwing away money on fraudulent organizations and

groups with questionable fundraising practices, resulting in more charitable dollars going to the many

legitimate organizations. The Standards for Charitable Accountability help donors make informed decisions

and are just one more way the BBB seeks to fulfill its mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.

Give, butGive Wisely

C

Welcome to the 2010 Mississippi Charity Giving GuideThrough the generous support of our Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses, we are pleased to

distribute this resource free of charge to BBB Accredited Businesses, donors, and community leaders

throughout Mississippi.


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Developing a Charity Report/ Results of the Evaluations 1

Standards for Charitable Accountability . 2

How to Read the List of Local Charities .. 4

Charity Listings ... 5

Accredited Charities ... 16

Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi

601 Renaissance Way, Suite A

Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157

(601) 8569357

A publication of the Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi

2010 Mississippi Charity Giving GuideServing 76 Counties excluding Benton, Desoto, Marshall, Tate, Tippah & Tunica

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Mississippi Charity Giving

Guide is published yearly to

help donors make more

informed decisions. This

Guide includes a compilation

of the latest evaluationconclusions completed by the

BBB Charity Review

department.

If you would like to see a

particular charity that is not

listed in the next guide, please

contact us at (601) 856-9357.

BBB of Mississippi Staff

President & CEO: Bill Moak

VP of Operations: Jackie Warren

Director of Communications/Accreditation:

Dick Brodbeck

Director of Trade Standards (Charity Review):

Beth Sheppard

Director of Dispute Resolution: Lelia Wilson

WINTER 0102


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Developing a Charity Report

BBB charity reports extend beyond a cursory review of a charitys finances. The BBB relies on

information voluntarily provided by the charities in order to provide donors with the most complete and

accurate information possible. A typical evaluation will examine the following:

These materials are carefully examined to determine whether the charities meet the 20 BBB Standards

for Charitable Accountability. These national standards were developed with professional and technical

assistance from representatives of small and large charitable organizations, accounting and grant makin

professionals, corporate contribution officers, regulatory agencies, research organizations, and the BBBsystem. Additionally, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance commissioned significant independent research on

donor expectations to ensure the views of the general public were reflected in the Standards for

Charitable Accountability. After the BBBs initial review, each charity is provided with a draft copy of its

report before it is published. This gives the charity an opportunity to respond and make any changes or

recommendations that would enable the organization to meet standards in future evaluations.

Results of the Evaluations

Agreements with Solicitors

Annual Report

Any Complaints from the Public

Audited Financial Statements

Board Roster and Meeting Attendance

By-Laws

CEO Evaluation Policy

Conflict-of-Interest Policy

Current Budget

Fundraising Appeals

Grant ProposalsIRS Form 990 and Statement A

Policies for Measuring Program Effectiveness

Special Event Invitations

Telephone Scripts/ Direct Mail LettersTelevision and Radio Appeals

Did Not Disclose

Accredited

Charities

Did Not Meet One

or More Standards

In Progress

The 2010 Mississippi Charity Giving Guideincludes summary reports for 206 charities. Of

these, 56 (27%) met the 20 BBB Standards for

Charitable Accountability, 13 (7%) did not meet

one or more of the standards, 24 (12%) are in

process and 113 (54%) did not discloseinformation.


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GOVERANCE AND OVERSIGHTThe governing board has the ultimate oversight

authority for any charitable organization. Thissection of standards seeks to ensure that thevolunteer board is active, independent, and free

of self-dealing. To meet these standards, the

organization shall have.

1. A board of directors that providesadequate oversight of the charitys

operations and its staff.2. A board of directors with a minimum of

five voting members.3. A minimum of three evenly spaced

meetings per year of the full governing

body, with a majority in attendance, with

face-to-face participation.4. Not more than one or 10% (whichever is

greater) directly or indirectly compensated

person(s) serving as a voting member(s)of the board. Compensated members

shall not serve as the boards chair ortreasurer.

5. No transaction(s) in which any board orstaff members have material conflicting

interest with the charity resulting fromany relationship or business affiliation.

MEASURING EFFECTIVENESS An organization should regularly assess its

effectiveness in achieving its mission. Thissection seeks to ensure that an organization hasdefined, measurable goals and objectives in place

and a defined process in place to evaluate thesuccess and impact of its program(s) in fulfilling

the goals and objectives of the organization andthat also identifies ways to address any

deficiencies. To meet these standards, acharitable organization shall

6. Have a board policy of assessing, no lessthan every two years, the organizationsperformance and effectiveness and of

determining future actions required to

achieve its mission.

7. Submit to the organizations governingbody, for its approval, a written reportthat outlines the results of the

aforementioned performance and

effectiveness assessment andrecommendations for future actions.

