Reopening of Chickasaw County Economic Assistance Office in Houston, MS
Mississippi Department of Human Services officials announce the opening of its new Chickasaw County Economic Assistance Eligibility Office, located at the former WIN Job Center in Houston, MS. This newly renovated office will provide essential services to residents in need of assistance with SNAP and other economic support programs.
Beginning Monday, March 17, 2025, the office will be fully operational and ready to serve the Chickasaw County residents daily from 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 PM. The Economic Assistance Eligibility Office will be open to assist with applications, questions, and information related to SNAP benefits and other economic assistance programs.
“We are thrilled to reopen this office in Houston, making it easier for Chickasaw County residents to access the support they need,” said Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director of MDHS. “This is an important step in ensuring that our community has access to critical resources.
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Local Office Contact Information for Assistance: MDHS Chickasaw County Economic Assistance Office 662-456-3724
ELEVATE: a Quality Support System for Child Care Providers
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD) is introducing ELEVATE: A Quality Support System, the first-of-its-kind in the nation quality support system designed to enhance early childhood education programs in Mississippi. ELEVATE is an innovative and holistic support and badging system that enables child care providers to improve their educational offerings.
Recognizing that child care serves as the backbone of Mississippi’s workforce and K-12 preparedness, this system aims to provide a structured guide for establishing quality curricula and teaching practices in early childhood education. Through ELEVATE, families will have the opportunity to select child care providers that best fit their needs.
The ELEVATE program will be implemented over a three-year period. During the first year, providers will work toward achieving the foundational Educational Interaction badge, which includes training modules designed to enhance teachers’ skills in delivering high-quality care and education in child care classrooms.
“Our child care programs work hard to educate and care for Mississippi’s children and support working families. They deserve both our support and recognition, which ELEVATE will provide.” – Dr. Chad Allgood
In preparation for the launch of ELEVATE, MDHS DECCD hosted multiple town hall meetings across the state, gathering feedback from child care providers and families. This valuable input has been instrumental in shaping the program, which has been in development for several years.
Regarding ELEVATE and its overarching goal, DECCD Division Director Dr. Chad Allgood stated, “Our child care programs work very hard to educate and care for Mississippi’s children, and they are a great resource for Mississippi’s working families. They need our support, but more than that, they deserve recognition for what they do. ELEVATE will give them both.”
The system’s rollout will initially focus on child care facilities participating in the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) before expanding to other providers. Child care personnel can register for training through the lift-ED portal on ELEVATE: a Quality Support System – MS LIFT, where a tutorial is available for those unfamiliar with the program. Project implementation is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Since 2023, millions of dollars have been invested in improving child care quality and ensuring the availability of the highest quality early childhood education resources for children in Mississippi.
MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson noted, “We want child care to be a true learning experience for children in addition to providing a safe place for their young minds to grow. The ELEVATE system will help assure parents that child care is a part of that early learning dynamic.”
For more information about ELEVATE and MS LIFT, visit www.mslift.org.
What is ELEVATE?
ELEVATE is the first-of-its-kind in the nation quality support system introduced by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Early Childhood Care and Development (DECCD). It aims to enhance early childhood education programs in Mississippi through a holistic support and badging system for child care providers.
Why was ELEVATE created?
The ELEVATE program recognizes the critical role that child care plays in Mississippi’s workforce and K-12 preparedness. It provides a guide for establishing quality curricula and teaching practices, helping families select the best child care providers for their needs.
How will ELEVATE be implemented?
ELEVATE will be implemented over three years. In the first year, child care providers will aim to achieve the foundational Educational Interaction badge, which includes training modules to enhance teachers’ skills in delivering high-quality care and education.
Who is eligible to participate in ELEVATE?
The program will initially focus on child care facilities participating in the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP). The program will later expand to include all child care providers who want to participate.
What resources will be available for training?
Child care personnel can register for training through the lift-ED portal | Lift Portal | Mississippi Department of Human Services. A tutorial is also available for individuals who are not familiar with the program.
What was the process leading up to ELEVATE’s launch?
Before the launch, MDHS DECCD conducted multiple town hall meetings across the state to gather feedback from child care providers and families. This input has been crucial in the final program, which has been in development for several years.
What is the timeline for the ELEVATE program?
The rollout of the ELEVATE program is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Who can I contact for more information about ELEVATE?
For more detailed information about ELEVATE and MS LIFT, please visit www.mslift.org. For inquiries, you may contact ms.lift@mdhs.ms.gov.
