Before After

THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE “In relentless pursuit of perfection in education and knowledge”

Volume 4 • Special Edition 2013 • 333 Yazoo Street • Lexington, MS 39095 • Phone: (662) 834-0905 • Fax: (662) 834-0906 www.communitystudentlearning.org

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As CSLC-Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters’ (HIPPY) student LeBauerio Bridgeford recited the Pledge of Allegiance and as JSU student LaTannica Friar sang “Heal the Land,” one could feel the sense of hope and a new beginning, while looking out over the horizon of 15 acres of freshly turned soil. The day was April 29, 2013, and the event was the groundbreaking for a new housing development for distressed families in the

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Greetings! I am truly elated to open this Special Edition of The CSLC Community Voice with a resounding expression of gratitude to everyone who helped to make 2013 a very good year for the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC). We are pleased to share some of those highlights with you in this newsletter. In addition to our educational endeavors, many of those highlights were centered on our progress toward housing development, housing rehabilitation, job training soft skills, and business incubation and job creation. All made possible by some outstanding and dedicated funding/community partners. We are extremely grateful to the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas and BankPlus for the successful completion of our Affordable Housing Program (AHP) in which 44 homes were repaired in Holmes and Carroll counties. We are equally grateful to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) Comprehensive Grant for the progress made toward our multi-component Empowering the Delta with a Growing Economy (EDGE) project. The project has already begun to make positive economic changes in Holmes County. CSLC-EDGE and its collaborative partners are proud to report that it has already met its job preparation soft skills goal of serving more than 100 adults. Of which, 28 have secured employment. In April 2013, we held the groundbreaking for our New Construction component of five new homes (currently in progress). We also held the ribbon-cutting for our CSLC-EDGE Business Incubator building in which six new businesses received CSLC board-approval for occupancy. One business, Quality Care Staffing, has already created 15 jobs in the healthcare field. We were also pleased to partner with Bilbrew Consulting Services, LLC of Canton, Miss.; Area 2 Director, USDA – Decatur, Miss.; and the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) in holding a free Homeownership and Financial Education Fair in Lexington, Miss. on June 27, 2013. We are also proud of our affiliation and training through the Mississippi Housing Initiative (MHI). I could go on and on about 2013; however, you will find more details in this Special Edition. Beulah Greer CSLC Co-founder & Executive Director

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CSLC, a 501 C 3 Nonprofit organization, does not discriminate in housing or services directly or indirectly on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, or disability. HUD rules further require that recipients of Federal financial assistance comply with civil rights-related program requirements (CRRPRs) that affect nearly every aspect of each program. HUD's non-discrimination requirements are compiled from several different federal laws designed to protect each individual's right to fair housing and equal opportunity.

‘It takes a village’ to build a community

Lexington, Miss. area. Among those applauding the effort was featured speaker Rep. Bennie Thompson, (D-US 2

nd District). Thompson

described the project as “much-needed and well-deserved for the citizens of Holmes County.” The event drew attendees from across the state, including the Mississippi Coast.

The development is part of a CSLC project called EDGE (Empowering the Delta with a Growing Economy) funded through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) Comprehensive Grant ($1.9 million). Following the groundbreaking, Thompson also made remarks at the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the CLSC-EDGE Business Incubator, located at 45 Arenia C. Mallory Road in Lexington, Miss.

Above, on April 29, 2013, CSLC board members, CSLC founders, U.S. HUD – Mississippi Officers, key partners, public officials, supporters, other invited guests, and an up-and-coming political leader (CSLC HIPPY Student) all stand on the grounds of a breaking new housing development, which will be a catalyst for better housing and economic growth in Holmes County, one of the more distressed counties in the state of Mississippi. PHOTO BY RETIRED EDUCATOR LEROY RILEY

Dorothy Montgomery (left) of Carrollton, Miss. is a happy homeowner thanks to the CSLC and Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Affordable Housing Program’s (AHP) repairs to her home. She says she now has hot, home-cooked meals waiting for her great-grandson after school. “She is so thrilled to have a new, safe and sturdy kitchen and other repairs,” said CSLC-EDGE Housing Specialist Lori Williamson (right). Lexington, Miss. residents shared similar sentiments. “I really love the work on my home,” remarked Sam Ella Keys. Speaking for his elderly mother, Raymond Brown said, “We are happy with the work they did. We hope they can do more homes like this.” 3.)

