April 30 is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

Jackson Friends Volunteer Beth Kander with Libby. Photo by Lyn Pryor Crawford, Courtesy of JFAS

Jackson Friends volunteer Beth Kander with Libby. Photo by Lyn Pryor Crawford, Courtesy of JFAS

Homeless pets in Mississippi  face stark and heartbreaking statistics: every year, in Mississippi alone, more than 109,000 animals are taken in to shelters, and of those animals, more than 73,000 of them will be euthanized. But throughout the state, dedicated volunteers and shelter professionals are committed to saving as many animals as possible, improving their lives, and finding “forever homes” for these loving, worthy creatures.

Here are a few of the rescue groups and individuals filling in the gaps to make a difference, and some ways you can get involved. Jackson writer, performer and volunteer Beth Kander took a look at a few of the dozens of animal rescue organizations that operate within the Jackson/Metro area and beyond. Read More

Notice of Funds Available for 2013-2014 AmeriCorps Programs

Volunteer Mississippi and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) are pleased to announce the availability of federal funds to support new Mississippi AmeriCorps programs to start September, 2013 for a maximum 12-month program cycle.

Grant applications are due to Volunteer Mississippi via eGrants no later than May 16, 2013.  All potential applicants must submit a Letter of Intent and a Self Assessment by Monday, May 6, 2013, both of which can be obtained from Judy Stein or 601.842.6700. Read More

Pass Christian Restaurant Earns Business Community Outreach Award

 Outstanding Business Community Outreach

The original Shaggy’s restaurant opened its doors in July 2007 in the small, waterfront town of Pass Christian, MS. The first “non-casino” restaurant built south of Highway 90 after Hurricane Katrina, Shaggy’s helped breathe life back into a devastated community. Now a local favorite, the restaurant has also risen as a community leader by making a difference in the lives of families and youth in the Gulf Coast community. Read More

The Meridian Family of Stations Receives Community Outreach Award

Outstanding Community Outreach by a Media Organization

Utilizing their four broadcast networks, CBS24, NBC30, FOX30 and CBS24 Local AccuWeather, The Meridian Family of Stations is dedicated to serving the local community. The Meridian Family of Stations donates over a million dollars worth of Public Service Announcement production and air time each year. In 2012 alone, Community Service Initiatives and PSAs totaled an estimated $1,057,990. In addition to the broadcast efforts of the television stations, The Meridian Family of Stations allows the staff to volunteer to serve on boards and committees of local nonprofit organizations. Read More

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Social Innovation Fund Report Released

The Corporation for National and Community Service has launched the first-ever Social Innovation Fund Investment Report. As CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer writes in the report, “By systematically capturing and sharing what works, the Social Innovation Fund is generating critical knowledge that others – nonprofits, philanthropies, and government – can apply to increase the impact and efficiency of their work.” Read More

Health Department Offers Emergency Response Training

The Mississippi State Department of Health Office of Emergency Planning and Response will host three regional trainings for registered volunteers. These trainings are offered at no charge to the public in order to provide required emergency preparedness training for persons interested in assisting first responders in public health emergency response efforts. Read More

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