Doors now open at LIFT Resource and Referral Network
By Toni Miles
An official ribbon cutting ceremony held recently for the Mississippi State University Extension Service LIFT Resource and Referral Network, which will serve as a valuable resource for individuals and families by connecting them with support services, education and opportunities to thrive. Services are free and open to the public. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)
Residents and students in the area have more access to resources and opportunities now that the Mississippi State University Extension Service Lift Resource and Referral Network is open.
Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce and other local leaders were on hand for the official ribbon cutting ceremony held recently for the center, which officials say will serve as a valuable resource for individuals and families by connecting them with support services, education and opportunities to thrive.
“We are proud to welcome this impactful program to Long Beach and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community,” said Long Beach Community Affairs Director Courtney Cuevas-Welch, who also thanked everyone who helped make the vision for the resource center vision a reality.
The Long Beach Mississippi State University Extension Service LIFT Resource and Referral Network is the latest LIFT center opened in the state, bringing the number of LIFT centers now open in Mississippi to twenty-nine. Currently, there are five centers operating in the three Coastal Counties, including Gautier and Pascagoula in Jackson County and D’Iberville and Gulfport in Harrison County. These are all funded through the Mississippi Department of Human Resources.
Each center offers a Lending Library that provides a wide variety of learning materials and toys for early childhood professionals, children and families. Items can be checked out, at no cost, for up to fourteen days.
There are also monthly community events at each site that provide a fun and educational experience. Events are free and open to the public.
Sites also connect families with child care options and promote educational opportunities for workforce development and also offer a maker space for providers to create die-cuts, laminate materials, print and more.
To address the critical need for access to educational resources and materials for children, each site offers Mobile Units to help foster learning experiences and enhance school readiness. These mobile units are deployed in rural communities across the state to help families, community members, and early care and education providers have access to a diverse range of materials, including equipment for creating homemade classroom resources. Materials include developmentally appropriate resources at no cost. These mobile units travel statewide, attending community events and offering scheduled visits to help provide equitable access to resources and support for all.
For those interested in reserving the R&R Mobile Unit or for additional information about the resources and facilities, visit Extension.MSState.edu, or call 662-325-6358.
The MSU Extension Service LIFT Resource and Referral Network center in Long Beach is located at 19185 Commission Road and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays.
