Laurel-Jones County Council-on-Aging, Inc

WESLEY HOUSE: A SECOND CENTURY OF SERVICE In 2004 Wesley House celebrated 100 years of ministry to the least, the lost, and the last. Since 1904, Wesley House in Meridian has been in mission to underprivileged, neglected, and abused persons offering Christian relief, education, prevention and intervention of abuse, community welfare and social services, helping people learn to help themselves. In this century of service, a small Bible school and relief mission has grown into six distinct mission agencies integrated under one physical and administrative structure, touching the lives of over 33, 000 different people through thirty-two programs. Last year 68, 365 services were provided, with many individuals being helped in multiple areas. Our multi-agency structure minimizes administrative costs and maximizes delivery of services to meet the multiple needs of the least, the lost, and the last. Wesley House is about the business of helping people learn to help themselves. At Wesley House every hand reaches out to touch the lives of those who need to be fed, clothed, taught, and touched by the hands of God who has no hands but ours.

Founded in 2000 by actress Sela Ward, Hope Village for Children is a part of the United Way agency, which is a social services organization. Hope Village for Children offers a spectrum of services related to health care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and shelter and housing. The agency is partially funded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Department of Mental Health and Mississippi Department of Public Safety. It provides cottages, houses and other long-term therapeutic accommodation facilities for transitional residents. In addition, Hope Village for Children delivers educational programs, activities and projects related to independent living skills, recreation, and health and hygiene. The agency is located in Meridian, Miss.