FINANCES

This section of the standards seeks to ensure thatthe charity spends its funds honestly, prudently

and in accordance with statements made in fundraising appeals. To meet these standards, thecharitable organization shall

8. Spend at least 65% of its total expenseson program activities.

9. Spend no more than 35% of relatedcontributions on fund raising.

10.Avoid accumulating funds that could beused for current program activities. To

meet this standard, the charitys

unrestricted net assets available for useshould not be more than three times the

size of the past years expenses or threetimes the size of the current years

budget, whichever is higher.11.Make available to all, on request,

complete annual financial statements

prepared in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles.

12.Include in the financial statements abreakdown of expenses that shows what

portion of these expenses was allocated to

program, fund raising, and administrativeactivities.

13.Accurately report the charitys expenses,including any joint cost allocations, in itsfinancial statements.

14.Have a board-approved annual budget forits current fiscal year, outlining projected

expenses for major program activities,fund raising, and administration.

Standards For Charitable Accountability

The BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability were developed to assist donors in making sound givingdecisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations. The standards seek to encourage fair andhonest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support ofphilanthropy. They are based on the belief that full and accurate disclosure of an organizations program,management, and finances will encourage public support of philanthropy. To meet BBB Standards for

Charitable Accountability, an organization is required to:


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Donate With Confidence.

Look for the BBB Charity Seal.Charities that display the BBB CharitySeal have committed to the highest ethical

standards of conduct. Every day, theseorganizations put ethics, accountability, and

transparency first. For these organizations,instilling trust in their donors is vital to fulfilling

their mission.

Look for the BBB Charity Seal to assist with wise

giving decisions. Charities are eligible to displaythe BBB Charity Seal if they meet the following

criteria: they currently meet our comprehensiveStandards for Charitable Accountability, have

committed to continue meeting our 20 Standardsin the future and address any concerns broughtto their attention by the BBB. Charities that

have adopted the Seal have undergone the sameevaluation process as all charities in the GivingGuide, and upon meeting our rigorous standards,have been invited to join this prestigious group.

Charities authorized to use the BBB Charity Sealat the time the Giving Guide was published aremarked by the seal.

FUND RAISING AND INFORMATIONALMATERIALS

A fund raising appeal is often the only contact adonor has with a charity and may be the sole

impetus for giving. This section of the standardsseeks to ensure that a charitys representations

to the public are accurate, complete, andrespectful. To meet these standards, the

charitable organization shall

15.Have solicitations and informationalmaterials, distributed by any means that

is accurate, truthful, and not misleading,both in whole and in part.

16.Have an annual report available to all, onrequest, that includes:

(a)The organizations mission statement(b)A summary of the past years program

service accomplishments.

(c)A roster of the offices and members ofthe board of directors

(d)Financial information that includes(i) Total income in the past fiscal

year

(ii) Expenses in the same program,fund raising, and administrativecategories as in the financial

statements, and

(iii) Ending net assets.17.Include on any charity websites that solicit

contributions, the same information that is

recommended for annual reports, as wellas the mailing address of the charity and

electronic access to its most recent IRSForm 990.18.Address policy concerns of donors by

(a)Providing in written appeals, at leastannually, a means for both new and

continuing donor to inform the charityif they do not want their name andaddress shared outside the

organization, and(b)Providing a clear prominent and easily

accessible privacy policy on any of its

websites

(c)Provide, upon request, a copy of theprivacy policy.

19.Clearly disclose how the charity benefitsfrom the sale of products or services.

20.Respond promptly to and act oncomplaints brought to its attention by theBBB about fund raising practices, privacy

violations, and/ or other issues.


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How to Read the List of Local Charities

he following is an alphabetical listing of the charities that are the subjects of Mississippis Charity Reviewevaluations. The list includes organizations that have requested to be evaluated as well as those that have

received the highest volume of inquiries. The BBB receives inquiries through the mail, phone and email

from local and nationwide consumers.

Please note the following explanations about this list:

Name Inclusion: Inclusion on this list should not be interpreted as approval or disapproval of a charity. The

information in this listing is intended solely to assist donors in exercising their own judgement.

Name Omission: Omission from this list should not be interpreted as meaning that a charity meets or does not

meet standards. In general, it simply means the BBB has not developed a report because it has not received

inquiries about a charity or a charity has not requested to be evaluated.

Latest Results: This list reflects the latest charity reports as of October 1, 2010. Charity reports are available until

their expiration dates, generally two years after the completion. All reports are based on the BBB Standards for

Charitable Accountability.

