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Leadership Pinebelt Projects
Each year, projects are developed that will benefit our community and area. Some of these projects were completed within the year of the program. Others are on going and involve the entire community. Past projects include:
1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009
1989 PROJECTS
Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity
Formed the organization to provide adequate housing for people in need by using volunteers and donations of materials and time by the community (project on-going). Contact: Jan Lacy, 601-582-3019.
Literacy Committee Report
Developed a report to raise public awareness of importance of literacy and promote literacy through specific activities not currently being offered (one-year project). Contact: Mike Ratliff, 601-582-4553.
Hattiesburg Public Schools Film
Created a video to promote public schools for new residents/businesses moving to Hattiesburg (one-year project). Contact: Rick Preusch, 601-544-1516.
1990 PROJECTS
Forrest-Lamar Development Corporation
Formed an organization to provide a source of information and consultation for the small business community and new small businesses (two-year project). Contact: Robert Cornett, 601-264-1911.
Say Yes to Leadership
Provided a program of leadership training for 10th graders recognized for leadership potential (two-year program). Contact: Linda Haywood, 601-288-7000.
Investing in the Future, Leadership by Example for the Pine Belt Boys and Girls Clubs
Assisted and enhanced the established program through a three-phase project (one-year project). Contact: Jerry Crowe, 601-544-2874.
1991 PROJECTS
Operation Hub-City For At-Risk Youth
Provided an opportunity for at-risk youth to tour various organizations around the area showing them various jobs that could be available to them. Students were encouraged to take advantage of their opportunities for education now (two-year project). Contact: Cathy Sessums, 601-268-9393.
P.I.N. - Public Information Network
Increased public awareness of election issues by broadcasting forums with candidates from Forrest and Lamar counties by filming City Council meetings and school board meetings (held other forums since that time as a group) (one-year project). Contact: Dennis Granberry – 601-264-5706.
Minority Involvement
Increased minority representatives from Area Development Partnership members, increased number of minorities in Leaders program, increased minority Board of Directors in ADP and encouraged minority business owners to join the ADP (three-year committee in ADP). Contact: Lee Fedric, 601-268-0299.
Race Relations
Encouraged people of all races to work together to make our schools and our community a better place. The group produced local TV commercials (one-year project). Contact: Debbie Haskin, 601-544-6532.
Deciding the Issues
Informed the public about issues surrounding the incorporation of Oak Grove to a city. No position was taken. The group held a debate on local TV (one-year project). Contact: Randall Strange, 601-288-4089.
Frazier Museum and Old Library Building
Actively sought support for the Frazier Museum and suggested productive uses for the old library building (currently the Hattiesburg Cultural Center) (one-year project). Contact: Betsy Rowell, 601-264-3989.
1993 PROJECTS
Entrepreneurial College
Developed a series of six seminars designed to provide assistance/training to entrepreneurs. The first session was held at Pine Belt Expo (three-year project). Contact: A.D. Hunt, 601-582-2118.
ROLL Program (Reaching Our Little Leaders)
Developed a pilot program to provide mentoring geared toward career development for at-risk junior high students (one-year project). Contact: Missy Warren McGee, 601-261-3145.
Passport to Civic Services
PHASE I - Created a report of city/county tax comparisons to aid in explaining basic government to students, newcomers, etc. PHASE II - Assimilated community needs intended to link civic clubs and service-oriented organizations to specific projects (one-year project). Contact: Ron Farris, 601-853-1245.
1994 PROJECTS
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program
Worked with other agencies to gain support for development of this program designed to help mentor and provide guidance for at-risk youth (United Way agency under umbrella of Family Y - on going) (one-year project). Contact: John Blanks, 601-268-0229.
Senior Volunteer Network
Cooperated with other agencies to encourage area senior citizens to put their talents to work through volunteer efforts (on going through USM Volunteer Resource Center) (one-year project). Contact: Kathy Rounsaville, 601-544-4211.
Teen Network Fair
Developed a pilot program whereby area teens had the opportunity to talk with adults in different professions who could help them make a career decision (one-year project). Contact: Marcia Wright, 601-268-3135.
