FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2025

AJFC Community Action Agency Celebrates Community Action Month

Honoring 59 Years of Service, Community Empowerment, and Lifesaving Partnerships

Natchez, MS — During Community Action Awareness Month, AJFC Community Action Agency, Inc., proudly celebrates its 59th year of helping families build lasting pathways out of poverty. Founded in August 1966, AJFC has been a trusted pillar in Southwest Mississippi—empowering hardworking families through local solutions that create economic opportunity, promote resilience, and strengthen communities.

“This year marks 59 years of standing alongside families in Southwest Mississippi,” said Zadier Thomas, CEO of AJFC. “From job training and energy assistance to financial education and youth programs, we believe in giving people the tools they need to succeed—not keeping them dependent on government help.”

Celebrating Community Action Day – May 15, 2025

As part of this year’s Community Action Month observance, AJFC hosted Community Action Day on May 15 at Meadville Baptist Church in Franklin County. The event brought together residents and partner agencies to spotlight services, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the spirit of collaboration.

Participating partners included:

• Mississippi Legal Services

• Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Center

• MS Department of Human Services – Child Protective Services

• MS SHINE Program (Senior Health Insurance)

• Family Care Health Clinic

• Southwest MS Electric

• Magnolia Electric

• Mississippi Life

• MS Department of Human Services

• Southwest MS Planning and Development District

“These agencies represent what real partnership looks like,” said Thomas. “Together, we help families access resources, stay informed, and take steps toward self-reliance.”

AJFC Faces Funding Cuts – Community Support Needed

Despite decades of success, AJFC and Community Action Agencies across the U.S. are facing a critical threat: the proposed federal budget from President Trump eliminates the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)—the very foundation of Community Action programs.

“Losing CSBG would devastate the network of services we provide to vulnerable families,” said Thomas. “Now more than ever, AJFC needs the support of our community to ensure we can continue to serve those who need us most.”

Programs That Make a Difference

AJFC’s services, powered by CSBG, LIHEAP, and WAP, include:

• Job Training & Financial Coaching – Building pathways to economic independence

• Small Business Support – Encouraging free enterprise and workforce readiness

• Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) – Keeping households safe during extreme temperatures

• Weatherization (WAP) – Reducing energy costs, improving homes, and creating local jobs

Donate. Advocate. Empower.

Support AJFC’s mission and help us continue to serve Mississippi families.

Make a contribution today at: www.ajfccaa.org/ways-to-donate

“AJFC is powered by our people, our partners, and our community,” said Thomas. “Together, we make action possible.”

About AJFC

Founded in 1966, AJFC Community Action Agency, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Natchez, MS, serving families across Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Claiborne, Copiah, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties. A proud member of the National Community Action Partnership and the Community Action Network, AJFC delivers services that promote self-sufficiency, financial security, and community progress.

Contact: (601) 442-8681

info@ajfccaa.org

www.ajfccaa.org

At AJFC Community Action Agency, our mission comes to life through the dedicated work of our staff—and today, we are proud to highlight the compassionate efforts of Ms. Blanton, who exemplifies what it means to serve with heart and purpose.

In February, AJFC received a referral for a client who had faced a difficult journey, including poor decisions, incarceration, and involvement with the wrong crowd. However, someone saw potential in him and believed that with the right support, he could turn his life around. That belief led him to Ms. Blanton, who immediately went to work connecting him with essential services and resources.

Ms. Blanton assisted the client in securing temporary housing where he receives three hot meals a day, providing him with a safe and stable environment. She also collaborated with Ms. Shavelle Woods, a TANF worker, who ensured the client was enrolled for SNAP benefits, helping to ease his financial burdens.

With this support network in place, the client secured employment at a local fast-food restaurant—a job he enjoys and takes great pride in. Now, with newfound stability and purpose, his next goal is to obtain his driver’s license, continuing his journey toward self-sufficiency and independence.

We are incredibly proud of the progress this client has made, and we applaud Ms. Blanton for her unwavering commitment to helping others overcome obstacles. Her work is a true reflection of AJFC’s mission:

"To collaborate with community organizations to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty by providing comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for sustainable growth and development."

Please join us in giving Ms. Blanton a well-deserved round of applause for her outstanding service and compassionate care.

In my younger years, I made some bad choices—decisions that cost me my freedom and my CDLs. Losing those years was tough, but I also made some good choices along the way—choices that set me on the path to turning my life around.When I was released, I knew I had to make a change. I took on a few different jobs, but none of them provided the stability or future I was looking for. Then, a friend mentioned that AJFC could help me get into truck driving school. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was real, but I figured I had nothing to lose.

I sent an email to info@ajfccaa.org, and to my surprise, I got a response quickly—not just an email, but also a phone call to schedule my appointment. That’s when I met Mr. Harris—a real cool cat, easy to talk to, and patient. He didn’t rush me, didn’t judge me—just listened and helped me figure out the next steps.

Before my appointment, I had already done some homework and gotten a quote from CRW Trucking. That put me a step ahead, and when I sat down with Mr. Harris, things moved fast. He got my paperwork processed, and just a few days later, I got the call that changed everything—I was approved!

That moment was a turning point. I was finally on my way to self-sufficiency.

Starting truck driving school was exciting but also challenging. Some days were tough, but Mr. Harris didn’t just forget about me after I got approved—he called a few times to check in, make sure I was doing alright, and see if I needed anything. That kind of support made all the difference.

I can’t even begin to express my gratitude to AJFC, Mr. Harris, and CRW Trucking. They gave me a shot when I needed it most. And now? I never would’ve imagined myself driving trucks in Alaska, but here I am, proving to myself and everyone else that change is possible.

It’s amazing what can happen when you take one step forward and have faith the size of a mustard seed.