Sample Chart

Above is a sample of how organizations are listed in the Mississippis Charity Giving Guide. The first column, Organization,provides the name and address of the charity, as well as any other names the charity commonly uses. For organizations that

did not disclose with the BBB, this column only lists the organizations name. The second column, Mission, contains the

charitys mission statement. The third column is broken into two subcolumns. Column A lists the percentage of total

expenses spent on programs, while Column B lists the percentage of total expenses spent on fund raising. The last column,

Evaluation, provides the charities results of the evaluation; which can include several different conclusions:

Accredited Charity Meets all Standards

At the time of the review, the charity met all of20 Standards for Charitable Accountability.

Did Not Meet Standard (x)

Based on the BBBs evaluation of the materials provided, the charity did not meet one or more standards. The

Giving Guide entry will specify which standards were not met.

Unable to Verify Standard (x)

Despite BBBs requests, the charity did not provide sufficient information to determine whether it meets a

particular standard. In some cases, the charity fully cooperated with the BBB, but the necessary information was

simply unavailable or too ambiguous for the BBB to make a final determination.

Did Not Disclose

Despite several written requests from the BBB, the organization did not provide the requested materials. All

organizations listed Did Not Disclose were sent a letter and a copy of their updated report confirming their

status.

T

Organization Mission (A) (B) Evaluation

ABC Charity Inc.

123 Street

AnyCity, State 00000

To provide food and shelter to the

homeless.

73% 17%

XYZ Foundation for Kids

4567 Ave.

AnyCity, State 10001

To support the children in Anytown

with academic tutoring.

55% 20% Did Not Meet Standards

8; Unable to Verify

Standards 3


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Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Program

Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraising


100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc. Did Not Disclose

9 Lives Cat Rescue Did Not Disclose

ACLU of Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Action Communication & Education

Reform

Did Not Disclose

Adams County Coalition for Children &

Youth

Did Not Disclose

AIDS Services Coalition Did Not Disclose

AJFC Community Action Agency

1038 N. Union St., Bldg A

Natchez, MS 39121

To eliminate the causes and conditions

of poverty in a land of plenty.

95% 0% Did Not Meet Standard

13; Unable to Verify

Standards 1, 6, 15, 16

All American Football Foundation &

Hall of Honor

Did Not Disclose

Alliance Charitable Foundation of

Marshall County

In Progress

Alpha House Home for Boys, Inc.

213 West Main St., Suite 270

Tupelo, MS 38804

To provide food, clothing and shelter

for residents who would not otherwise

have anyone to care for them.

82% 0% Did Not Meet Standard

13; Unable to verify

Standards 1, 6, 15, 16

Alzheimer Association of Mississippi Did Not Disclose

American Academy of Pediatrics

Mississippi Chapter

In Progress

American Family Associaton Did Not Disclose

American Legion Auxilary of

Mississippi

Did Not Disclose

American Lung Association of

Mississippi

Did Not Disclose

American Red Cross Central

Mississippi Chapter

875 Riverside Drive

Jackson, MS 39202

To provide relief to victims of disasters

and help people prevent, prepare for

and respond to emergencies.

73% 8%

Amory Food Pantry, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Amory Main Street, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Angel Ranch, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Angel Wings OutReach Center Did Not Disclose

Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi In Progress

APSE, Inc. In Progress

Armed Forces Museum Foundation Did Not Disclose

Arthritis Foundation Inc. Mississippi

Chapter

Did Not Disclose

ArtsNatchez In Progress

Ashleys Angels, Inc.

185 Ferguson Road

Pontotoc, MS 38863

To provide clothes, coats, shoes and

Christmas wishes to needy children

that would not have a Christmas visitfrom Santa otherwise.


16, 17

Association for the Rights of Citizens

with Disabilities

Did Not Disclose

B. B. King Museum and Delta

Interpretive Center

Did Not Disclose

Bethel Free Health Clinic

1650 Carrol Drive

Biloxi, MS 39531

To be the place of healing, where

Christian priniciples of compassionate

service meet the medical, social, and

mental health needs of those persons in

the MS Gulf Coast community who are

uninsured or underinsured.

94% 0% Did Not Disclose


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Column (A) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Programs



Bethlehem Center, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Bible Education and Missionary Services Did Not Disclose

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi

175 E. Captital St., Suite 222

Jackson, MS 39201

To provide children and youth with a

supportive and meaningful

relationship with a caring volunteer.

68% 9%

Birthright of Jackson, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Blue Mountain Childrens Home Did Not Disclose

Boy Scouts of America Pine Burr Area

Council 304

1318 Hardy St.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401

To foster the character development,

citizenship training and personal

fitness of young people, and in other

ways, prepare them to make ethical

choices over their lifetime by instilling

values based on those found in the

Scout Oath and Law.

82% 10%

Boy Scouts of America Andrew Jackson

Council

Did Not Disclose

Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi

1450 W. Capital St.

Jackson, MS 39203

To enable all young people, especially

those who need us the most, to realize

their full potential as productive,

caring, responsible citizens. To be

the Positive Place for Kids.

