The Pearl River Valley Opportunity Inc. has provided financial and educational assistance to residents in Pearl River County for the past 50 years.

The PRVO office resides inside the court facilities in Poplarville.

The county’s Case Manager Lillie Crawford dedicates her time by providing financial assistance to low-income residents in partnership with Community Action Partnership.

Crawford said their motto is “Helping people. Changing lives.”

“We have a lot of citizens who are struggling and need help, so the services we provide are much needed in the community,” Crawford said.

Residents seeking financial aid from PRVO must provide financial documentation proving their low-income status in order to be eligible. Paying electricity bills or purchasing household items such as air conditioners are just some of the ways they assist their clients, Crawford said.

They offer numerous services to low-income citizens, including community service programs such as low-income home energy assistance, prescription assistance, senior citizen aid and emergency food and shelter; early childhood and family service programs; and community and economic development programs such as business loans, housing constructions and long-term workforce housing.

Joyce Davis Loveless is an elderly resident and a long-time client of PRVO.

“I’ve been coming here for a while. It’s really helped me because ever since my husband passed away it’s been rough,” Loveless said.

Loveless also takes advantage of their educational workshops. The office partners with the Mississippi State University Extension Service to offer workshops about health and energy conservation.

Crawford said all residents are invited to attend the free workshops, which educate them about financial management, smart shopping, nutrition, financial management, safe food practices, money management and raising healthy eaters.

The workshops are conducted every month and are held in the courtroom located at 204 S. Julia St. in Poplarville. Residents can visit or call (601) 403-2203 for more information about workshop schedules and low-income services.

Crawford said if they can’t offer particular services to their clients they often refer them to other agencies nearby who can better assist them.

“My mission in life has always been about helping others,” Crawford said.