Community gathers to support two local family centers

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- With the government reopening many people are breathing a sigh of relief.

But many others will still be feeling the impact.

“It’s time for us to step up as a community. Come together and serve the community and the families and the children in this community,” said Joan Butler.

48 hours ago, when two local centers found out their funding from The Families First Center of North Mississippi would stop, they weren’t sure where to turn.

But as the staff at the J. L. King Center and Emerson Family School soon found out, the community had their backs.

“I feel so relieved well I prayed have been praying for this program all the time, but I had some special prayers last night, and God answers prayers, and this is what it’s about. He answers prayers,” said Elmarie Brooks.

“Well, it’s so heartwarming to know that there are many people that our community cares enough to spend this morning together with us. Brainstorming and looking at opportunities that we might be able to look at for continuation of services,” said Butler.

The centers offer programs from adult education to after-school activities for kids.

Friday’s meeting focused on finding a way to keep those programs afloat.

“They actually took charge of setting up meetings. They are coming together and coming up with solutions following through on it not just sitting here today but throwing out ideas. They’ve talked about so many possibilities that we as a department couldn’t have thought of all these things ourselves, and they are invested into it they are ready to go to work I mean they spoke out I’m excited I’m excited I’m not crying today,” said Brooks.

Both Joan Butler and Elmarie Brooks say in spite of the current set back, the only place to go from here is up.

“We are going to be continuing on as strong as we were and the doors are open, and they are welcome to bring their friends and their family members just as usual, and we are serving the community in the fashion that we did before and become hopefully bigger and better for the future,” said Butler.

It will take an estimated $10,000 a month to keep the centers fully operational.

If you would like to help the program by either donating or volunteering you can call (662-769-1095 or (662)-615-0033 and ask for either Joan Butler or Elmarie Brooks.