81% 12%

Boys & Girls Club of East Mississippi In Progress

Boys & Girls Club of Gulf Coast

Mississippi

11975A160 Seaway Rd

Gulfport, MS 39503


those who need us the most, to reach

their full potential as positive, caring

responsible citizens.



Standards 1, 9, 10, 11, 12

13, 16, 18

Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi

Delta

14000 Hwy 82 WestStudent Affairs Building, Room 117

Itta Bena, MS 38941


those who need us the most, to reach

their full potential as positive, caringresponsible citizens.

74% 5%

Boys & Girls Club of MissLou, Inc. In Progress

Boys & Girls Club of North Mississippi

213 W. Main St., Suite 240

Tupelo, MS 38802

To inspire and enable all young people

to realize their full potential as

productive, responsible, and caring

citizens.


17, 18

Brain Injury Association of Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Break Thru Ministries Did Not Disclose

Brilla Soccer Ministries In Progress

Brookhaven Animal Rescue League Did Not Disclose

Brookhaven Outreach Ministries Did Not Disclose

Brothers Keepers Ministries Did Not DiscloseBuried Treasures Home

4 Dove Way Circle

Clinton, MS 39056

To meet the physical needs and the

emotional and relational recovery of

women who desperately need the

same help and hope who have faced a

cycle of abuse and unhealthy living.


10 & 17; Unable to Verify

Standards 1, 3, 6, 14 and

16

Business & Professional Outreach, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Camp Rising Sun, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter

1715 23rd Avenue

Meridian, MS 39302

To provide safe shelter, services and

advocacy to victims of domestic

violence within a nine county service

area in East Central Mississippi.

90% 1%


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Column (B) Percent of Totatl Expenses Spent on Fundraising


Caring Hands Community Service Did Not Disclose

Cary Christian Center Did Not Disclose

CASA Mississippi, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Catch 22 Foundation Did Not Disclose

CatchADream Foundation Did Not Disclose

Catholic Charities, Inc. Diocese of

Jackson

200 N. Congress St., Suite 100

Jackson, MS 39201

To be a visable sign of Christs love

and concern for all people.

90% 1%

CEC Seabee Historical Foundation

P. O. Box 657

Gulfport, MS 39502

To ensure that the proud heritage and

the rich history of the Navys Civil

Engineer Corps and the Navys

military construction force, the

Seabees, are properly documented,

preserved and maintained.

96% 3%

Cedarhill Animal Sancutary Did Not Disclose

Center for Environmental & Economic

Justice

In Progress

Center for Health Education & Economic

Research

In Progress

Center for Independent Living In Progress

Center for Violence Prevention In Progress

Center for Pregnancy Choices In Progress

Center Stage, Inc. In Progress

Central Mississippi Prevention Services In Progress

Central Mississippi Down Syndrome

Society

Did Not Disclose

Champions for Children Did Not Disclose

Child Abuse Prevention Center2315 17th Street

Gulfport, MS 39501

To prevent child abuse by improvingthe quality of life for all children and

their families in the South Mississippi

area through prevention, education

and intervention.

79% 8%

Christian Services of America Did Not Disclose

Common Bond Association

P. O. Box 7796

Jackson, MS 39284

To help clients rebuild whole, sober

and productive lives by providing an

environment of hope and healing, and

by operating programs of excellance

at an affordable cost to meet their

needs for treatment.

92% 4% Did Not Verify Standards

15, 15, 17

Community Animal Rescue & Adoption

(CARA)960 N. Flag Chapel Rd.

Jackson, MS 39209

A NoKill animal rescue group. To

provide food, shelter & care forhundreds of abused, unwanted &

stray animals.

95% 2%

Community Foundation of Greater

Jackson

525 E. Captitol St., Suite 5B

Jackson, MS 39201

To serve those who create charitable

funds by providing flexible and tax

efficient methods to contribute to

organizations they love.

94% 2%

Community Outreach, Resources &

Education

Did Not Disclose

CREATE Foundation Did Not Disclose

Deliver Me Senior Support Services Did Not Disclose

Disability Rights Mississippi Did Not Disclose


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DREAM of Hattiesburg

200 W. Pine Street (Basement Level)


To serve as a catalyst for

implementing programs effective in

the prevention or reduction of the use

of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by

children and their families.

84% 1%

DREAM, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Dress for Success Metro Jackson Did Not Disclose

Eudora Welty Foundation Did Not Disclose

F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry

172 Verona Ave.

Nettleton, MS 38858

To secure and distribute a regular

source of donated and purchased food

to the needy residents of the Nettleton

School District of Monroe, Lee, and

Itawamba Counties; the Shannon

School District; the Verona School

District; and the Plantersville School

District with emphasis on families

with children, families in crisis, and

the elderly under USDA guidelines.