What is the overall goal of the ELEVATE program?
The overarching goal of ELEVATE is to support and recognize the hard work of child care providers in Mississippi while enhancing the quality of early childhood education.
What is PDG B-5 – R Funding?
The Preschool Development Grant Birth–Five Renewal Grant (PDG B5-R) funding comes from the renewal of the federal Preschool Development Grant (PDG) administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. Mississippi will receive over $30 million during the course of the three-year grant project period.
What is the grant period?
The three-year grant period is from 2023 to 2025, with the first-year grant allocated at $10.3 million. Subsequent awards will be announced prior to each funding year.
What role will child care providers play in developing a quality improvement system?
DECCD is launching ELEVATE: a Quality Support System. Child care providers have played a major role in providing feedback on the current system and provided input on how the new support system will be structured, including how our state should measure quality in early childhood, how child care providers should be recognized for their hard work on this front, and how they can be supported in continuing to offer the best possible care and education for Mississippi’s children.
Who benefits from the grant?
Mississippi families in need of quality early childhood care and education and the providers who seek to build quality care services by working with the network of support services and resources available in the state are the primary beneficiaries.
On a larger scale, all of Mississippi benefits. Building a system of quality care not only supports the small businesses that feed Mississippi’s economy but also provides jobs in the state and gives families the option of entering the workforce with the certainty that their children are receiving quality care. Without such care, the state loses millions of dollars annually.
Almost half of all Mississippi’s children (48%) live in a child care desert. Mississippi is the fourth most rural state in the U.S., and 60% of Mississippi’s rural children live in a child care desert.
SNAP Replacement Benefits Available for Those Affected by Recent Storms
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) reminds SNAP recipients who experienced a power outage over four (4) hours due to recent storms to apply for SNAP replacement benefits through the MDHS website or their local county office.
To request a replacement of SNAP benefits, households must submit a Replacement SNAP request to their local MDHS office within ten (10) days of the date of the power outage.
To access the replacement request form follow this link MDHS-EA-508. The completed form may be submitted by mail, email, or uploaded to the MDHS website using the document upload feature.
If assistance is needed, the Economic Assistance Customer Service Center can be contacted at 800-948-3050.
The MDHS website and social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter) are updated regularly with the latest replacement information.
SNAP recipients encouraged to protect their PIN
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) reminds SNAP clients to protect their SNAP benefits. Over the past few weeks, the MDHS Office of Inspector General reports an increase in reports of skimming that have resulted in stolen SNAP benefits.
Please report stolen SNAP benefits through our Fraud Tip Report form so that we may continue to identify and fight benefit theft.
Following instructions from our federal partners, beginning June 30, 2025, MDHS can no longer replace stolen SNAP benefits, even if the theft occurred before December 20, 2024.
SNAP participants are encouraged to take action that may help prevent card skimming. Here are some examples:
Change your PIN frequently or after each use.
Avoid using PINs that are easy to guess, such as 1234 or sequences of the same digit like 0000 or 1111. While these may be convenient for you to remember, they also make it simple for thieves to access your account and steal your funds.
Keep your PIN secret. Do not share your PIN with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you notice any, change your PIN immediately to stop the thief from making new purchases.
Check card reading machines to make sure there’s nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad. The overlays can be difficult to detect but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine.
If your EBT card has been compromised, call the Mississippi EBT card holder service center at 1-866-512-5087 as soon as possible to report the card as compromised. This will deactivate the card and send a new card to the account holder.
If MDHS can verify that your SNAP benefits were stolen due to skimming, card cloning, or other similar methods between August 15, 2023 and December 20, 2024, you may be eligible for replacement benefits up to a certain amount: either two months of your household’s benefit amount or the amount of the benefit theft, whichever is less. File a Lost Benefit Attestation form to report stolen benefits.
Caring for Our Caregivers: Enhancing Support for Mississippi’s Aging Population
November is National Caregiver Month, which is dedicated to recognizing and supporting caregivers as they provide essential care for others. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
DAAS is enhancing its programs to assist those who care for our most vulnerable citizens and better support our aging population.
“As our communities grow older, it’s imperative that we invest in the well-being of caregivers who are the backbone of our support systems,” said Kenyada Blake, Director of the MDHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “The Mississippi Dementia Care Program is dedicated to providing essential respite and support services, ensuring caregivers have the necessary tools to care for their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.”
