Page 73 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK
story by Cherie Ward photos courtesy of Back Bay Mission
For more than a century, Back Bay Mission has been a steadfast advocate for the most vulnerable
people in South Mississippi communities.
The Biloxi-based non-profit organization began in the early 1920s to help provide education, clothing, shoes, and medicine
to the children of the Biloxi Back Bay anglers. Its 102-year community effort has now evolved to combat the homelessness and poverty crisis facing South Mississippi. Ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more resilient community along the Gulf Coast include comprehensive programs and individualized support.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers from across the United States come to the Gulf Coast to volunteer with Back Bay Mission. This includes regular community volunteers, businesses hoping to serve the community, congregations from the United Church of Christ & other denominations, and interns.
Fundraisers include everything from involving elementary schools in “Socktober” an October sock donation drive to the 2024 Musicians with a Mission event held at Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi in September.
Organizations supported with funds raised by Musicians with a Mission include, the Bridges Out of Poverty, Housing Rehabilitation, Micah Day Center, Home at Last Program, Homeless Outreach, Community Health Initiative, Veteran’s Support Fund and Housing, Emergency Assistance and Food Choice Pantry, and Emergency Solutions Grant, a program providing financial aid to prevent homelessness or to rapidly rehouse individuals.
Visit thebackbaymission.org for more information or find them on Facebook.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
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