Congressman Bennie

Thompson as he addresses the

crowd during the

groundbreaking ceremony at

the site of the upcoming

CSLC-EDGE new

housing construction location

off of 17 North, Lexington,

Miss. PHOTO BY MARTEZ

GREER.

CSLC & FHLB of Dallas rehab 44 low-income homes

(See more before and after photos of CSLC and FHLB of Dallas

AHP repairs on Page 3.)

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Page 2 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4

CSLC HOLDS GRAND OPENING OF EDGE BUSINESS INCUBATOR - CSLC partners and supporters cut ribbon to the

CSLC-EDGE Business Incubator. Southern District Director Myrtis L. Franke (center) of Senator Thad Cochran’s Office served as

the honorary ribbon cutter. PHOTOS BY LEROY RILEY & GAIL M. BROWN

… CSLC-EDGE Groundbreaking & Ribbon-Cutting Highlights …

HUD’s Mississippi Field Office Director

Jerrie Magruder and CPD Director Linda

Tynes made remarks during the event.

HUD Field Officer Claudean Ervin (not

pictured) assisted CSLC-EDGE in

coordinating the groundbreaking and

ribbon-cutting events.

CSLC HIPPY student LeBauerio Bridgeford

recites the Pledge of Allegiance with his

mother Betty Bridgeford.

Sen. David Jordan (D-Dist. 24)

gives remarks during the ground-

breaking ceremony.

JBHM Architect Ryan Ashford and CSLC-EDGE Construction Manager Willie

McGriggs unveil the rendering of the homes’ design.

CSLC staff and partners break ground for five new, low-income single family homes.

U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director Trina George was among several CSLC-EDGE

Key Partners who made comments during the grand opening of the CSLC-EDGE Business

Incubator.

Rep. Bryant Clark (D-Dist. 47), a Holmes County native and a partner in the law firm, Clark &

Clark, LLC, also spoke during the ceremonies.

Clark & Clark, LLC is an in-kind partner in the

CSLC-EDGE project.

More than 150 citizens, guests and public officials turned out for the dual event – groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting. Following

the ceremonies, they were treated to an outdoor reception on the grounds of the CSLC-EDGE Business Incubator. The

reception’s menu featured some of the many tasty southern and tropical favorites.

Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Page 3

CSLC and Holmes County Supervisors observe National ‘Kick Butts Day’

A crowd of youth and community members came out to support the Kick-

Butts Day activities. Above, Mrs. Ella Horton-Mallett (second from right)

joins the children in listening to the comments made by various speakers.

Holmes County Board of Supervisors President James Young (left) presents

proclamation to CSLC Executive Director Beulah Greer (right). They are joined

by (from left) Supervisors Willie Townsend and Larry Davis, Sheriff Willie March,

Supervisor Debra Mabry and Holmes County Chancery Clerk Henry Luckett.

Made possible by a $308,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas via BankPlus, a total of 44 homes in Holmes and Carroll counties were repaired.

Before After Before After

Before After

Culp addresses the crowd.

PHOTO BY KRISTIN ALLEN OF BANKPLUS

In January 2013, BankPlus presented a check to the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) in the amount of $1,500 to support the organization’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. The check was presented to CSLC Executive Director Beulah Greer by Senior Vice President & Director of Community Development David Johnson and Vice President and Director of Affordable Housing Mark Ouellette. "On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and HIPPY families, we graciously accept and appreciate this donation from BankPlus," said Greer. "It is because of supporters like BankPlus that this viable program can continue to make a positive difference in our community. Some HIPPY students and their parents attended the presentation. The students presented BankPlus with a handmade “thank you” poster. Also present were CSLC CEO Leslie Greer, CSLC-HIPPY Coordinator Lula Friar and CSLC-HIPPY Home Visitor Lubertha Banks. BankPlus is a longtime supporter CSLC. While visiting the Dalton Street Branch in Jackson, Miss., the students also had an opportunity to sit in the bank’s board room. “Who wouldn’t help these adorable little kids,” the bank posted on its website, along with a photo of the check presentation.

Tobacco kills about 443,000

people in the U.S. each year which is about 1,200 a day. Thanks to a $250 mini-grant from the National Tobacco-Free Coalition, the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC), in collaboration with the Holmes County Board of Supervisors, joined forces to participate in National “Kick-Butts Day,” March 20, 2013.

