Community Programs
Building a Stronger Community, Together
At United Way of East Mississippi, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through our programs, community partnerships, and local initiatives, we work to connect individuals and families with resources that support their well-being, strengthen financial stability, expand educational opportunities, and meet essential needs.
By bringing together community partners, volunteers, and local resources, we help address challenges facing our neighbors and create opportunities for a stronger, healthier community.
Our Programs & Initiatives
Basic Needs & Emergency Assistance
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
When individuals and families experience unexpected financial hardship, access to basic necessities can make all the difference. Through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, United Way of East Mississippi helps administer funding to local agencies providing food and shelter assistance to individuals and families facing economic emergencies.
This collaborative effort helps local service providers meet urgent needs and support community members during difficult times.
Health & Wellness
FamilyWize Prescription Savings Program
Access to affordable medication is an important part of maintaining good health. Through the FamilyWize prescription savings program, individuals and families can access prescription discounts that may help reduce out-of-pocket medication costs. The savings card is free to use and available to eligible users regardless of insurance status, subject to program terms and medication eligibility.
To see if your drug is eligible for a discount, click HERE!
To use FamilyWize, see how it works, or to download a prescription discount card, click HERE!
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Navigating Medicare and other health insurance options can be challenging. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program connects Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers with trained counselors who provide guidance on Medicare benefits, insurance options, medical bills, claims, and appeals.
SHIP helps individuals make informed decisions about their health coverage and better understand the resources available to them.
For more information on SHIP or to volunteer, contact us at 1.844.427.1005
Education & Youth Success
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
A love of reading can open doors to a lifetime of learning. Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, eligible children receive age-appropriate books by mail from birth until their fifth birthday. The program encourages early literacy, supports families in building home libraries, and helps children develop a strong foundation for future learning.
Children residing in Kemper, Lauderdale, and Neshoba counties, as well as children in the Quitman School District, may be eligible to participate, subject to current program availability.
REGISTRATION FORMS:
LAUDERDALE COUNTY
Stuff the Bus
Every student deserves the opportunity to start the school year ready to learn. Through Stuff the Bus, community members and partners come together to help provide school supplies for students in need. This initiative helps ease the financial burden on families while equipping students with tools that support classroom participation and educational success.
Financial Stability
Income Tax Preparation Program (ITPP)
Financial stability begins with access to the resources and support families need to manage their finances. United Way of East Mississippi sponsors the Income Tax Preparation Program to help eligible low- and moderate-income individuals and families prepare their income tax returns.
By connecting community members with tax preparation assistance, the program helps reduce barriers to filing and supports families as they navigate their financial responsibilities.