Starkville Strong - Better Together

We’re kicking off the start of the MSU school year by adding more sororities and fraternities to our Food Partners list!
We 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝙑𝙊𝙇𝙐𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙀𝙍𝙎!

Need service hours? 📋
Want to help Second Servings run smoothly? 🙌
Have a group that wants to volunteer? 🧑‍🧒‍🧒

Here are the forms we need to get you started:
𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙐𝙥 Interest Form
https://starkvillestrong.info/Pick_Up_Volunteers _Interest

𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 Interest Form
https://starkvillestrong.info/Distribution_Volunteers _Interest

𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 Interest Form
https://starkvillestrong.info/Assembly_Volunteers_Interest

Email us for more info:
[email protected]

Thanks so much to Barbara Runnels Coats, FICF, RICP, Modern Woodmen of America for matching donations from BNI Business Connections! Along with community donors, we raised $432 toward our mission to provide a support system for our clients who are putting in the work to find and maintain stability.

𝓘𝓽𝓼 $5 𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂!
Homelessness cases are steadily on the rise and without community action, we’re afraid the issue will become more and more visible with many families struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Starkville Strong has some possible solutions but we want to hear from you.
❓What are the biggest issues and what solutions do you propose❓

⛺️ Homelessness in Starkville: couch surfing, multiple families under one roof, sleeping in cars, tents, etc.
🏠 Why?: Rent increases, lack of living wage, cost of living, informational gap, not enough of affordable, available and habitable housing
😳 Who is Affected?: Each and every person who lives, works or visits Starkville can potentially be affected by the increasing number of homeless and displaced.

Your $5 donation goes toward something MUCH BIGGER than JUST food on someone’s table. Our mission is to fill in the gaps and be the consistent support system needed for everyone in our community to have some wins! To have a chance. To see their potential. To guide them, encourage them and lift them up through our programs like Path to Stability.

It matters. We need you.

🔹Venmo: StarkvilleStrong
🔹Cash App: $StarkvilleStrong
🔹Go Fund Me: gf.me/u/x6vby6
🔹PayPal: [email protected] or https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KMQQSWLT7RXBQ
🔹Mail checks to 109 South Lafayette St., Starkville, MS
🔹Checks made out to Starkville Strong
🔹Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2D6E18JGJ9D7T?ref_=wl_share
🔹Essential Pantry Items: https://starkvillestrong.info/Pantry_Essentials_List

Subscription Donations (Automated so you don’t forget and also allows us to plan our programming more efficiently)
📅 Monthly: https://square.link/u/RvgSZZBJ
📅 Weekly: https://square.link/u/HuMKbQLy
📅 Every Other Week: https://square.link/u/opFlIvYi

𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 was another great event where the community came out to support our neighbors in need.

𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 for the 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚:
• to provide essentials to those struggling to make ends meet
• provide opportunities for the community to get involved

𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 for 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈:
• Conduct needs assessments
• Gather data
• Support our Path to Stability clients
• Connect with potential clients who qualify for our programming and services

Thanks to all who help us continue to implement this kind of outreach within our community!

𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 & 𝐎𝐑𝐆 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒: Donated Funds or In-Kind Items/Services
United Produce Co.
Barbara Coats - Modern Woodmen
Bridgeway Church
B-Unlimited Starkville
Dunkington
Arepas
Worker Bees
Chick-fil-A Starkville

𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 - Tomorrow!

Here’s what you need to know:
𝟏. It’s going to be hot! We’ll do things just like we did last month.
𝟐. Some folks show up early, around 9:00 a.m., but Sign-in starts as soon as our volunteer who does this arrives, usually by 12:30 p.m. Once you sign in and get your number, you can wait in the shade or in your car.
𝟑. Bridgeway Church will be there early with cold water, lemonade, and some shade. We’ll also have tarps up for extra cover.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬:
𝟏. Sign in and get your number. This holds your place in line.
𝟐. Lunch: Starkville Strong’s Second Servings will provide frozen meals. We hope to get a hot meal sponsor next month!
𝟑. Line-Up: Around 1:30 p.m., we’ll start calling numbers 1-10.
𝟒. No need to bring sacks. We’ll give you two sacks to use.

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨:
𝟏. One participant per household.
𝟐. Please don’t bring your own sacks to prevent size variance of the bags—we want to keep it fair!
𝟑. If we run out of food, particpants will get a voucher for our food pantry.
𝟒. Bring an umbrella and sunscreen! We’ll have hand fans for you, but it will be hot.

