Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District

10/02/2025

We’re proud to have Allison Beasley Hawkins on our team at SMPDD 💙 Her leadership in economic and workforce development is shaping a brighter future for our region and building a stronger Mississippi!

Today’s board spotlight shines on Allison Beasley Hawkins, CEcD, IMO, Economic/Workforce Development Division Director at the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District.

For more than 20 years, Allison has overseen economic and workforce initiatives across a 15-county region, managing a team of 20+ professionals and coordinating grants, technical assistance, and partnerships to drive growth.

Her career path includes leadership roles with the Area Development Partnership and the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau, where she focused on research, prospect development, and destination growth.

A two-time graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, Allison holds a Master’s in Economic Development and a Bachelor’s in Political Science. She is recognized for her ability to align data, strategy, and collaboration to strengthen communities and expand opportunities.

09/30/2025

Way to Go, Rossie!! We are Proud to have you on our Team! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

09/25/2025

Ocean Springs Senior Center and First Missionary Baptist Church both had dynamic presentations on fall prevention during Falls Prevention Awareness Week!

We did some uplifting seated chair movements together, and the energy was fantastic!! Huge thanks to Humana for the delicious Chick-fil-A treat that kept us motivated! 🙌🪑🍗🎉



National Council on Aging

09/25/2025

September 24th marked a great day for the City of Columbia as they opened and celebrated the Grand Opening of Village of Grace. They are located at 612 Jackson Avenue, Columbia MS 39429.

"Village of Grace isn’t a personal care home. It’s a place where veterans and elders are honored as cultural keepers were meals taste like memory and where the porch light stays on not just for safety but a beacon of welcome" 💙💙💙

Congratulations from SMPDD, we welcome you as a resource partner for our Veterans! 🎉

09/22/2025

One in four Americans age 65+ falls every year. Being common doesn't make falling a normal part of aging. Learn why older people fall and how to take fall prevention precautions.

09/18/2025

🎉 They did it! The Wellness Team proudly wrapped up the Matter of Balance sessions at Sacred Heart Catholic in D'Iberville! 🙌🧡

What a fantastic experience bringing the Matter of Balance Program to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, D'Iberville, MS. 💪🌟

A huge thank you to Humana, Encore PT Services, and Memorial Health for sharing their time, expertise, and heart with our participants. 🙏🏽🏥

Interested in bringing a FREE workshop to the seniors in your community? Let’s connect! 📬✨

Contact:
Ashlee Dearman
Preventive Health Coordinator
Office: 228-868-2311
Email: Adearman@Smpdd.com

🎯🌟

A Matter of Balance

09/10/2025

Calling all High School Seniors with First Responder Parents 🎉💙🎓💙🎓💙🎉

🎓 Scholarship Deadline Extended! 🎓

Good news! We’re extending the deadline for the United in Blue Scholarship to September 19th.

This $1,000 scholarship is open to high school seniors with a parent who is a First Responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch) and planning to attend college.

Don’t miss this chance to honor the service of your parent and support your future education!

📅 New Deadline: September 19th
📍 Scan the QR code on the graphic or click here to apply ➡️ United in Blue Scholarship Application

https://form.jotform.com/unitednblue/united-in-blue-scholarship

Let’s spread the word and help a deserving student achieve their college dreams. 💙

09/10/2025

Catalyst ‘25 is underway. Career coaches from across MS have convened for a 2-day workshop sponsored by Accelerate MS.

From classrooms to communities, Mississippi’s are opening doors and changing lives. Today, we kick off Catalyst ’25—a workshop built to invest in their growth, so they can continue investing in Mississippi’s future.

09/08/2025

Governor Tate Reeves has proclaimed September as National

is proud to support Mississippi’s workforce by connecting people with training, skills, and career pathways that lead to good-paying jobs. This month, we celebrate the hardworking individuals and partnerships that are building a stronger, more resilient economy for our state. https://buff.ly/qsbAD97

09/04/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Elijah Weafer and Kassidy Shirley! 🎉

On behalf of SMPDD and the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, we are incredibly proud of your achievements and excited to celebrate your scholarships to Jones College! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off, and we have no doubt that you will thrive in this next chapter of your educational journey.

Way to go, Elijah and Kassidy! We wish you all the best as you pursue your dreams and make us proud. Keep reaching for the stars! 💫 🤩

09/01/2025

🎉 Happy Labor Day! 🎉

Our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. We will resume normal business hours tomorrow ❤️💙🤍Have a safe and wonderful day!

08/31/2025

We’re grateful for an amazing week at our Jones & Harrison counties health fairs. 💙🏘️ A heartfelt thank you to every vendor and community partner who helped us make these events a resounding success.
Your hard work and compassion truly make a difference. 😍✨

Mississippi Department of Human Services
SHIP National Technical Assistance Center