97% 3%

Falconhill Recovery House Did Not Disclose

Family, Career & Community Leaders of

America

Did Not Disclose

Fathers Childs Ministry Did Not Disclose

Foundation for Mississippi History In Progress

Foundation for Public Broadcasting Did Not Disclose

Friends of Childrens Hospital

Dept. of Pediatrics

2500 N. State Street

Jackson, MS 39216

Prioritizes childrens care and places

emphasison the special needs of

hospitalized children.

93% 6%

Gateway Rescue Mission Did Not Disclose

Girl Scouts Council of Middle Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Girl Scouts Council of Gulf Pines Did Not Disclose

Good Shepherd Community Center Did Not Disclose

Goodwill Industries of Mississippi

104 E. State Street

Ridgeland, MS 39157

To enable people with disabilites and

others with barriers to employment to

fully participate in our community

through education, training and

employment opportunities.

77% 1%

Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Grace House, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation

1507 Hardy St., Suite 208


Giving Way to a Greater Community 83% 6%

Gulf Coast Womens Center for Non

Violence

P. O. Box 333

Biloxi, MS 39533

To support and serve victims of

domestic violence and sexual assault,

and family members of homocide

victims; educate the community; and

act to reduce incidences of violence.

86% 1%

Habitat for Humanity Metro Jackson

1260 Ellis Ave.

Jackson, MS 39209

To develop communities with people

in need by building and renovating

houses, so that there are decent

houses in decent communities in

which every person can experience

Gods love and can live and grow into

all that God intends.

74% 10%


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Habitat for Humanity of Mississippi Gulf

Coast

Did Not Disclose

Hancock County Food Pantry Did Not Disclose

Harbor House Chemical Dependency Did Not Disclose

Hattiesburg Zoo Did Not Disclose

Helping Hands Ministries of Oktibbeha

County

501 Hwy 12 West, Suite 150O

Starkville, MS 39759

To establish and operate a centralized,

cooperative association of churches

and agencies to meet the charitable

needs of the people within Oktibbeha

County community.

84% .3% Did Not Meet Standard 16

Hinds County Human Resource Agency

258 Maddox Road

Jackson, MS 39225

To empower disadvantaged Hinds

County citizens to become selfreliant

and realize their full potential.

99% .5% Did Not Meet Standards

6, 7, 16

Home of Grace Did Not Disclose

Hope Village for Children Did Not Disclose

Humane Society of South Mississippi

2615 25th

Ave.Gulfport, MS 39501

To advocate for the prevention of

suffering of South Mississippi animals,to provide the highest quality services

and compassion to the animals

intrusted to our care, to reduce

companion animal overpopulation, to

increase the saverate of animals in

our community, and to promote the

bond between animals & humans.

82% 6%

Jackson County Childrens Services

Coalition

Did Not Disclose

Jackson Zoological Society

2918 West Capitol St.

Jackson, MS 39209

To provide visitors with a quality

recreational and educational

environment, dedicated to wildlife

care and conservation.

82% 1%

Junior Auxiliary of BiloxiOcean Springs

P. O. Box 738

Biloxi, MS 39533

To improve the community by

meeting the physical, medical,

financial, and educational needs of

children, youth and families in our

service area.

80% 1%

Junior Auxiliary of Grenada Did Not Disclose

Junior Auxiliary of McComb In Progress

Lamar County Education Forum Did Not Disclose

Life Impact Opportunities Did Not Disclose

Lighthouse Rescue Mission Did Not Disclose

Living Independence for Everyone, Inc.

(LIFE)

Did Not Disclose

MakeAWish Foundation of Mississippi

4800 I55 North, Suite 30

Jackson, MS 39211

To grant wishes of children with life

threatening medical conditions to

enrich the human experience with

hope, strength and joy.

82% 13%

Mercy Housing & Human Development Did Not Disclose

Mission Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Did Not Disclose

Mississippi 2020 Network Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Animal Rescue League In Progress

Mississippi Center for Justice Did Not Disclose


14/2410


Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraisin


Mississippi Childrens Home Services

1900 N. West St.

Jackson, MS 39215

To improve the lives of children and

families by providing a continuum of

compassionate, measurable and

effective behavioral health and social

services.

88% 4%

Mississippi Childrens Museum

3010 Lakeland Cove, Suite J

Flowood, MS 39232

To provide a unique and exciting

educational experience that ignites

and inspires a thirst for discovery,

knowledge and learning in all

children.

68% 1%

Mississippi Childrens Services Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Council on Economic

Education at Millsaps College

1701 N. State St.

Jackson, MS 39210

To infuse economic, personal financial

and entrepreneurial education into

the curriculum for kindergarten

students through 12th grade through

the professional development of

teachers.