More about Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
https://starkvillestrong.info/Neighbors_Helping_Neighbors

$5 Friday!!!
CONNECT • EMPOWER • SUPPORT

$5 - Can buy 3 loaves of bread
$10 - Can buy a bag of fresh grapes
$15 - Can buy 2.5 lbs of hamburger meat
$20 - Can buy 2 packs of toilet paper
$30 - Can pay for someone’s rental application so they can acquire housing
$40 - Can fill up someone’s car with gas so they can get to work
$50 - Can purchase steel toe shoes for clients starting work at Peco.
$60 - Can deliver perishable groceries to a family in need
$70 - Can help keep a client’s lights on
$80 - Can buy two cases of containers for Second Servings
$90 - Can provide 45 dozen eggs for Neighbors Helping Neighbors
$100 - Can help match what a client has saved up toward their rent.

Mission: Empower individuals and families facing adversity by providing essential resources and support to achieve stability and prosperity. We address food insecurity, housing instability, and community needs through holistic case management, collaboration, and innovative programs, fostering independence, accountability, and resilience within our community.

www.starkvillestrong.com/donate

🔹Venmo: StarkvilleStrong
🔹Cash App: $StarkvilleStrong
🔹Go Fund Me: gf.me/u/x6vby6
🔹PayPal: [email protected] 🔹PayPal Link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KMQQSWLT7RXBQ
🔹Mail checks to 109 South Lafayette St., Starkville, MS - Made out to Starkville Strong
🔹Checks made out to Starkville Strong
🔹Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2D6E18JGJ9D7T?ref_=wl_share

𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬: THIS SUNDAY

We ran out of food last month and that’s a really hard situation. Some of these people have been waiting in the brutal sun for hours and hours in line.

Can you help? Click below to donate or volunteer:
https://starkvillestrong.info/NeighborsHelpingNeighbors_Donate_Volunteer

More about Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
https://starkvillestrong.info/Neighbors_Helping_Neighbors

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is this weekend. Consider donating to make sure we have enough to help those who attend this monthly event regularly.

We use this event to:
1. Conduct a needs assessment of our community
2. To engage with our neighbors in need as a community to show support and love
3. Identify participants who would be good candidates for our Path to Prosperity program
4. Help close the informational gap on local resources to help participants find and maintain stability

Donate or Volunteer:
https://starkvillestrong.info/NeighborsHelpingNeighbors_Donate_Volunteer

Want more info? Just say, “send me the link” and we’ll get you the info.

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹?
Casserole Kitchen Starkville serves three times weekly with the help of The Starkville Church Coalition, which is made up of 17 local churches.

Share with someone in need!

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬:
• People line up outside the door and when ready, the doors open at 6:00.
• Every person present gets served a meal to eat inside the fellowship hall.
• When everyone is finished, you’re allowed to take leftovers home.
• Each person has the opportunity to take Starkville Strong Second Servings meals with them to fill in the gap between Casserole Kitchen days.

We’re so grateful for our Community Partners!

Buttons, buttonholes, hems, holes, zippers, tapering, basic sewing projects...services available!

Here is a progress report we are super proud of after 16 months of consistent Neighbors Helping Neighbors events.

Other notable successes:
🩵 New partnerships with local organizations and churches
🩵 Data collection on food and security in Oktibbeha County
🩵 Providing broader access to informational resources
🩵 Bringing the community together to engage as neighbors helping neighbors

Check out what’s new at Rosey Baby!

This is always ready to serve! Whether it’s for Starkville Strong or serving up new dishes to keep you intrigued.

🛤️🦞Meet them at the tracks🦞🛤️
300 South Jackson St.

NEW DESSERT ALERT!!!!

Apple Pie Potstickers!!!!

Come get some😀😋

With Neighbors Helping Neighbors just around the corner 𝗣𝗟𝗨𝗦 the growing number of participants we have, we’d like this $𝟱 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬’s funds to be dedicated to purchasing additional perishable foods.

You donations will be used to purchase:
1. Meat
2. Cheese
3. Bread
4. Eggs
5. Sandwich meat

𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘
www.starkvillestrong.org/donate

𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗗
Volunteer at Neighbors Helping Neighbors: https://starkvillestrong.info/NeighborsHelpingNeighbors_Donate_Volunteer

𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
https://starkvillestrong.info/Neighbors_Helping_Neighbors

Thanks to Wendy Barham Vickers with Arbonne for being a 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 sponsor and supporting our mission! Wendy has partnered with Starkville Strong a few times now! She taught educational workshops on nutrition, supplies a monthly donation of non-perishable goods and we have some plans in the future to partner again.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭:
• Energy Fizz
• Protein Powder
• All natural products they can trust

Reach out to Wendy: She’s on Facebook or you can email her at [email protected]

We’ve partnered with MSU Department of Finance and Economics many times now. We’ve spoken on panels to their students, worked closely with them in community projects like Neighbors Helping Neighbors and consider them friends of Starkville Strong.

