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Mountain Projects celebrates 40 years of improving lives
By Derek Hodges
The short story is: Mountain Projects will celebrate 40 years of helping people in need from noon until 5:30 p.m. today (Thursday) at its Waynesville office at 2251 Old Balsam Rd.
The long story tells of the thousands of people the agency has helped in those four decades. It tells of the services they provide to those who often could find help nowhere else. It tells of a group dedicated to the mountain spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.
K.C. Luker, 3, shares a moment with Mountain Projects Director Patsy Dowling at the Fairview Head Start Center. – Herald photo by Derek Hodges.
From its humble beginnings serving 40 people in the 1960s, Mountain Projects has grown to provide help to some 5,000 people in Jackson and Haywood counties.
Among other services, Mountain Projects helps low-income families meet basic needs, senior citizens who could not stay in their homes without assistance and coordinates Head Start centers.
Executive Director Patsy Dowling, who was herself a Head Start child, said the group provides an important service.
“Everyone has dreams and goals; sometimes those dreams cannot be pursued because of lack of opportunity, unforeseen circumstances or serious illness,” Dowling said. “Mountain Projects seeks to help those who are going through such difficult times.”
Mountain Projects grew out of what was first called the Jackson County Planning Board. County commissioners formed the group in 1964 to complete population and economic studies of the county. County leaders hoped to use the information to spur the creation of a new agency that would help fight poverty in the county, Dowling said.
Emilee Reece, left, and Tanayha Faison play with a baby doll at the Head Start facility on Fairview Road in Sylva. Head Start is operated by Mountain Projects, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. – Herald photo by Derek Hodges
Commissioners sent the information, along with applications for aid, to the federal Office of Economic Opportunity. They requested a program development grant, which was used to start Mountain Projects, and the creation of a Head Start program in the county.
Both applications were approved, and Jackson County’s Head Start program was funded in May 1964. The OEO recommended, however, that Jackson join with Haywood County to create a community action agency. That agency was named Mountain Projects.
It was decided the new group would have its headquarters in Sylva, where it maintains a downtown office on Schulman Street. Created as a non-profit, anti-poverty agency, Mountain Projects officially opened its doors on Sept. 15, 1965.
Shirley Brooks, standing, is a volunteer grandparent with Mountain Projects and often works with Head Start students like Alissa DePasquale, left, and Sophia Frommer. – Herald photo by Derek Hodges
The group continues its work through the efforts of 135 employees (through more than 40 years) as well as a host of volunteers.
In Jackson County, the agency coordinates foster grandparent programs that pair older adults with children who need adult role models; food service, that provides meals to elderly residents, day cares and Head Start participants; provide rental assistance to 684 families; and connects homebound seniors with volunteers for companionship.
Some of Jackson County’s first Head Start participants enjoy a rocking toy shortly after the center was opened. Head Start is operated by Mountain Projects, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Community leaders from Jackson and Haywood counties, Mountain Projects volunteers and employees, many of those served and other interested community members will celebrate the agency’s 40th anniversary today with barbecue, live music and a time of sharing memories.
As they mark the milestone and take a moment to look back on the good they have done, Mountain Projects’ leaders aren’t resting on their laurels.
“Mountain Projects will continue its dedicated service to the residents of Jackson and Haywood counties. We will continue to give those who struggle the most options possible to improve their lives and living conditions,” Dowling said.
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