We had an IMPACT in 2022!

Thank you for your interest in learning more about our nonprofit and how we are making a positive difference in the lives of families in Mississippi.

We are proud to share our 2022 Impact Report, which outlines the impact we have made in the past year and our vision for the future. The report features stories of how our services have improved the lives of those we serve, financial report, donor spotlights, information on how you can get involved with our mission, and a comprehensive breakdown of programs and services:

• adoption and foster care training and placement
• family and child counseling and support
• developmental care services
• advocacy

Thanks to our partners and supporters for helping us reach 5,000 Mississippians in 2022 by providing free or at cost permanency planning programs that promote stronger families and a more engaged and informed community! 

Would you consider a donation of $10 to help us pay for this publication and continue services for Mississippi families in 2023? Donate here.

 

Executive Director’s Report:

This first year as Executive Director of Mississippi Families for Kids has been exciting and full of growth. In the short span of 12 months, we have been able to establish and develop meaningful partnerships to create a far-reaching impact in the state. We have set record numbers in fundraising and family support as well as received special recognition for our work with children and families. I am honored to have the privilege of leading a team of professionals who have set the standard for provider and community engagement.

The mission of Mississippi Families for Kids is to ensure the permanence and well-being of children and families through educational development, specialized training, and community-based services. We have carried that mission throughout 2022 as we worked to provide wraparound services to families seeking placement, families needing social support to maintain permanency, and those interested in supporting families through direct service or advocacy. Social services, early intervention, and mental health are top priorities for the agency as we strive to make sure families and communities have the support they need to reach their fullest potential.

I’d like to acknowledge the Board of Mississippi Families for Kids, who have been instrumental in ensuring that we not only provide quality services but continue to enhance service provision through programmatic growth. We have been able to accomplish this goal by increasing service delivery, equipping staff with the necessary tools through professional development, and expanding our visibility within the community through various media streams. The agency thrives with the support of several entities including the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the MS Department of Child Protection Services, the MS Department of Health, Wendy’s franchisees, private funders, and individual donors.

In 2022, we were able to leverage the Children Are Reaching Expectations (CARE) program funded by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) to implement behavioral health programs in identified Jackson Public Schools. We were also successful in expanding the reach of Help Me Grow by providing statewide screenings. Staff members have presented all over the nation from the MS Department of Mental Health’s Trauma-informed Care Conference to the Help Me Grow National Forum. Other new endeavors include a grant from the Office of the Attorney General to receive professional development in trauma-informed care to enhance services to victims of human trafficking; the MS Department of Health has increased support for respite services; and we were able to conduct a series of camps for youth with a grant from CT3. We have been recognized for our community impact by the Wendy’s Community Foundation and received the honor of “Non-Profit of the Year” from the Mississippi Business Journal.

We continue to work with children and youth as well as families to find and maintain permanency through adoption services, counseling, parent and professional training, developmental resources, kinship care, respite services, and other outreach efforts. None of this would be possible without the support of our stakeholders like you. It is because of the support of each of you – whether big or small, financial or in-kind – that MFFK continues to thrive. This year has been a momentous one. Thank you for joining us in creating a more healthy, inclusive, and empowering Mississippi that will make a difference for generations to come.

– Nadeane Cattrell, Executive Director