Thank you so much for showing up again for our organization by being a 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗭𝗘 sponsor at our Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser! We can’t wait to see how our partnership grows.

Thanks to Jay Tee “The Billboard Guy” for being a 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙯𝙚 sponsor at our night of dancing for Starkville Strong’s mission and outreach. He not only brought the party, he went BIG before he went home by paying to vote for Prom King and Queen. If you notice in the picture, he made it happen!

If you 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 want your business to stand out on a billboard, Jay Tee is your guy!!

What value does he have that others don’t?
• Can design one of kind eye catching content
• Give advice on best practices that are backed up with real success data
• Give stats on views
• Give info on how many people pass certain signs

Reach out today:
[email protected]

A heartfelt thank you to BankFirst Financial Services for being a key part of our Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser as a 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙯𝙚 Sponsor! Your commitment to Starkville Strong reflects your support for the community you do business in.

BankFirst’s support goes beyond financial services—they’re actively helping to shape a brighter, stronger Starkville. We’re proud to have you as a partner in this journey and look forward to working on financial literacy strategies with you.

This initiative has been rocking and rolling “strongly” since April of this year thanks to our Second Servings Coordinator Shannon Voges-Haupt.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨?
• A program designed to rescue surplus food from various sources, such as restaurants, grocery stores, sororities and events.
• Repurpose collected food into ready made meals.
• Redistribute it to people in need.

Instead of letting good food go to waste, we:
1. Collect it.
2. Bring it to the kitchen site where it can be sorted and safely stored.
3. Assess what we have and what meals we can make.
4. Assemble meals and place in containers.
5. Deliver it to community partners and organizations that serve those facing food insecurity.
6. Provide meals for our Path to Prosperity clients.
7. Distribute at Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨:
Chi Omega
Chick-fil-a
First Baptist Early Childhood Ministries
Georgia Blue
𝖬𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗌𝗈𝗈𝗇!!

𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨
J.L. King Center
Casserole Kitchen
Five Horizons
Starkville Strong Path to Prosperity Clients
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
𝖬𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗌𝗈𝗈𝗇!!

The program relies on volunteers to help with the pick-up, drop-off, and distribution of the food, ensuring that it reaches those who need it most. It’s a way to reduce food waste while helping to feed our community.

Kaleigh Allen interned with us back in the summer of 2022, and two years later she contributed to our very first big fundraiser as a 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗥 sponsor. Thanks for the impact you made the summer you were with us, but a BIG thank you for supporting our mission through your sponsorship.

Thanks to Brandi Street with POSH Salon & Dry Bar for being a sponsor for Dancing Through the Decades!

Here are just some of the services they offer:
• Haircuts and Styling - Professional haircuts, blowouts, and styling for all hair types and occasions.
• Color Services - Hair coloring, highlights, balayage, and other advanced color techniques.
• Dry Bar Services - Quick and stylish blowouts, perfect for special events or a night out.
• Bridal and Event Styling - Updos and specialized styling services for weddings and other special occasions.
• Hair Treatments - Deep conditioning treatments, keratin smoothing, and scalp treatments to keep hair healthy and vibrant.

Location: 500 Russell St. Suite 20
Phone: 662-268-3043
Check them out on Facebook and Instagram!

We want to take a moment to recognize FUMC Starkville, our longest-standing faith-based partner. For years now they have consistently supported us, and because of their contributions we have been able to increase our impact.

They offered their Connection building to host The Homeless Experience, which is an event we use for educational awareness and sensitivity. Their commitment to our mission has been invaluable, and we're thankful to have them in our corner. Thank you for being a steady and generous partner in our Community Support Network!

𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙨:
August 25
Drop offs and deliveries can be sent, delivered or taken to Dunkington (109 S. Lafayette St.).

