McComb

Our journey began in August 2011, when we had our first coalition meeting. We were on our way with no money—just a mission to prepare 0-5-year-olds for kindergarten.

Throughout the years, we lost a couple of steering committee members, but gained some strong ones. All in all, our steering committee has been faithful. We have had a monthly meeting every month from August 2011 to present—truly committed to making this certification happen.

As funds go, we depended on in-kind services. The McComb School District has been our lifeline. They provided us with a resource house, renovating it inside and out. They have included our childcare workers in training. We have been allowed to participate in the myOn computer program, allowing children to read books online. Junior Auxiliary of McComb cleaned the resource house, painted rooms, and provided blinds for every window. We did have an unexpected donation of $250 from Southwest Community College and $300 from a class reunion group. We stretched every dollar.

As word spread in our community about Excel by 5, church groups, educational organizations, and retired persons began volunteering their services and providing necessary items for our resource house. We know this will continue because the calls keep coming in, inquiring about what needs to be done.

One of our biggest challenges was getting funding. We decided to apply for 501 (C) 3 status because of the opportunity for grant writing and not being tied to the McComb School District and its regulations. In August 2012, we applied for the status with the help of a local accountant. In May 2013, we received the 501 (C) 3 status.

Now the stage is set to begin grant writing, have regular hours at the resource house, and welcome young children to our library at the resource house. Childcare centers will begin visiting the resource house regularly. Parent trainings will be scheduled. This is an exciting time in our city.