88% 5%

Mississippi Families for Kids Did Not DiscloseMississippi Food Network

440 West Beatty St.

Jackson, MS 39201

To relieve povertyrelated hunger in

our service area by distributing food

and grocery products through our

network of member churches and

nonprofit organizations. To ensure a

place at the table for everyone.

98% 1%

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community

Foundation

Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Head Start Association Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Hearts Against AIDS Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Heritage Trust Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance Did Not Disclose

Mississippi Kidney Foundation

3000 Old Canton Rd., Suite 100

Jackson, MS 39216

To serve Mississippi kidney patients

by providing quality programs and

services, to provide education and

screening to promote the prevention

of kidney disease, and to promote

organ donation throughout the state.

68% 10%

Mississippi Lifeline, Inc.

5149 Highway 98 West

Summit, MS 39666

We are seeking to meet some special

human need. In the case of the

Reassurance Program, it is meeting

the needs of those persons with

exceptional feelings of loneliness and

isolation.

78% 12%

Mississippi Museum of Art

380 S. Lamar Street

Jackson, MS 39201

To engage Mississippians in the visual

arts.

74% 6%

Mississippi Nurses Association Did Not Disclose

Mississippi SIDS Alliance

276 Nissan Parkway, Suite D

Canton, MS 39046

Provides support services to families

who are or may be touched by the

tragedy of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death

Syndrome)

73% 21%

Mississippi Technology Alliance

134 Market Ridge Dr.

Ridgeland, MS 39157

To drive innovation and technology

based economic development in the

state of Mississippi

78% 1%


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Mississippi Wildlife Federation

855 S. Pear Orchard, Suite 500

Ridgeland, MS 39157

To conserve Mississippis natural

resources and protect our wildlife

legacy.

68% 23%

Mustard Seed, Inc.

1085 Luckney Road

Brandon, MS 39047

Strive to program activities and

services that fulfill the goal of meeting

the spiritual, physical, emotional, and

intellectual needs of their clients.

89% 6%

Natchez Children Home Services

806 N. Union Street

Natchez, MS 39121

To provide a nurturing Christian

home for children at risk. Also

empowers families to establish and

maintain a safe, nurturing

environment that teaches children to

appreciate the individuality and care

for others in a way that facilitates a

change in the cycle of neglect and

abuse.

66% 12%

Neighborhood Christian Centers of

Jackson

Did Not Disclose

New Beginnings International Adoption

Services

2164 Southridge Dr.

Tupelo, MS 38829

Promoting life and new beginnings for

children, birth mothers and adoptive

families through parenting education

and adoption.

72% 12%

New Stage, Inc. Did Not Disclose

North Midtown Community

Development Corporation

215 McTyere Ave.

Jackson, MS 39202

To make the North Midtown

Community a desirable area in which

to live, work and raise families.

52% 38% Did Not Meet Standards 1,

6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17; Unable to

Verify Standards 5, 10, 11,

12, 18

OHROKeefe Museum of Art Did Not Disclose

Operation Shoestring

1711 Bailey Ave.Jackson, MS 39283

Investing in the hearts and minds of

our children and families to promotehealth and selfsufficiency, and

faithfully extending the hand of hope

and opportunity to empower the

needy, uplift our target

neighborhoods and the larger

community.

71% 26%

Oprah Winfrey Girls & Boys Club Did Not Disclose

Oseola McCarty Youth Development

Center

607 McSwain St.


Empowering youth to win in every

area of their lives. To devote the

necessary resources to ensuring that

all young people are able to build new

skills, make contributions, and

become a productive part of acommunity and feel in control over

their future.

65% 1%

Our House, Inc.

1213 V.F.W. Rd

Greenville, MS 38704

To eliminate domestic violence and

sexual assault through intervention,

prevention, prosecution, victim

protection and sustainable

restoration.

79% 1%

OxfordLafayette Humane Society

559 Highway 7 South

Oxford, MS 38655

To improve the plight of lost,

unwanted, abandoned and homeless

animals by providing shelter, care,

rescue, adoption services, and foster

homes.

92% 2% Did Not Meet Standards 1,


Standards 3


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Column (B) Percent of Total Expenses Spent on Fundraisin


Palmer Home for Children Did Not Disclose

Parents for Public Schools, Inc.

200 N. Congress St., Suite 500

Jackson, MS 39216

To strengthen public schools through

broadbased enrollment.

66% 25%

Paws Rescue

6622 Oak Ridge Road

Vicksburg, MS 39183

Dedicated to rescuing stray and

abandoned dogs & cats, restoring

them to health, ensuring they are

spayed or neutered and placing them

in loving, forever adoptive homes.