Under the Older Americans Act, MDHS administers the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides temporary relief for regular caregivers—whether they are spouses, children, or relatives—of individuals who are ill, functionally impaired, or living with dementia and require constant in-home care.
The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program collaborates with 10 Area Agencies on Aging and local community service providers to deliver five essential services for family caregivers, including:
Information about available services.
Assistance in accessing services.
Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training to help caregivers make informed decisions and solve problems related to their caregiving roles.
Respite care temporarily relieves caregivers of their responsibilities.
Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.
The Mississippi Dementia Care Program provides respite care and support services to informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) or cognitive impairment. Caregivers will have access to approximately 27 hours of respite care per month for twelve consecutive months. Support will also be offered through Building Better Caregiver workshops.
It is crucial for caregivers to take regular breaks to recharge and manage stress levels. Here are some recommendations:
Be hopeful in your outlook.
Maintain or increase levels of physical activity.
Prioritize mental health.
Stay connected with friends and family whenever possible.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) will hold a virtual oral proceeding on the Proposed Filing of the agency’s Subgrant Manual on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 10:00am – 12:00 noon.
MDHS will allow attendees to make verbal public comments during this oral proceeding. Please note, you MUST sign up in advance to provide verbal comment at the Oral Proceeding.
In addition to the oral proceeding, you may provide written comments via the link below. We will be accepting written comments until the end of the scheduled oral proceeding at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 6.
In accordance with MS Code § 25-43-3.104, individuals who have signed up in advance may present oral or written argument, data and views on the proposed changes to the Subgrant Manual at the proceeding. The agency will not be responding to questions during the proceeding.
The Subgrant Manual provides uniform procedures and guidance for the administration of subgrants awarded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). The manual serves a three-fold purpose:
1. To ensure subgrantee funds are used for the purposes for which they are awarded;
2. To safeguard public monies to the greatest extent possible; and
3. To provide guidance to subgrantees in establishing and maintaining sound business accounting procedures.
If you’d like to receive an alert when MDHS releases a new opportunity to receive funding from the agency through the public procurement process, you can sign up below.
Washington County DHS Office to Temporarily Close for Maintenance
Effective August 19, 2024, the Washington County Human Services Office will be closed for maintenance
With the support of Washington County officials, MDHS is making every effort to ensure SNAP and TANF clients in Washington County continue to be served. Clients may receive in-person assistance by MDHS Washington Human Services Office employees at the Washington County Convention Center at 1040 S Raceway Rd, Greenville, MS 38703 temporarily.
Additionally, SNAP and TANF clients may also submit required documents in the drop box located outside of the Washington County Human Services Office, by email at dfo.washingtoncounty@mdhs.ms.gov or on the MDHS website via the document upload feature at SNAP & TANF Document Upload.
“We understand this may cause some inconvenience, but our top priority is to ensure our clients continue to receive the assistance they need during this maintenance period,” said Shenetta Drone, Deputy Executive Director for Economic Programs. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work with the Washington County Board of Supervisors to improve our facilities and services.”
Clients are encouraged to create an account on the Common Web Portal to access up to date information and messages regarding their case. Mississippi Common Web Portal
The Washington County Office will reopen after the maintenance is complete. Clients with questions or needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Washington County Human Services Office at dfo.washingtoncounty@mdhs.ms.gov.
“Offering Mississippians young and old tangible help today to create a lasting hope for tomorrow.”
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ON ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION
Division of Aging and Adult Services Raises Awareness and Spotlights Resources for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025
Mississippi Department of Human Services Shines a Light on Elder Abuse Prevention
Jackson, MS— The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Aging and Adult Services, is recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2025, and reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable older adults.
“As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is vital that we remain vigilant in protecting their rights and well-being,” said Kenyada Blake Washington, Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate our community on the signs of abuse and connect older Mississippians with the resources and support they need.”
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation, as well as neglect. It is estimated that 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse each year, though many cases go unreported. Risk factors include social isolation, cognitive impairment, and dependence on a caregiver.
To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Division of Aging and Adult Services encourages all Mississippians to learn the signs of elder abuse and take action to protect older adults in their communities. Some key signs to watch for include:
Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other physical injuries
Sudden changes in financial situation or unpaid bills
Withdrawal from normal activities or social isolation
Bedsores, poor hygiene, or unmet medical needs
Unusual changes in behavior or emotional state
If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, contact the Mississippi Adult Protective Services hotline at 1-800-222-8000 to anonymously report your concerns or online. Individuals should always call the nearest law enforcement agency or 911 if the situation is a life-threatening emergency.