1995 PROJECTS
The Parenting Collection
Purchased and provided educational toys for pre-school children so they will be ready to learn when they enter first grade (funding obtained, housed at new public library) (one-year project). Contact: Maureen Martin, 601-266-5223.
Downtown Improvement
Provided research on existing downtown buildings, a brochure outlining procedures for locating a business downtown, and a long-range plan for development (worked with ADP and Hattiesburg Downtown Association to develop plan) (one-year project). Contact: George Herrington, 601-268-6747.
Greater Hattiesburg H.O.S.T. (WINNER OF STATE LEADERSHIP PROJECTS IN 1996)
Created a hospitality training program for employees greeting tourists/potential residents to educate them about area amenities and excellent customer service (housed at Pearl River Community College) (three-year project). Contact: Patrick Bell, 601-794-2694.
Internet Homepage
Developed a Hattiesburg homepage encompassing the history, cultural, educational, medical, and recreational opportunities in this area (one-year project). Contact: Jim Koerber, 601-583-1000.
SEMCIC Marketing Plan/Brochure
Developed a brochure and video showcasing the Southeast Mississippi Investment Corporation. The informational brochure was used by the ADP and local banks to educate entrepreneurs about the program (one-year project). Contact: Donita Wade-Singleterry, 601-268-2234.
Educated Options in the Greater Hattiesburg Area
Developed a booklet containing pertinent information about all area public and private schools to be distributed to newcomers. The booklet is housed at the ADP as a tool to help new residents decide in which school to place their children (subsequent issues updated by ADP Education Committee) (one-year project). Contact: Joanne Marsh, 601-264-2111, Ext. 105.
1997 PROJECTS
Promoting Volunteerism in Hattiesburg
Developed a program to promote volunteer recruitment efforts in the Greater Hattiesburg Area. Provided a volunteer resource guide and video as a visual tool to help recruit volunteers for various community agencies (book published and distributed to agencies who deal with volunteers (book revised/housed at USM-Office of Community Service Learning) (one-year project). Contact: Rusty Anderson, 601-266-4153.
The Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation (WINNER OF STATE LEADERSHIP PROJECTS IN 1998) Formed a not-for-profit organization designed to support charitable activities in Forrest, Lamar, and Perry counties. The Foundation promotes philanthropy and gives grants to deserving causes (foundation established; housed at Trustmark Bank) (one-year project). Contact: Andy Leslie, 601-544-8100.
Upward Mobility Association
Developed a scholarship program for persons who have a desire to further their workforce skills but cannot due to financial considerations (two-year project). Contact: Christine Burton Brown, 601-545-4593.
1998 PROJECTS
Future Leaders of Forrest, Lamar and Perry Counties
Developed and implemented a high school leadership program involving students from Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties (housed at Family Y) (four-year project). Contact: Don Roseberry, 601-794-5085.
Neighbors Taking Action
Created a resource for community action regarding problems in local neighborhoods (pamphlet printed and distributed locally) (one-year project). Contact: Natalie Breland Wiggins, 601-582-1911.
A Parenting Resource Manual
Created a resource guide for parents on issues related to children including medical care available, daycare, and other questions for new parents and newcomers to the area (guide printed and distributed locally) (one-year project). Contact: Pam Peterman, 601-544-4421.
Family Medicine Day
Planned and implemented an event for local hospitals and clinics to provide one free day of medical services to those who could not otherwise afford medical care (one-year project). Contact: Alvaro Moreno, 601-544-7976.
Count Me In - Greater Hattiesburg
Developed a program that increased awareness of the 2000 census and showed the value of census data for the future of our community. This group worked with the City of Hattiesburg in its census efforts (two-year project). Contact: Ron Cain, 601-268-5010.
Conflict Management - Alternative Dispute Resolution Program for Hattiesburg Area Youth
Project developed to provide area schools with resources necessary to begin a conflict-management program. Hattiesburg Middle School was used as the pilot school (one-year project). Contact: Linda Bass, 601-266-6848.