97% 1%

Pine Belt Association for Community

Enhancement

Did Not Disclose

Pioneer Ministries, Inc. Did Not Disclose

ProLife Mississippi

618 Briarwood Drive, Suite D

Jackson, MS 39211

To educate the public about the

sanctity of human life for all persons,

including the unborn, physically

handicapped, mentally challenged orotherwise, and to promote a culture

34% 0% Did Not Meet Standards 1

8, 13, 14, 17; Unable to

Verify Standards 5

Recovery House, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Ronald McDonald House of Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Safe Haven Outreach Ministries Did Not Disclose

Sierra Club Mississippi Chapter Did Not Disclose

Southern Echo, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Southern Pines Animal Shelter Did Not Disclose

Southwest Miss Planning &

Development District

Did Not Disclose

Special Olympics Mississippi

15 Olympic Way

Madison, MS 39110

To provide yearround sports training

and athletic competition in a variety of

Olympic type sports for all childrenand adults with intellectual

disabilities, giving them continuing

opportunities to develop physical

fitness, demonstrate courage,

experience joy and participate in the

sharing of gifts, skills and friendship

with their families, other S. O. athletes

and their community.

69% 21%

Steps Coalition Did Not Disclose

Stewpot Community Services

1100 W. Capitol Street

Jackson, MS 39203

People of faith meeting needs in our

community

83% 8%

Sunnybrook Childrens Home Did Not Disclose

Teen Challenge of Mississippi In Progress

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi Did Not Disclose

Together Enhancing Autism Awareness

in Mississippi (TEAAM)

P. O. Box 37

Mize, MS 39116

To help improve lives of

Mississippians with an autism

spectrum disorder by cultivating &

enhancing family & community

support.

88% 6%

Tupelo Childrens Mansion Did Not Disclose

United Givers of Southwest Mississippi Did Not Disclose


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United Way of Greater MissLou

206 N. Canal St.

Natchez, MS 39120

To raise funds for programs or

organizations that provide assistance

for the socially and economically

disadvantaged.

69% 1%

United Way of Greater Monroe County1619 Hwy 25 North

Amory, MS 38821

To serve as a central resource incommunity problem solving by raising

and distributing funds in ways which

increase our communitys ability to

provide solutions and meet needs.

93% 1%

United Way of Jackson & George

Counties

3510 Magnolia St.

Pascagoula, MS 39567

To increase the organized capacity of

people to care for one another.

84% 11%

United Way of Leflore County Did Not Disclose

United Way of Lincoln County Did Not Disclose

United Way of Lowndes County

501 7th St. North, Suite 5

Columbus, MS 39701

To empower donors and individuals

to create lasting change and build a

stronger, more caring community.

73% 6%

United Way of Neshoba County Did Not Disclose

United Way of North Central Mississippi

600 Hogan St., Suite D

Starkville, MS 39759

Committed to building a better

community by securing funds through

a unified volunteer effort for

qualifying agencies who provide

services to youth, elderly and

disadvantaged in Oktibbeha, Winston,

Choctaw and Webster Counties.

66% 2%

United Way of Northeast Mississippi

213 W. Main St., Suite 110

Tupelo, MS 38804

To create opportunities to improve

peoples lives in the community we

serve.

77% 11%

United Way of Oxford Lafayette Co. Did Not Disclose

United Way of South Mississippi

11975 Seaway Rd.

Gulfport, MS 39503

Provides leadership to mobilize

resources to advance the quality of life

for those who live and work in our

community.

85% 7%

United Way of Southeast Mississippi Did Not Disclose

United Way of West Central Mississippi

920 South St.

Vicksburg, MS 39180

To build a stronger, healthier

community by bringing together the

human, financial and strategic

resources necessary to deliver

measurable improvements and

solutions to the critical health and

human services facing the comunitieswe serve.

72% 13%

Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary Did Not Disclose

Visions of Hope, Inc. Did Not Disclose

Voice of Calvary Ministries Did Not Disclose

Walter Anderson Museum of Art

510 Washington Ave.

Ocean Springs, MS 39564

To serve as a center of learning,

cultural enrichment & enjoyment for

the manyfaceted population area.

78% 7%

YMCA of Metropolitan Jackson, Inc.

800 East River Place

Jackson, MS 39202

To serve our community by practicing

Christian principles through programs

that build spirit, mind & body.

84% 1%


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Proof we canmake a cleanerfuture happen today.

Im proud that Entergy was the first American utility to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gases. When compared with the top

10 U.S. electricity producers, we are the second cleanest in this country. Learn how you can help us save the

environment at entergymississippi.com.

Liz Brister, External Affairs Manager

Five Questions To Ask Charity Telemarketers

1. Do you work for thechar ity or a professional solicitor?Some charities use their own employees or volunteers while others hire outside contractors. If the caller works for atelemarketing company, the best follow-up question is

2.