Held on the grounds of the center, located at 333 Yazoo Street, Lexington, Miss., the event was called, Healthy “Kick Butts” Wednesday Rally. It increased awareness about the dangers of cigarette smoking. Ultimately, Kick-Butts Day “empowered youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco,” urging them to remain tobacco free. Holmes County Board of Supervisor President James Young with fellow supervisors and other officials

issued a county proclamation in support of the observance. C. Rochelle Culp, project director of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition for Madison, Yazoo and Holmes counties, was the featured speaker. Also commenting was the widow of the late Nathan Horton whose tobacco lawsuit sparked national attention in the late 1980’s. Ella Horton-Mallett told the crowd that it was her late husband’s request for her to somehow warn the children of the ills of tobacco use. The majority of the audience took the Tobacco-Free Pledge.

‘Who wouldn’t help these adorable little kids,’ posts BankPlus

Some before-and-after CLSC & FHLB of Dallas Affordable Housing repairs

MVSU students spend Spring Break helping to build incubator’s ramp & parking area

State senator, Jackson news director headline CSLC’s Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet

Greer presents appreciation crystal to Sen. Jordan. Hart displays his appreciation plaque.

From left are recipients Patton, Mitchell and Hodges.

CSLC-EDGE Job Training component exceeds goals

During late Spring 2013, the Commu- nity Students Learning Center (CSLC) was proud to report that it had exceeded its goals for the Job Training component of the comprehensive grant from U.S. HUD RIF which ends October 2014. “Just because we have reached our goals does not mean we will stop serving those who seek our services,” said CSLC-EDGE Job Trainer Kendra N. Smith.

NOTE: Please be informed that each

participant also received life skill services through the curriculum chosen for the Job Training component of the CSLC-EDGE project.

Native son returns to present at CSLC-EDGE ‘Nissan Day’ for jobs seekers and others

Audience listens attentively. Spann Heath

CSLC Exec recognized for Collaboration

Above (fourth, from left) CSLC Executive Director Beulah Greer displays her

Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition’s (MTFC) Collaboration of Year Award received

Aug. 22, 2013 in Canton, Miss. She is joined by (from left) Tchula Police Chief

Anthony Jones, Mayor Zula Patterson and Fire Chief Alphonso Greer recognized for

the Reject All Tobacco (RAT) Non-School Team of the Year Award for Tchula Fire

Camp; Sheta Riley of Durant Head Start Center recognized for the RAT Pre-K Team

of the Year Award; and MTFC Director C. Rochelle Culp (far right).

CSLC exec recognized for collaboration

Above, CSLC Executive Director Beulah Greer (center, left) shows appreciation to Director Tyciee Faison (center, right) and her Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Community Service Learning students for helping with the Business Incubator during their 2013 Spring Break. MVSU Community Service Learning is an in-kind partner with the CSLC-EDGE (Empowering the Delta with a Growing Economy) project funded by the U.S. HUD Rural Innovation Fund (RIF). Also shown are some of the MVSU student volunteers at work.

“I will not allow ignorance, prejudice, and hatred to write my epitaph” is a statement often heard from Sen. David Jordan of Greenwood, Miss. The veteran Mississippi legislator was the keynote speaker for the Community Students Learning Center’s Third Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet, Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 6 p.m. in J.J. McClain High School Auditorium, 9479 Brozville Road, Lexington, Miss. “Celebrity Emcee” was 16 WAPT News Director Benjamin Hart, a 1997 graduate of McClain. He also has a passion for education. “While I was at J.J. McClain, it gave me keen insight on how students can sometimes use adversity as motivation,” Hart said. “Graduating from a small school in one of the state’s

poorest counties gave me the perspective I use every day to ask tough questions in the news that could shape our future. I am excited to help celebrate some of the new bright young minds as they begin to take what they've learned to tackle the bigger world outside.” First-, second- and third-place winners of the CSLC Annual Scholarship Essay Contest received mini-scholarships during the CSLC Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet. Recipients were Jarvis Patton, Kenya A. Hodges and Faith Mitchell.

On Thursday, June 27, 2013, the Community Students Learning Center’s EDGE project held what it termed, “A Nissan Day at CSLC.” The activity was a seminar focused on “What the Automotive Giant Looks for When Recruiting.” Presenting at the seminar was Lexington, Miss. native son Don Spann who serves as Videographer/Producer with Nissan in Canton and Melinda Heath, MBA, PHR, who serves as Human Resources Business Partner, Human Resources Central

Administration for Nissan North America, Inc.

