Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) and the Advisory Board of South Mississippi Children’s Center (SMCC) are planning their annual VINES of the World Wine Tasting and Auction on Thursday, September 28, 2017, at The Venue at The Bakery Building in Hattiesburg. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the SMCC and the children it serves.
SMCC provided refuge to 97 children from across Mississippi last year; children like Jenny*.
Jenny was 14 when she came to SMCC. A local pastor contacted the center about her after learning she was living on the streets and refused to return home. Upon arrival, Jenny was provided clean clothes and a warm meal. She was given a comfortable bed and shown to a room which had been painted and decorated by volunteers. Jenny underwent a diagnostic evaluation to assess her emotionally and physically, and learn why she refused to return home.
“We notified her mother who was very concerned,” said Annie Jackson, Director of the SMCC. “She was thankful her daughter was safe.”
Staff at SMCC provided Jenny with emotional support and ensured her physical and medical needs were met. She remained at the center to undergo counseling that would be imperative for a safe and successful transition back home. While at the center, Jenny was able to return to school and participated in individual, crisis, and group counseling, and family therapy with her mother.
After 45 days, Jenny moved back home with her mother. Before returning home, Jenny’s case manager arranged for her to continue therapy through one of Canopy Children’s Solutions’ Behavioral Health Clinics.
SMCC is a refuge for children in great need. The child crisis shelter serves homeless and runaway youth and provides emergency housing for children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect and other crisis situations. The shelter offers services for children ages 9 to 20 years old.
“You don’t want to believe these things are really happening in our local communities, but I’m glad we’re here to provide for children in crisis,” said Jackson.
“We offer temporary residency for up to 12 children at a time, as well as clothing, food, transportation, educational support, trauma counseling and medical and dental care for each child who comes through our doors. That is why the VINES event is so important.”
The event will be held downtown from 6 until 10 p.m. It will feature fine wines and spirits from across the globe and mouthwatering cuisine from the area’s premier restaurants, as well as a live and silent auction.
Tickets to VINES may be purchased below. For more information about VINES, please call 769-777-1030.
In addition to general contributions, SMCC is also regularly needs volunteers, mentors, and donations of toiletries and gift cards. Contact the shelter at 601-582-8891 or toll free at 800-635-9056 to get involved.