Fall 2012 Charity Finalists
1. Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society
The Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society is a parent-driven non-profit organization that provides support services for families with children born with Down syndrome. CMDSS’s mission is to promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.
The Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society (CMDSS) was established in July 2003. CMDSS relies solely on donations from corporate sponsorships and individual donations to provide funding for all of its activities. Because we are volunteer-run, there are no overhead costs for paid staff or offices, and our funding goes directly to support our mission.
To learn more about the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society, visit www.cmdss.org.
2. Extra Table
What if every restaurant in Mississippi had an extra table to feed the needy? With that goal in mind restaurant owner, chef and Hattiesburg American columnist Robert St. John started the charity Extra Table.
What started as a charity to help restaurants give back has turned into an easy and simple vehicle for other businesses and individuals to give. Any business, any church, or any individual can help feed the state’s needy children through the Extra Table program. All donations go to purchase food.
To learn more about Extra Table, visit www.extratable.org.
3. Grace House
Grace House is a place where people with HIV/AIDS may live with dignity, in safety, and with compassion and caring. The Community of Grace has joined together with prayer, volunteer services, donations and dedication to meet the growing needs of people living with the HIV disease. There are limited state funds in Mississippi to assist people living with the HIV disease.
To learn more about Grace House, visit www.gracehousems.org.
4. Jackson Free Clinic
The Jackson Free Clinic is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation operated by the medical students of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine in cooperation with local physicians and community leaders.
The Jackson Free Clinic is dedicated to treating those who have no insurance and cannot otherwise afford medical care. Our services include examination, treatment, education, preventative care, and referrals to appropriate community resources when necessary.
To learn more about the Jackson Free Clinic, visit www.jacksonfreeclinic.com.
5. Little Lighthouse of Mississippi
The Little Light House is a Christian Developmental Center, serving infants and young children with special needs, from birth through the chronological age of six years. The Little Light House provides highly individualized educational and therapeutic services in a loving Christian environment, all on a tuition-free basis. Support groups, seminars and practical training sessions are also provided for the families of special needs students, assisting them with the parenting and remediation of their children.
To learn more about this ministry organization, visit www.llhms.org.
6. National Alliance on Mental Illness of MS (NAMI MS)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is a grassroots, self-help, support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of all those affected by serious mental illness. This includes consumers diagnosed with a mental illness; their family members, relatives and friends; mental health professionals; and all who share NAMI’s vision and mission.
To learn more about NAMI MS, visit www.namims.org.
Help Your Favorite Charity Win!
It’s time to get your stretchy pants and baggy dresses out of the closet and buy your tickets now to the VIP Party on September 26 at the Mississippi Museum of Art to cast your very first – and very important – vote in this “every single vote counts” election that will have huge consequences for one very deserving – and needy – local charity.
Then, make plans to dine often throughout Jackson Restaurant Week. Every time you dine, you can vote.
