Comments by matildastephens
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Posted on August 4 at 9:11 p.m.
Many non-profits were already operating on budgets that had been cut to the max. For example, the Boys & Girls Club has 1 full-time employee...everyone else is either seasonal or part-time. When you equate that with the number of children they serve, the return on a person's donation is staggering. My agency no longer has any administrative staff other than me....no secretary, fulltime bookkeeper, etc. We all saw the writing on the wall during the Bush administration and tried to make the necessary adjustments. My advice to people who want to donate to non-profits during these tough economic times is to request information on how many people they serve. How far are your dollars going? Put your money where there is the greatest impact. Finally, nonprofits who are not accessing available grant sources are not being fiscal responsible. The funds are there. Its just a question of whether they are willing to adhere to the state and federal guidelines that these grants require. No one who works in a non-profit is there because they plan on getting rich. We do what we do because we believe that we can affect change in the most vulnerable populations. Most non-profits are governed by a Board of Directors who closely monitor their finances. The majority of non-profits in our area are fiscally responsible and always have been.
Posted on August 3 at 10:19 p.m.
The Boys & Girls Club recently received notification that they were awarded grant fundng from the Miss. Alliance of Boys & Girl Clubs as well as having submitted over $200K in proposed club funding. The Club is still operational but will continue to need community support...they have to have local dollars to offset grant funding requested. Many families have benefitted from this service- where else can someone pick up your child from school, make sure their homework is done, and give them recreation AT NO CHARGE? Its time that everyone...particularly families, who access this service step up and help raise funds.
On Salvation Army store, Boys & Girls Club forced to close temporarily
Posted on June 1 at 7:06 a.m.
On behalf of the Sunshine Shelter and Kyle's House, thanks to the Natchez Democrat for the excellent coverage. It was a fun event that we hope will grow every year. Thanks again!
Posted on May 17 at 12:54 p.m.
We hope everyone will attend! Our programs serve both sides of the river and without community support, we wouldn't exist. Thanks so much to the City of Vidalia who has been very supportive of our programs through-out the year. One small correction: Kyle's House is a non-ptofit daycare for ALL children...we specialize in special needs kids. We have a very low staff-child ratio and will only take 32 kids. There is a great summer program planned so if you need daycare, call 601 446-8383...we take 0-12 years old.
Posted on April 16 at 12:19 p.m.
Bravo Jimi...I couldn't have said it better myself.
Posted on April 5 at 9:32 a.m.
Child abuse is a national epidemic and is growing in the numbers of reported cases. Natchez, Ms. is not immune. As the director of a program that deals with abused children everyday, I can understand the outrage and anger that this type of crime brings out. I have had those same feelings over and over again for the last five years. Parents, make sure you are talking to your children about inappropriate touching. Foster a relationship with them that they won't be scared to tell you, regardless of their age. The number of reported cases of abuse is growing...what is of more concern is the number of cases that AREN'T being reported or investigated. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Education is the key to prevention. Learn the signs of possible abuse and above all, talk to your children.
Posted on March 11 at 9:36 a.m.
Ronny was a great supporter of the Sunshine Shelter and had served on our board....his concern for our children and their plight made him a huge asset. We are stunned and deeply saddened. Our prayers go out to his dear wife Angie and his whole family.
Posted on December 6 at 8:23 p.m.
The number of children served to date is wrong...we've have actually served 1300..we average over 100 children a year. Thanks so much for the kind comments about Sheila and Naomi...they are two of about 12 people I am soooo priveleged to work with. We have a great staff!
Posted on November 25 at 8:35 a.m.
Thank you for pointing out the value of the smallest donation...some people think that to make a difference, they must donate large sums. In my agency, a $5 donation can provide a meal and a snack to an abused child, or provide school supplies, personal items, a special treat for good behavior, etc. Last Christmas a mother brought her child by the Shelter and he handed me $16.79., the money he had saved from his allowance for several months to help buy a present for one of our children. He was so happy and proud to give...its not the size of the donation, its the spirit in which its given.
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Posted on October 13 at 8:50 a.m.
The victimization of children happens everyday in this community. Children live in homes where they are not nurtured emotionally, physically, or psychologically. Some face daily phycial abuse, others live in a constant state of anxiety that their sexual abuser will continue his assaults. Do not think that it is not happening here in Natchez...it is....I work with these children daily. While I agree that there have been rare instances that a child "made up" accusations, that is certainly not the norm. And to accuse a child of that under any circumstance means you run the risk of victimizing them all over again. If child abuse makes you angry, channel that negative energy into something positive. Get involved with prevention programs. Reach out to families who may be struggling and offer support. DO SOMETHING! These children need the support of the community.
On Man charged with molesting a child