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Page 4 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4

Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Page 5

CSLC honored to serve as fiscal agent for a youth workforce grant from Kellogg

Above, a Delta farmer shows youth how to use one of the needed garden equipment.

PHOTO BY CALVIN HEAD, PROJECT DIRECTOR

Above, youth are planting a field of peas, squash and okras. PHOTO BY CALVIN

HEAD, PROJECT DIRECTOR

CSLC-DREAM teens thrilled to serve

on Governor’s Youth Council

Several of the above youth of the Community Students Learning Center’s Developing Resilience through Education in Abstinence in Mississippi (DREAM) program were chosen in 2013 to serve on Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s Youth Council. Coordinated by Kendra Smith (not pictured), CSLC-DREAM is an abstinence program which uses the research-based curriculum, Sex Can Wait. The above photo was taken when the youth initially met the Governor during his first Healthy Teens for a Better Mississippi first Teens Pregnancy Prevention Summit at the Jackson, Miss. Convention Complex, Dec. 6, 2012. Also joining Gov. Bryant (center) and the DREAM students in this photo opportunity at the summit were CSLC Project Director Gail M. Brown (left) and CSLC Executive Director Beulah (right). PHOTO BY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE.

CSLC founders recognized by

statewide business alliance

.

In March of 2013, the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) received approval from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to serve as fiscal agent for a $150,000 grant for the Mileston Cooperative Association’s Youth Workforce Development and Healthy Food Access project in Mileston, Miss. The project is spearheaded by Project Director Calvin Head. “We were honored when Calvin reached out to us to collaborate with his organization in this regard,” said CSLC Executive Director Beulah Greer. “He has been doing some great things with youth in the Mississippi Delta over the years.” Greer said that it was even a greater honor when CSLC received approval from the Michigan-based Kellogg Foundation to serve as fiscal agent. “Being good stewards is something our Board of Directors and administration have always made a firm priority in our organization,” Greer added. Additionally, the Lexington, Miss. native said CSLC and its staff have always enjoyed doing anything that would help young people succeed, especially through such a “viable project” as the Youth Workforce Development and Healthy Food Access project. “Simply put, the youth are learning the importance of growing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables, while gaining workforce knowledge in agriculture and career development,” said Head. “The youth, with the aid of our farmers, produced some vegetables that made their way to the dinner tables and grocery retailers.”

The project begins year two of the two-year grant Jan. 1, 2014. Head explained that with the aid of the Wesley Youth Foundation of Tchula, Miss., the Youth Leadership, Education and Agricultural Development System (YLEADS) of Tougaloo College and local farmers, the project’s goals are to increase workforce participation by Holmes County youth through sustainable agriculture, to create and spur economic development, and to increase access to healthy food for residents in need. “The ability to increase access to local healthy, fresh foods while at the same time supporting young people gaining work and life skills is part of our mission to see children grow and thrive,” said William Buster, W.K. Kellogg Foundation director of Mississippi and New Orleans programs. “CSLC's work is an important part of this community effort.” _____________ The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an

independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer,

Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic

foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all

children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF

works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable

children so they can realize their full potential in school, work

and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle, Mich., and

works throughout the United States and internationally, as well

as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority

places where there are high concentrations of poverty and

where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF

priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New

Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico

and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org

Leslie and Beulah Greer, founders of the Community Students Learning Center of Lexington, Miss., received the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance (MMBA), Inc. Delta Region Outstanding Minority Business Award, Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 during the MMBA 13th Annual Awards Gala at the Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, Miss. Making the presentation to the Greers (center) were MMBA Chairman Jack Thomas (left) of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and MMBA Vice Chairman Betty A. Mallett, Esq, of Betty A. Mallett PLLC Attorney at Law. PHOTO BY THOMAS JOHNSON

‘It Can Wait’ – a play about the woes of teen pregnancy, receives thumbs up

CSLC Summer Youth Enrichment Program was a huge success!