2000 PROJECTS
First Call for Help Program
Developed a program to help individuals and families in crisis. The First Call for Help program is designed to direct a person or family to the appropriate agency for assistance (project housed at American Red Cross) (one-year project). Contact: Kristie Fairley, 601-296-7475.
Mercy House
The Mercy House is a refuge for 8-12 year old boys who have no place to go and are considered at-risk youth. This group assessed the needs of this program and assisted with those issues including purchase of a van and necessary furniture for Mercy House (one-year project). Contact: Chellie Eavenson, 601-264-4563.
Heritage Museum
Developed a plan to establish/fund a Greater Hattiesburg Area Heritage Museum including securing an organization to house the museum and help plan the interactive displays (project housed at Hattiesburg Museum) (two-year project). Contact: Scott Sills, 601-268-5506.
2001 Projects
LIGHTS (Learning Initiatives Geared Toward Hattiesburg Area Teachers & Students) Developed/implemented a school-based History of Hattiesburg program using a creative arts competition to 7th & 8th grade students in the Hattiesburg Public School District (one-year project). Contact: Mary Beth Walker, 931-598-1000.
Adam’s Place-A Special Needs Accessible Playground for Hattiesburg Area Children - WINNER OF STATE LEADERSHIP PROJECTS IN 2003
Created a first-class playground that is accessible to all children, regardless of their physical limitations, for Hattiesburg and South Mississippi (housed at Kamper Park; maintained by City of Hattiesburg) (two-year project). Contact: Jay Estes, 601-583-2182.
EYES - Educating Youth and Enhancing Skills for the Future
Developed a customer service program geared toward high school students in the Hattiesburg area (one-year project). Contact: Paula Givens Hand, 601-288-4164.
2002 Projects
Day of Caring
Planned and implemented a community-wide program to provide assistance to various agencies of United Way (one-year project). Contact: Georgia Boone, 601-582-4427.
ARC House Project
Provided assistance to purchase/provide items on wish list of Association of Retarded Citizens. The group provided landscaping, sodding, and site preparation for a walking track, and secured special discounts for other items needed (one-year project). Contact: Traci Fowler, 601-584-3089.
Hattiesburg Train Depot - Paving the Way to the Future
Worked with City of Hattiesburg officials to raise funds to renovate the train depot in the Hattiesburg downtown area (project on going). Contact: Jane Kingsafer, 601-606-5263.
Jumpstart for HEAD START
Initiated, organized and executed a plan to help renovate the old gymnasium at the W.H. Jones Elementary School for the Head Start program in the Hattiesburg area. The group assisted in fundraising efforts for the demolition and construction of a new gym furnished with interior play equipment (two-year project). Contact: Julie Tator, 601-261-3510.
The Field of Dreams
Developed a plan to build a "Field of Dreams (part of the Miracle League)," a baseball complex specially designed for children with physical and mental disabilities. The City of Hattiesburg has donated land in Tatum Park to be used for the project (project on hold). Contact: Sharon Weathersby, 601-544-0105.
Freedom Summer Trail (WINNER OF STATE LEADERSHIP PROJECTS IN 2004)
Developed the Freedom Summer Trail in historic downtown Hattiesburg. A walking trail has been developed beginning with a memorial at the Eureka School and following the path of the original 1963 march through Hattiesburg. Markers indicate important leaders, activists and facts associated with the Civil Rights Movement and the Freedom Summer March (two-year project). Contact: Eddie Rester, 601-544-7873.
Zoo Crew
Showcased the continued growth of the Hattiesburg Zoo, partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoological Society to encourage participation and membership in the future of the zoo, enlisted participation by area schools, solicited billboard space to advertise the zoo, and worked with area media to increase awareness of on going projects (one-year project). Contact: Ashlea Maddox, 601-264-2111, Ext. 106.
Hideaway Haven Pavilion
Developed a plan to construct a handicap-accessible pavilion adjacent to an existing walking track at the Association of Retarded Citizens house (one-year project). Contact: Derek Arrington, 601-545-8180.
