Grant funding will soon support the establishment and operation of a resource center for the Picayune School District and Excel By 5.
Picayune Early Head Start Director Dr. Pamela Thomas secured the grant funding, totaling $85,000, from Families First for Mississippi. That funding will be used to conduct renovations to a three-bedroom home on 16th section land adjacent to Roseland Park Elementary. Thomas said the home requires some minor renovation work before it can open. She expects the resource center to be operational in March.
When it opens, the facility will provide a plethora of educational services, including parent education training, homework assistance, computer labs, and a literacy support and training program for adults.
The parent education and skills training will provide adults with information concerning finance and budgeting, employment services, child support services, recreation services for young people and provide referrals to other local resources.
Thomas said the computer labs will be comprised of up to eight computers for use by PERC participants.
Participants of the diploma and GED program can work towards a high school diploma at their pace through the Families First for Mississippi New Learning Recourses School District.
Thomas said that the new center will also receive desks, office supplies, laminators and books from the Families First for Mississippi.
When the center is ready, the living room will serve as the entryway, where staff will greet visitors. One of the bedrooms will be converted into a computer lab, while another will serve as a lending library for literacy materials. Thomas said she started the application process for the funding last summer. She said she appreciates the Picayune School District’s Board of Trustees for approving the motion to allow the building be used as a resource center.
Thomas said the new program will collaborate with Excel By 5 to promote the importance of early education.