Two men, Rev. Carl Brown and Senator Robert L. Jackson, invested their efforts in the Quitman County Development Organization (QCDO), which in the 31 years since, has provided local residents with needed financial services, housing, leadership development, and educational support—the fundamental building blocks needed to establish a vibrant community in which children and other residents can thrive. And the goals of the QCDO haven’t stopped there. Every action is imbued with encouragement for civic participation. From the youngest to the oldest citizens, the QCDO seeks to nurture a sense of shared destiny by providing education and mentoring on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to holding public office.

What is now known as the First Delta Credit Union is one of the first endeavors of the QCDO and remains the backbone of its operations. The First Delta Credit Union was started in 1981 and now serves Quitman, Panola, Tallahatchie and Coahoma Counties. As a credit union, it promotes savings among its members and provides loans for activities that can improve the community. Any citizen can become a member by making a deposit. With over 6,000 members and $6.1 million in assets, the credit union has made over $30,000,000 in loans since its inception, increasing the odds that area families have access to needed capital for life’s many transitions, whether it be a new home for a young couple or an entrepreneurial endeavor.

Some of the most progressive work of the QCDO has centered around financial education for children. Not only do adults have an opportunity to participate in the credit union, but area youth also have a credit union of their own. The Youth Credit Union Program (YCUP) currently has over $80,000 in assets, is youth operated and has 1,200 members ages 1-17. Members receive a picture ID, savings passbook, newsletter and access to financial workshops. YCUP workshops prepare youth to save, invest, manage and borrow money. The YCUP Board of Directors is comprised of elected youth ages 9-17, and all members have input in its management.

Being exposed to the arts and having outlets for creative expression are integral components of child development, yet many rural children have few opportunities to visit art galleries or engage in creative endeavors. Accordingly, the QCDO provides training for youth in the arts. The Delta Media Arts Program teaches participants techniques in documenting oral histories. These skills include using a camera, editing video and audio tape, and distributing the product. An archive of videos is maintained in order to celebrate local history and talent. Furthermore, children are taken on field trips to museums and other destinations of interest.

Another youth-centered facet of the QCDO is the Rev. Carl Brown Education Center, which houses a computer learning center and summer enrichment programs, as well as several specialized educational programs designed to embrace parents as educational partners and enhance the efforts of local schools. The Early Childhood Program is a full-day program that is available for children ages 5 and under that features Raising a Reader, a program designed to foster a love for reading among very young children. Another program housed at the Education Center, The Children’s Village, is an after-school program that strengthens and expands the math and English skills of children ages 9 and under. The Children’s Village currently serves approximately 65 children and utilizes former participants as student volunteers. Also in the Rev. Carl Brown Education Center, children are encouraged to be leaders and develop business skills in the Smart Talk/Sweet Shop Store, which is a small store that is owned and operated by youth.

Pictured Above: Senator Robert L. Jackson, CEO

"People make a project. So if you've got the right people, the project will probably be successful."
Senator Robert L. Jackson

Sen. Robert L. Jackson, CEO, believes that the QCDO could serve as a model for similar efforts in other parts of the state. He suggests that the secret for success is the power of local citizens working together to identify and solve their community’s problems. Part of this process, as he sees it as a Mississippi Senator, can be getting involved in the political process and affecting policy. Another component is bringing in new resources to the community, as well as empowering citizens to generate more resources. Most importantly, Senator Jackson points to leadership. With quality leadership, he believes anything can happen.

Pearl Watts, QCDO Youth Director, suggests some basic steps for anyone wanting to take action in their community. She recommends getting a cross-section of people from the community together, including youth, the elderly, business people and others in order to see what the primary needs are. Next, she suggests evaluating community resources and developing a plan. Then there is the hard work of implementing the plan and making adjustments along the way.

"I think the key to success is putting your heart in and loving what you do."
Pearl Watts, pictured in photo at top of page

Though many variables come into play when shaping an area’s financial picture, one fact is undeniable: Quitman County has fewer children living in poverty than it once did. Fourteen percent fewer children lived in poverty in 2005 than did in 1989.

By addressing the financial, housing, personal and educational needs of community residents, the QCDO has effectively strengthened families. They have ensured that local children have the types of opportunities that should be afforded to all children. By investing in community development, they have made an investment in children’s development, and it has been shown time and time again that investments in children are investments in the future. This is true for Quitman County, and it is true for the rest of the state.

To read the Quitman County Development Organization Success Story in full, please download the MS KIDS COUNT 2008 Data Book here.

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