Page 193 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

Leader, earned the opportunity to travel to California where he attended leadership training with the California Conservation Corps. “My experience with the Conservation Corps has opened my eyes. There are greater things that I am aspiring to now. I saw what CLIMB offered and am focused on climbing the ladder of success.”
In June, Brandon attended the White House Community Leader’s Briefing in Washington D.C.
“Our community faces significant challenges that impact us all. Low high school completion rates lead to Mississippi’s workforce mid-level
skills gap and increased young adult unemployment. Mississippi’s 54% single-mother birth rate and the challenges that single parents face
are compounded by generational poverty. While these issues may seem distant from your daily life, we need to address them to make our community a safer and more vibrant place to live,” says Lori West, CEO.
CLIMB CDC recently partnered with the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Police Department to open the Family Enrichment Center. The Center will provide programs and resources to the community with the intent of reducing
LEFT: PHOTOS COURTESY OF Audra Melton – The Nature Conservancy. Brandon McLaurin,
a Conservation Corps Crew Leader traveled to California to attend leadership training.
BELOW: CLIMB CDC students may select from several career tracks, including construction to culinar y.
crime and poverty through education and supportive services.
CLIMB CDC’s mission is to promote strong communities by providing access to opportunities that inspire self-reliance. To get involved through mentoring, utilize program services or donate visit www.climbcdc.org or call 228.864.6677. Café Climb is available for breakfast, lunch and catering.
The Event Centre is available for the most elegant wedding or professional business lunch. These social enterprises internally generate revenue that CLIMB CDC utilizes to fund our programs.
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
August 2015 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 193
Climb CDC
1316 30th Avenue, Gulfport 228.864.6677 www.climdcdc.org