As students returned to school across the state of Mississippi, 53 Holmes County and area students were perhaps still excited about their fun and enriching summer that enhanced their lives academically and culturally. Recent raw data from pre- and post-tests administered during the Community Students Learning Center’s (CSLC) Summer Youth Program indicated that the majority of the students showed academic improvement in reading, math and language after the six-week summer program. “They were also taught their names in French,” said CSLC Project Director Gail M. Brown. Grade levels ranged from Kindergarten to 12

th. Physical fitness through the SPARK -

Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids - curriculum, gymnastics, stepping, in-door tennis and praise dance were among their favorite activities. Older students participated in a teen pregnancy prevention class, using the “Sex Can Wait” curriculum. Contributing sponsors included BankPlus, Holmes County Bank, Entergy, David Rule, Attorney Fred Clark, Capitalist Wealth Makers Investors LLC, Henry Luckett, and Merdis Anderson. “We also appreciate Entergy representative Jean Jacobs, Trustmark representatives Angie Steadman and Tamara Wince, and our very own board member Lisa Gilmore for taking time out of their busy schedule to serve as presenters to the students,” said Executive Director Beulah Greer.

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Page 6 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4

Produced by the Community Students Learning Center's

DREAM (Developing Resilience by Education in Abstinence in

Mississippi) program and written and directed by Kendra Nash

Smith, “It Can Wait,” a community stage play, was a huge

success last summer July 12, 2013, and during its repeat

performance Nov. 23, 2013. The play raises awareness about

the woes of teenage pregnancy, coupled with the loss of a

loved one. A teen pregnancy prevention activity, the production

was funny, thought-provoking, entertaining, but extremely

serious. The local and area novice student and adult actors

gave a “Stellar” performance. Many church leaders sponsored

their youth.

“It Can Wait” received many great reviews:

“We teach our youth sex God’s way and try to help them

understand all the possible practical repercussions when it is

not done God’s way. We are thankful for this play to come to

our city. It brought to reality what we want our youth to

understand. They unanimously agreed that it made a profound

impression on their thought process." -- Elder William Dean

Jr., Pastor & Dr. Margie Dean, Youth Coordinator "I would just like to say it was a joy bringing a group from Mt.

Olive. The teens were inspired by the message ….. They did

realize the consequences, and they stated they wanted to wait

until they are married to become sexually active. Thanks, CSLC

-- Deaconess Janet A. Clarke, Mt. Olive M.B. Church,

Pastored by Bishop Raymon Carter For more information about the CSLC-DREAM program,

call (662) 834-0905.

Above are summer program participants and staff with Trustmark representatives Angie Steadman and Tamara Wince (center, rear). Below, top left, preschoolers engage in a learning exercise; top, right, high schoolers

participate in a physical fitness routine; lower left, Entergy Account Service Manager Jean Jacobs engages students in the Cashflow for Kids game; and lower right, CSLC Exec. Director Beulah Greer talks with a parent.

Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Page 7

… Some CSLC 2013 Pictorial Highlights …

Above are some of the walkers who participated in the Annual CSLC Community Health Awareness Day (CHAD) Walk in April.

Above, CHAD speaker Pam Chatman, news director

for WABT-TV, engages audience in an icebreaker.

Above, Fitness Coach Eutella Washington leads CHAD attendees

in an exercise routine.

During CHAD, attendees received free physical fitness

assessments through the Polar TriFit machine made

possible by a former grant from the U.S. Department of

Education Carol M. White Physical Education Program.

Above, a Teach for America volunteer assists CSLC

After-School Tutorial students.

Atlanta businessman, MyEcon Founder Ivey Stokes,

teaches potential small business owners how to build

wealth and grow their businesses.

CSLC-EDGE Key Partner Sydney Brown, director of Jackson State

University Small Business Development, presents business seminar to

potential CSLC-EDGE Business Incubator clients.

AT&T Mississippi Executive Director Michael Walker

is greeted by one of the CSLC STARS (Striving Toward

Academic Research Standards) After-School students

during his visit to the center while staff members look

on.

CSLC and its STARS (Striving Towards Academic Research

Standards) Afterschool Tutorial Program students were pleased to

welcome visitors from Mississippi State University Extension

Service. They were Extension Professor Alan Barefield, Ph.D. (not

pictured) and MSU Extension Center for Economic Education and

Financial Literacy Director Becky Smith (shown above with two

students as they recite the CSLC Creed). CSLC-EDGE is on target

in early 2014 to benefit from MSU Extension Service Technology

Outreach program for its small business incubator clients.

A number of contractors turned out for the Oct. 29, 2013 pre-

bid conference for the CSLC-EDGE new construction

component which was handled by JBHM Architects, PA of

Columbus, Miss. The pre-bid conference was held at the

Community Students Learning Center in Lexington, Miss.

