Andy Tuccio

As we dive into the festive spirit of December, I’d like to take a moment to reflect over the extraordinary year the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy has had. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by many changes and firsts. As I reflect on the transformative journey of 2023, it is impossible not to acknowledge the exceptional foresight of our founder, Sammy Moon.

Dolphus and Rosie Weary, founders of REAL, have worked for over 40 years in rural communities throughout Mississippi addressing issues caused or a result of poverty; lack of educational opportunities, poor nutrition, and barriers to medical care, just to name a few. Many of these communities need more support than local, state, or federal government can give. Nonprofits help, but in rural areas, especially those led by minorities and/or are Christian-based, often do not have access to the same financial support and resources as urban, non-Christian nonprofits.

At Volunteer Mississippi, our mission is to engage and support Mississippians of all ages and backgrounds in service to their communities. We seek to promote, recognize, and increase volunteers and to expand and diversify AmeriCorps programs while increasing members serving.