✏️Sign up to 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄 or 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐑:
https://starkvillestrong.info/NeighborsHelpingNeighbors_Donate_Volunteer

‼️If you have food/hygiene items to donate that aren’t listed on the Sign Up Genius, feel free to bring them on by. Just note that we don’t take large bags of clothing or expired food.‼️

♦️The deadline for drop offs or deliveries is the day before event
🔹Learn more about Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
https://starkvillestrong.info/Neighbors_Helping_Neighbors

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬?
Participants will sign in, be given a number and then be provided sacks to go through the line. They can fill their sacks with whatever they need.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?
Perishable and non-perishable food, hygiene items, household essentials, fresh produce, eggs, etc.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐨?
• Engage with our participants
• Assist participants through the line
• Help set up and take down
• Serve Lunch
• Average number of volunteers in attendance: 30+

❓Do you represent a service organization❓
We’re looking for any organization wanting to 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦 their 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 to our volunteers and participants.
Email us: [email protected]

Learn more about Starkville Strong:
Https://starkvillestrong.info/Become_An_Expert

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: Annabelle Sharpe

Annabelle has been instrumental in increasing our impact over the last year. Here are just a few of the things she’s done with us:
1. Planned our first Homeless Experience event on MSU’s campus
2. Connected us with social work faculty to help us begin a social work interning program
3. Working to establish Starkville Strong at MSU that will be open for new members when MSU starts back.

Annabelle is a self-starter with lots of ambition and heart for the cause. Thanks for continuing to be a crucial member of our team!!!

Thanks to our very own Cate Van Halsema for being a 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗩𝗘𝗥 sponsor of our adult prom.

As a long time team member, she has been closely involved with Starkville Strong on our journey.

Cate has been particularly active in advocating for our homeless population. She was pivotal in our efforts to assist residents of Catherine Street Apartments, who faced mass evictions back in 2021. Her efforts were instrumental in securing a temporary injunction that prevented the immediate eviction of these residents, giving Starkville Strong more time to find alternative housing.

Additionally, she is involved in broader initiatives within Starkville Strong, including exploring the creation of a homeless shelter to serve the increasing number of homeless individuals in the area. She also wrote and taught our Path to Stability program, which has been successful and made a huge impact on our neighbors.

Read more here:
https://www.mississippifreepress.org/this-is-a-win-court-blocks-mass-evictions-in-starkville/
https://cdispatch.com/news/new-group-presses-oktibbeha-supes-to-fund-homeless-shelter/

Did you know these things about Dunkington and Starkville Strong?

• Starkville Strong’s brick and mortar food pantry location with a whole wall dedicated to pantry shelves and two refrigerators that hold perishable foods and Second Servings for our clients
• Location to drop off donations
• Location for clients to redeem food and hygiene sack vouchers
• Location for Neighbors Helping Neighbors drop offs, assembly, storage, sorting and volunteer center
• Volunteers report here throughout the week to perform Starkville Strong tasks
• Josh Herrington is the Pantry Manager and owner of Dunkington

Thanks so much to Dunkington for continuing to provide the space, the time and the man hours to help us run the food insecurity portion of Starkville Strong’s mission and for being a sponsor of our Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser.

𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗦: Sponsored by Barbara Runnels Coats, FICF, RICP, Modern Woodmen of America

At Starkville Strong, we believe in the power of small gestures to create big changes. This week, one of our potential clients left a heartfelt note in a random place, expressing a need for food assistance. Our case manager spotted the note and responded by leaving her contact card tucked inside.

This simple act of connection is what we're all about. By reaching out and offering support, we're not only meeting immediate needs but also guiding individuals towards long-term stability through our Path to Prosperity program.

👏Outreach = Opportunity👏

Huge thanks to Umi Japanese Steakhouse for stepping up as a Silver Sponsor of our Dancing Through the Decades fundraiser! They didn’t just contribute to our mission; they also helped us out by selling tickets directly from the restaurant. Their support played a big part in making the event a success.

Umi isn’t just about amazing sushi—they support our community too. If you’re in Starkville and want to support a business that gives back, Umi is where it’s at.

Big thanks to Trinity Pres for being a steady community partner with Starkville Strong. 🙏❤️

Your monthly support and the way you connect us with those who need a hand show how deeply you care about our community. We’re grateful to have you as partners in this work through Helping Hands, volunteer support and referring potential clients to us.

Trinity Presbyterian, your generosity and commitment are inspiring. We’re proud to “stay the path” with you.

Big thanks to Dolce Starkville for sharing the love (and their leftover bagels) with Starkville Strong! 🥯

These bagels have found a new purpose through our food outreach, feeding neighbors across Starkville who could use a little extra support. Dolce - Gelato Treats isn’t just serving up sweet treats—they’re serving our community in a meaningful way.

We see and appreciate you for being part of our mission to keep Starkville strong and connected.