New, small businesses to grow in Holmes County

Above, entrepreneurialship class members display their certificates. They are joined by

CSLC Founders Leslie Greer (far left) and Beulah Greer (far right). Several business

owners were not pictured.

Thanks to the generosity and concern for education of Walmart Supercenter No. 716 of Greenwood, Miss., the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) and its HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program had 1,000 reasons to be thankful during the holidays. It received a $1,000 donation from Walmart. “This is a part of our community service,” said Walmart Office Associate Barbara Waits. “We see and appreciate the good works the Greers do to help the community. I really like the things they do to help children and their families.” HIPPY is a research-based program, for 3-5 year-olds, that works with families in the home to support parents in their critical role as their child’s first and most influential teachers. .

CSLC-HIPPY receives 1,000 reasons to be thankful

Above are four of the nine 2013 graduates with

speaker Porche Frizell (second from left), CSLC

HIPPY Home Visitor Lubertha Bank, CSLC

Executive Director Beulah Greer and CSLC HIPPY

Coordinator Lula Friar.

Front row, from left, HIPPY graduate Carlye A

Kimble, current HIPPY students Carson Hughes,

LeBauerio Bridgeford and Kaylee L. Kimble; back

row, from left, CSLC Board President Leslie

Greer, Walmart Office Associate Barbara Waits

and Store Manager Stephen Youngblood.

HUD Rehabs get off to great start; families pleased

CSLC & Holmes CC team to help them bud President Barack Obama once said: “Small businesses have always formed the backbone of the American economy….” That backbone will soon be getting stronger in Holmes County, Miss. with the budding of 15 new businesses. The Community Students Learning Center’s (CSLC) EDGE (Empowering the Delta with a Growing Economy) project and Holmes Community College Workforce Development collaborated in November and completed an entrepreneurial training class that attracted a variety of business concepts. Part I -- the Sewing Project -- was held at Holmes Community College’s Workforce Development Unit in Goodman, Miss. “The Entrepreneurial Sewing Class has been a very productive program,” said Earline Smith, HCC Workforce Development Coordinator. “It allows participants to enhance a skill that they enjoy and can turn it into a profitable business. Sewing is an art form that will always be needed.” Part II -- an entrepreneurial training component – was conducted by CSLC-EDGE Business Incubator Coordinator and Executive Director Beulah Greer. “We appreciate Holmes CC for allowing us to partner with them in this much-needed effort for our county.” The businesses and business ideas include, but are not limited to, the following: sewing, maid cleaning services, office administrative consulting, family counseling services, child care, engineering, a youth physical fitness program, manufacturing, fashion, transporting, healthcare staffing, local historic tourism, and computer services.

COMMUNITY STUDENTS LEARNING CENTER 333 Yazoo Street Lexington, MS 39095

Visit www.communitystudentlearning.org for more information and/or

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Page 8 THE CSLC COMMUNITY VOICE Special Edition 2013 • Volume 4

The winter weather has blanketed Mississippi with some “bone-chilling” temperatures. However, thanks to the rehabilitation component of the Community Students Learning Center’s Empowering the Delta with a Growing (EDGE) project, several Lexington, Miss. residents are thrilled instead of chilled. The rehabs are being funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) program. Barbara Kimbrough is one of the appreciative recipients. She shares her gratitude in the following letter:

To: The CSLC/EDGE Housing Program and All Others This May Concern, I am writing this letter to express how very grateful I am for being chosen for home repairs. I really appreciate all of the repairs that were done to my home to make it more safe and comfortable for me and my disabled son. And I definitely appreciate the heating and cooling unit. Before I received the unit, the only thing we had for heating was a space heater in the front part of the house; the back where my son and I sleep was left unheated. So, now that we have the new heating unit, the whole house is warm and comfortable. But that is just one of the many things that were done to my home that I am so proud of. And I am so thankful to all the contractors for doing such a good job on all of the repair work done on my home. I just want to say THANK you to everyone who had a hand in making this possible for [my son and me], Thanks again. – Barbara Kimbrough & Son.

Other homeowners have also expressed similar gratitude as well. The rehab work, which began in December 2013, is already 60 percent completed. The contractor is K&T Construction of Durant, Miss. The rehab project has created 10 construction jobs. Construction on the CSLC-EDGE new housing project has also begun. The contractor is Triangle Construction of Madison, Miss. Triangle has committed to accepting subcontracting bids from local and area contractors for various aspects of the new construction project.