What percentage of my donation will thecharity receive?By law, telemarketers should answer this question truthfully. While some telemarketing companies charge areasonable percentage for their services, others may keep 90% or more of your donation.

3. Is my donation tax-deductible?If the answer is no, then the organization may be a labor union, fraternal organization, political lobbying group, or

even a for-profit company claiming to be a charity. Before you donate, know who the organization is by asking fortheir full name and address.

4. How wil l my donation be used?Ask for details: when, where, who. If they claim to have local programs, then ask them where the programs take

place. Be cautious of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on details.

5. Can you send mesome written information?Your donation is an important decision, and you deserve the right to make that decision on your own time after

thoughtful consideration. Refusing or being unable to provide written information, or pressuring you to make an

immediate gift is a major red flag.


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Congratulations to these charities for meeting all 20 Standards for Charitable Accountability andbecoming anACCREDITED CHARITY.


21/2417

Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta

DREAM of Hattiesburg

F.A.I.T.H Food Pantry

Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation

Mississippi Childrens Home Services

Mississippi Lifeline, Inc.

Mississippi Technology Alliance

Operation Shoestring

United Way of Jackson & George CountiesUnited Way of the Capital Area

United Way of North Central Mississippi

United Way of Northeast Mississippi

United Way of South Mississippi

United Way of West Central Mississippi

Pine Burr Area Council #304

Charities that display the BBB Charity Seal have committed to the highest ethical standards of conduct. Every

day, these organizations put ethics, accountability, and transparency first. For these organizations, instilling

trust in their donors is vital to fulfilling their mission.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Better Business Bureau provide reports on charities?

The BBB provides charity reports for the same reason it provides business reportsto inform the public andencourage ethical practices. It may be harder now than ever before to decide which organizations to support. The

BBB reports the mission, programs, and finances of local charities, and evaluates these organizations according to our20Standardsfor Charitable Accountability, giving you the information you need to make the best decision.

Why have standards for charities?

The BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability answer basic questions about an organizations governance,finances, and fund raising practicesHow do they use your donations? Are they honest in their fund raisingmaterials and financial statements? Does the board of directors avoid conflicts of interest and provide adequate

oversight? A full list of the Standards for Charitable Accountability can be found on pages 2-3.

Which are the best charities in the Giving Guide?

The BBB does not make any judgments about the worthiness of a particular organization or cause. Donors are

strongly encouraged to use the standards as one resource for making their own judgments; you should also take intoaccount the charitys mission, program activities, and history of service. Whenever a charity does not meet allstandards, its full report (available by visiting www.ms.bbb.org or calling 800.987.8280) will explain exactly why and

provide the charitys response, if any.

What do the percentages in Columns A & B mean, and why dont they add up to

100%?

These percentages measure two importantand very differentratios and its pure coincidence if they do add up to

100%. Column A measures the percentage of the total expenses spent on programs, while Column B measures thepercentage of contributed revenue spent on fund raising. Since many charities also receive funding from governmentcontracts, service fees, or product sales, total contributions may be significantly less than total expenses. To meetBBB Standard 8, Column A should be 65% or higher. To meet Standard 9, Column B should be 35% or less. The

percentages in these two columns tell you whether the organization is spending your donations appropriately and

efficiently.

Why cant I find a charity Im looking for?An organizations report may have been completed after the Guide was published, so check ourwebsite

www.ms.bbb.orgfor all reports. If you are looking for a national charity, there may be a report from the BBB WiseGiving Alliancewww.give.org. If you still cant find it, we may not have a report at least not yet. As our secondyear publishing the Giving Guide, the BBB concentrated on those charities we receive the most inquiries or

complaints about. If there is a charity you would like us to review, please call 800.987.8280. and let us know. Your

call will help determine which charities are included in the next Mississippi Char ity Giving Guide.


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Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi601 Renaissance Way, Suite A

Ridgeland, MS 39157

Thanks for Your Support

ey support for the Mississippi BBB Charity Review Programcomes from individuals like you. Your donations will make

it possible for the charity evaluations and giving guidepublications you rely on to be available to donors, charities and

businesses. Thank you for your generosity and your sharedinterest in strengthening the accountability of the states charities. Give with confidence

to charities and give generously.

Look for our Seal on charity websites and appeals as a quick and easy way to see thatthe charity has met the BBBs Standards for Charitable Accountability. Go to

http://ms.bbb.org for more details.

Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi | 601 Renaissance Way, Suite A | Ridgeland, MS 39157601 856 9357 | email info@ms bbb o g | ebsite ms bbb o g

K

Documents

BBB Mississippi 2010 Charities Guide