Reports received are electronically transmitted to an Adult Protective Services regional supervisor for the county where the alleged victim resides. The APS supervisor reviews the report and makes the screening decision for further handling. If the report meets criteria for an APS investigation, the supervisor assigns the report to an APS worker. In most cases reports can be made anonymously and in all cases the reporter’s name is kept confidential.
Together, we can work to ensure that all older Mississippians can live with dignity and respect.
MISSION- The Mississippi Department of Human Services offers Mississippians, young and old, tangible help today to create lasting hope for tomorrow.
ABOUT- MDHS (the Mississippi Department of Human Services) a state agency dedicated to serving the people of Mississippi. With offices in all 82 counties, MDHS provides a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for individuals and families of all ages – from early childhood to older adulthood.
MDHS Issues RFP for Workforce, Afterschool Programs, and Parenthood Initiatives
Welcoming new and existing partners in underserviced areas
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) focused on addressing the critical needs of underserviced areas throughout Mississippi. MDHS seeks Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) service providers offering Afterschool Program Activities and Parenthood Initiatives in the state. The RFP, issued on Monday, June 3, 2024, aims to foster new partnerships with organizations and expand on existing partnerships that can effectively deliver essential services in these areas.
Submissions are due by Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time (CDT).
The agency will primarily invest TANF block grant dollars to fund the programs outlined in the RFP.
“The key to moving forward and creating a more self-sufficient Mississippi lies in our ability to connect with and serve all areas of the state,” emphasized MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. “We encourage partners in historically underserviced areas who have demonstrated their commitment and expertise in Afterschool Program Activities, Parenthood Initiatives, and Workforce Training and Education Programs to apply. Together, we can make a significant impact in all communities.”
MDHS is committed to connecting and uplifting underserviced communities throughout Mississippi. With a primary focus on low-income, at-risk areas, MDHS seeks proposals from both new and existing partners who can deliver high-quality services to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.
RFP includes:
Provide comprehensive services, including academic support, career exploration, leadership development, etc.
Offer education and training programs on important topics like teen pregnancy prevention, drug abuse, violence prevention, sexual assault awareness, and healthy family relationships.
Provide transportation, literacy programs, additional services, and soft skills training.
Preserve and strengthen the parent-child relationship while reducing safety threats.
Prevent child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and teen pregnancies.
Provide parenting skills, awareness of child development, positive discipline methods, and support for mental health and special needs.
Teach healthy communication, coping skills, and self-care.
Build family and community support systems and provide education and skills training resources.
Assess income, household, and employment status to determine workforce training and education eligibility.
Provide job readiness skills, vocational training, and educational resources.
Help individuals find employment and advance their careers.
Offer support services to address barriers to employment.
Collaborate with local workforce authorities and community colleges for sector-specific training programs.
MDHS is seeking partnerships to provide TANF services throughout Mississippi, with priority given to underserviced areas.
MDHS remains committed to fostering partnerships that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and well-being in Mississippi. By connecting with both new and existing partners and inviting organizations to serve in underserviced areas, MDHS aims to bridge the gap and create a brighter future for all Mississippians.
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If you’d like to receive an alert when MDHS releases a new opportunity to receive funding from the agency through the public procurement process, you can sign up below.
The purpose of this RFP is to address the needs of Mississippi counties with less than two active MDHS TANF service providers offering Afterschool Program Activities and/or Parenthood Initiatives. MDHS aims to foster new partnerships and expand on existing ones to effectively deliver essential services in these underserved areas.
When will the RFP be issued?
The RFP is scheduled to be issued on Monday, June 3, 2024.
What is the deadline for submitting proposals?
The deadline for submissions is set for Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. Central Standard Time (CDT).
Who is eligible to apply for this RFP?
MDHS is seeking proposals from both new and existing partners who can deliver high-quality services to address the unique challenges faced by underserviced communities.
What funding will be used for the programs outlined in the RFP?
MDHS will invest Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant to fund the programs outlined in the RFP.
What areas in Mississippi are targeted by the RFP?
The RFP requests services in three main areas: Afterschool Program Activities (APA), Parenthood Initiative (PI), and Workforce Training and Education Programs (WTEP). Please note that WTEP can only be applied for in addition to one of the other two services and not separately. Each area has specific objectives and requirements outlined in the RFP, which you can find in full detail on the MDHS Procurement Services website: (https://www.procurement.mdhs.ms.gov).
What are the expectations for Afterschool Program Activities (APA) proposals?
