AmeriCorps/VISTA Program Recruitment
Are you interested in dedicating one year to the AmeriCorps/VISTA program? View the flyer below to find a QR code to see short videos about some of their members’ experiences and information on how to apply.
Author: julie
Direct Express Program
Dear Colleague,
We want to inform you of an important change to the Direct Express”‘ program. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service has selected Fifth Third Bank as the new financial agent for the Direct Express”‘ program.
With this change, Fifth Third Bank will take over program operations from Comerica Bank. New enrollments with Fifth Third Bank will begin in May 2026, and the transition for existing customers will start in Summer 2026. Beneficiaries will receive advance notice and new debit cards from Fifth Third Bank. It is important for beneficiaries to keep their contact information up to date to ensure they receive all communications.
For any questions about the Direct Express program or the transition, please visit the Direct Express”‘ contact us page. Social Security Administration will continue to assist with benefit payment inquiries.
We appreciate your partnership in supporting clients through this transition. Please share this information with your colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.
Nick Perrine
Chief Communications Officer
Extemal.Relations@ssa.gov
Emergency NAACP Member Meeting
Thursday, April 30, 2026 – 6:30 PM CT
View PDF for more information and how to dial in to participate: https://quitmancountyms.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Emergency-NAACP-Member-Meeting.pdf
MEMA Opens Locations to Assist Survivors of the January 23-27 Winter Storm
April 26, 2026
Pearl, MS—The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), in coordination with federal and local partners, will open six Disaster Recovery Centers and seven Disaster Survivor Assistance sites beginning at noon on Monday, April 27th, to serve residents who suffered damage during the January 23-27 winter ice storm (DR-4899-MS).
Disaster Survivor Assistance sites are expected to operate for approximately one week at each location, while Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open for an extended period, depending on foot traffic. New Disaster Survivor Assistance sites will open in the upcoming weeks to provide more residents in the impacted counties with access to face-to-face support.
At the Disaster Recovery Centers and Disaster Survivor Assistance sites, residents can receive in-person FEMA registration, assistance information, and referrals to recovery resources.
The Disaster Recovery Centers will open at noon on Monday, April 27th, at the following locations:
Alcorn County
Northeast Community Center
2759 South Harper Road
Corinth, MS 38834
Benton County
Ashland Fire Department
368 Ripley Ave (3rd Street)
Ashland, MS 38603
Lafayette County
Lafayette County Multipurpose Arena
70 F.D. Buddy East Parkway
Oxford, MS 38655
Leflore County
Leflore County EMA Office
701 US 82
Greenwood, MS 38930
Panola County
Batesville Enterprise Center
275 Nosef Drive, Suite A
Batesville, MS 38606
Yazoo County
Yazoo County EMA Office Building
2201 Gordon Avenue
Yazoo City, MS 39194
*Hours of operation will be Monday-Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday 8 am to 2 pm, Sunday- Closed
More information: https://msema.org/news/mema-opens-locations-assist-survivors-january-23-27-winter-storm
Jeffcoats Family Market Celebrates 5 Years Serving Quitman County
Staff Report
The Marks Review
In March, 2021, James and Doris Jeffcoat opened for service and promised Quitman County a first class grocery store. The grocery store property had been vacant for several years plunging the entire county into what has been called a food desert. This inability to purchase food was reversed when the freshly retooled and remodeled store was opened.
James Jeffcoat said, “We have accomplished that goal with a dedicated staff ready to serve you. Our Store Manager, Debbie Hearn is always ready to go above and beyond to take care of customers.”
“We are lucky to have Richard Swearingin as our meat market manager. He is able to handle any cut of meat Richard‘s market crew is very knowledgeable and happy to assist customers.”
Jeffcoat continued, “Our Deli Manager, Marion Stanford is an excellent cook and has three loyal staff members that make our deli special. We have delicious food at the right price. We strive to provide good customer service, which means you are important to us.”
“Just ask Jarodo in the grocery department, Kristen in the meat market or Jarodo in produce or any other staff member. They are all eager to help.’
Store Manager Debbie Hearn express thanks for the team members who are dedicated to serving customers
In summing up, Jeffcoat said, “We know that a building is just a building. It’s the employees that make it special. We know there are bigger stores in Clarksdale and in Batesville, Those store closed during the ice storm which crippled this region two months ago. We did not close. We look forward to seeing you and serving you and appreciate your continued support.”
During the ice storm, Jeffcoats Family Market did in fact suffer significant roof damage as a collapse occur on about half of the structure. Not to be stopped, James’ staff moved merchandise to the part of the store which received no damage and continued grocery service, never closing the store.
Debbie said, “Several of the team members who lived in town walked to work in the freezing cold to be here on time, while others had someone they trusted to bring them. They made a real effort when it would have been so easy to say – I can’t get there.”
The repairs were completed in an amazing 5 weeks and now the store is back in service, 100% better than ever.
Store Manager Hearn, “We believe family comes first. We are always looking for individuals that are friendly and instilled with good moral & work ethics to join our team.
Wittenberg University Students and Staff Delta Trek
From the university’s campus in Springfield, Ohio, to the heart of the Mississippi Delta in Marks, Mississippi, a group of students and faculty members from Wittenberg University embarked on an educational trip to Marks, Mississippi Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. The trip was part of fulfilling the requirements for a course titled, FIRE (Focused, Integrative, Reflective, Experience). The goal is to have students spend time outside of the classroom to experience the culture and the people, and learn about the history firsthand. The professors accompanying the students are experts in the area of Science and Biology. These students had the opportunity to see the geographic lay-of-land in the Delta, learn about the vital role of agriculture, the impact of flooding, and the political landscape impacted by Marks/Quitman County’s civil rights history.
As part of the tour, students engaged with community leaders: Pastor Michael Jossell, Samuel McCray, Manuel Killebrew and the Quitman County Economic Tourism & Development staff, where they participated in discussions and reflections on the significance of history and culture in the Delta. The immersive experience in Marks allowed students to connect the past with the present and recognize ways in which the movement for economic justice is still unfolding.