Light the Longleaf Gateway
Developed a plan to provide evening hour lighting set up on a timer from the Gateway to the Longleaf Trace to the 7th Street tunnel (two-year project). Contact: Joe Gibson, 601-288-2700.
Operation Fallen Soldier
Established a memorial honoring fallen soldiers mobilized during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom who trained at Camp Shelby and raised public awareness of the Armed Forces Museum and the memorial (two-year project). Contact: Amy Arrington, 601-271-2711.
Fostering the Future - Enhancing the Lives of Foster Children
Developed a public service campaign to promote awareness of foster parenting and upgraded the lobby and visitation room at Forrest County Department of Human Services (one-year project). Contact Lee Bell, 601-554-5537.
The Healing Garden - for the Shafer Center and Domestic Abuse Center
Created a garden memorial including fencing and decking for the centers (one-year project). Contact: Linda Vasquez, 601-545-2102.
Community Play!
Built a playground in a low to moderate income area of Hattiesburg. (one-year project). Contact: Owen Munton, 601-818-6225.
Canvassing the City – A Downtown Mural Series
Facilitated business owner and local artist partnerships in placing quality murals in appropriate public places in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg (one-year project). Contact: Jonathan Cothern, 601-606-9327.
Operation Renovation (of the Domestic Abuse Center)
Provided labor and materials to enhance the aesthetic and physical condition of the Domestic Abuse Center (one-year project). Contact: Tracy Bowles, 601-408-5955.
Clean Teen
Planned/implemented a program for Hattiesburg Public School students to learn about self-esteem, teen pregnancy, and other teen issues using an abstinence-based approach. Held series of classes for high school freshman with trained, professional teachers on these issues (one-year project). Contact: Derrick Autmon, 601-582-5078.
Las Paginas Pinebelt
Developed/printed a resource guide for the Hispanic/Latino community in the Pinebelt (one-year project). Contact: Joy Hamilton, 601-579-3483.
Summer with Arts and Neighbors
Enhanced the quality of life for children grades K-7 at the Edwards Street Fellowship by exposing and educating them to multiple mediums of the arts. Held series of art events during summer months (one-year project). Contact: Pam Kelly, 601-271-2177.
Born Learning Trail
Construct an interactive learning trail to be used by Hattiesburg area children at Town Square Park in partnership with the City of Hattiesburg. Project will include an area with green space for local families and learning stations about nature along the trail (project on-going). Contact: Beth Moore, 601-408-0924.
Promoting the Hub
Promote the history of Hattiesburg and how Hattiesburg came to be known as the Hub City with a rendition of the original ‘Hub’ sign built in front of the newly renovated Hattiesburg Train Depot out of brick/metal (project on-going). Contact: Ross Randall, 601-297-2918.
Bridging the Gap Through Inclusive Play
Develop a universally accessible playground with equipment adjacent to Thames Elementary School. Implement a city play day to help integrate the lives of all children regardless of ability (project on-going). Contact: Adrian Strickland, 601-408-1848.
GROUP 1 – Stars & Stripes
Jennifer Rigney, Captain (601-818-4724) Brian Moore
Jennifer Doleac Tom Smith
Joshua Johnson Kimberly Thomas
Create and implement a Fourth of July celebration in Downtown Hattiesburg featuring music, food, activities for children and a fireworks finale – a day of fun for the entire family!
GROUP 2 – Day of S.N.O.W. (Southerners Needing Outdoor Wear)
Julie Breazeale, Captain (601-270-7424) Ashton Haigler
Andrea Dixon Nayarda Robison
Synarus Green Terri Lynn Warden
Disperse winter coats to needy children on a first come, first served basis. The event will tentatively be held on August 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Town Square Park.
GROUP 3 – Today’s Good Samaritan
Julia Starrett, Captain (601-325-6401) Chris Martin
Sommer Guerin Lindsey Miller
Arthur Lumzy, Jr. Bo Pennebaker
Today’s Good Samaritan will organize volunteers to provide random acts of kindness one day per quarter targeting area groups in need including St. Vincent DePaul, Habitat for Humanity, a Richton church, and Carpenter’s Helper.
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