APA proposals should provide a comprehensive range of services, including academic support, career exploration, leadership development, work-based learning, and education on important topics like teen pregnancy prevention, drug abuse, and violence prevention, sexual assault awareness, and healthy family relationships. Proposals should also collaborate with the MDHS Division of Youth Services and local schools to improve attendance and academic performance, provide transportation, literacy programs, additional services, and soft skills training, and expand learning programs to offer flexible hours and STEAM opportunities.
What are the expectations for Parenthood Initiative (PI) proposals?
PI proposals aim to preserve and strengthen the parent-child relationship while reducing safety threats. Proposals should focus on preventing child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and teen pregnancies. They should provide parenting skills, awareness of child development, positive discipline methods, support for mental health and special needs, healthy communication, coping skills, self-care, and building family and community support systems. Proposals should also provide resources for education and skills training.
What are the expectations of the Workforce Training and Education Programs (WTEP) proposal?
WTEP proposals should assess income, household, and employment status to determine workforce training and education eligibility. They should provide job readiness skills, vocational training, educational resources, assistance in finding employment and advancing careers, and support services to address barriers to employment. It is important to note that WTEP cannot be applied to on its own; it can only be added if applying to another area. Proposals should also involve collaboration with local workforce authorities and community colleges for sector-specific training programs.
What reporting requirements will be expected from awarded organizations?
Upon award, subgrantees will be required to prepare and submit demographic and outcome reports designed by MDHS. These reports should be submitted by a designated due date, which will be at most monthly and at least quarterly. Evaluation and outcome reports are essential for program planning, design, and implementation. Detailed reports allow subgrantees to make informed decisions about necessary program changes.
What is the goal of MDHS in fostering partnerships through this RFP?
MDHS aims to bridge the gap in underserviced areas and create a brighter future for all Mississippians by fostering partnerships that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and well-being in the state. By connecting with both new and existing partners, MDHS seeks to create sustainable change and offer tangible help today to create lasting hope for tomorrow.
Where can I find more information and access the RFP?
For any questions or assistance regarding the RFP, please contact the MDHS Procurement Services team at procurement.services@mdhs.ms.gov. Please do not contact the county offices as they will be unable to assist you with the RFP process.
MDHS Unveils New Website
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announced today the launch of its brand-new website, designed to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for website visitors. To access the new website and explore the improved features, please visit MDHS.MS.Gov.
The new website aims to make accessing the agency’s services and resources easier than ever before, ensuring that Mississippians can readily find the assistance they need. MDHS has added new pages to assist our governmental and community partners in connecting their constituents and clients to MDHS programs and services.
“One of the crucial changes we have been making at MDHS is a transition to transparency, so that we can provide better and more efficient service to the populations we serve,” stated Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson. “Critical to transparency is this new, client-friendly website which is much easier for our clients to navigate. We cannot serve those who cannot reach us, and this website will make reaching MDHS easier and more convenient. I applaud our Communications and External Affairs professionals who put in the hard work with our outside vendor to make this new website a reality.”
Key Features of the New Website:
Simplified Navigation: We have revamped the website’s navigation to make it simpler and more intuitive. Users will find improved menus, including an “I Need Help With…” menu that allows users to quickly navigate to information about programs that can help them with food, getting a job, child care, caring for an older adult, paying bills, and supporting their children.
Resources by County: We understand the importance of localized information. The new website offers a location-based search feature that allows users to access services and resources specific to their county along with local contact information.
Client-Friendly Language: The new website uses more client-friendly language, explaining programs and processes with plain language, clear steps, and direct links to forms and documents clients’ needs.
Enhanced Search Functionality: Our new website features a powerful search tool that lets users navigate directly to specific information and resources. Whether you are searching for program details, eligibility criteria, or contact information, the enhanced search functionality will help you easily locate the relevant information.
Mobile-Optimized Design: Recognizing the increasing use of mobile devices, we have developed a mobile-responsive design for the website. This ensures that whether you access our services from a computer, tablet, or smartphone, the website will adapt and provide an optimal viewing experience.
MDHS is committed to continuously improving our services and resources to serve Mississippi more effectively. The launch of the new website is a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and user experience as we strive to meet the needs of our clients and partners.
We encourage all Mississippi residents to take advantage of the user-friendly design and easily accessible information on the website.
Explore our YouTube channel for our video tutorials that can help you learn more about our new website: www.youtube.com.
Please follow MDHS on our social media channels for further updates and information.
