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     Mississippi County is a rural community located in Southeast Missouri at the northern most portion of the Mississippi Delta Region, one of the poorest regions of the United States.  Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers it is comprised of the following:
  • Anniston, population 281
  • Bertrand, population 740
  • Charleston, population 4,732
  • East Prairie, population 3,227
  • Wilson City, population 165
  • Wyatt, population 364 and outlying smaller communities with combined populations of 3,918.
 (Source 2000 Census Data.)

     Extreme economic and social deprivation has historically presented an overarching obstacle for nearly one-fourth (23.7% as compared to only 11.7% for the state) of the residents of Mississippi County classified as living below the poverty level.  The poverty rate for the major population areas of Charleston, 26.0% and East Prairie, 30.1% and an overall county rate 23.7 % for individuals is more than twice that of the state (11.7%) and nearly twice that of the national rate (12.4%)

There exist a significant number of children (32.4% vs. 17.1% National) living in poverty as well as a high number of single female household families 17.3% which is significantly higher than the national rate of 12.3%.  These indicators are more elevated in the West End of Charleston and in the housing project areas of East Prairie.  A large number of the housing units in the West End of Charleston and in East Prairie are public housing.  Substantial portions of housing in Mississippi County are rental units, 33.4%. Unemployment at 7% in 1997 has decreased to 6.4% as of May of 2003.  Unemployment for the period beginning January 2005 and ending May 2005 ranged from a high of 8.3% to a low of 6.5% remaining significantly higher than the National rate.

     Juvenile referrals have declined in the past three years from 687 in 2002 to 523 in 2004.  However according to the Mississippi County Juvenile Court there has been an increase in  "Peace Disturbance" in
...394 Adult Property crimes 134 Violent Youth Offenses...
the form of young children (11, 12 and 13 years of age) acting out and assaulting their parents.  The juvenile and adult rates in violent crimes mirror the other with a total of 394 Adult Property crimes 134 Violent Youth Offenses, in direct proportion to the respective populations.
 The lack of recreational activities leaves county youth with little to do on the weekend but "cruise" and drink.  Past surveys have indicated that most county youth are first exposed to alcohol between the ages of 11 and 14.  Many of the parents of the at-risk
...lack of recreational activities leaves county youth with little to do on the weekend but
"cruise" and drink...
youth abuse alcohol and drugs.  Adults placed in alcohol treatment have remained fairly constant for the period 2002 - 2004 with 121 individuals placed in treatment in 2004.

     Low neighborhood attachment and community disorganization are viewed as a risk factor although the data available is not indicative of the presenting behaviors in the county.  In the high poverty areas in the county, residents have begun working together to accomplish a task or change social policy. Residents of the West End Community have planned and hosted a Health Fair, a Crime Free Night, and a Spring Feast.  Just recently residents have begun to form a community group to prevent teen pregnancy (Take Action Now).  


Teen Pregnancy rates remain some of the highest in the state, according to Missouri Kids Count, Mississippi County ranks 113th out of 115 counties.  Local agencies report
...Mississippi County ranks 113th out of 115 counties for Teen Pregnancy...
that the age of these teen mothers continues to lower each year, an example of this trend was a set of twin seventh graders who became pregnant in 2004.

     School is a disaster for many at risk youth in Mississippi County.  The annual standardized test scores are significantly lower than the state average. The proficiency rate of the state as measured by the Map test was twice that of the Mississippi County.  Thirty eight and nine tenths (38.9% ) of adults in Mississippi County attained less than a 12th gradeeducation as compared to 19.6% in the US and 18.6% in  Missouri.  The lower than state average of persons with a bachelor's degree or higher, 9.6% Mississippi county, 21.6% in Missouri and 24.4% nationally also describes the lack of awareness and motivation of the need to succeed academically.

    At risk youth living in Mississippi County may come from a family history of high-risk behaviors.  Many of the children in the county are raised in families where drug and
"If we don't stand up for children,
then we don't stand for much."
Marian Wright Edelman
alcohol use are prevalent. The death rate due to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver is more twice the state average. (Health and Human Services 2001, Leading Cause of Death)

     Mississippi County has taken a strong stand against domestic violence and began in 2002 track the number of arrests for domestic violence. However, community residents report that many cases remain unreported and women fear reporting the assault.  
"In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair."
Auguste Napier
A domestic violence investigator has been hired by the sheriff's department to investigate reports so that more cases may receive appropriate attention.

     The divorce rate is higher than the state average, but not significantly.  Some residents report that they are separated from their spouse, but cannot afford the legal fees for a legal divorce.  More often the case is that the child's parents were never married.  The percentages for families with female householder and no husband present are nearly twice that of the national averages with East Prairie's rate at 47.4% and Charleston's at an even more disturbing rate of 53.9%.

     Early initiation of problem behavior is prevalent among youth in Mississippi County.  According to the 2002 and 2004 Mississippi County Juvenile Court Delinquency Report, assaults (fighting) were the highest rate of violence related arrests (many at the high school).  Peace Disturbance often in the form of Children being reported to authorities
"Children need love, especially when you think they do not deserve it."
Harold S. Hubert (adapted)
by parents who say they simply cannot control the child has increased, and according to local Juvenile Authorities the age of the children is lower each year.  The rate of drug related arrests from 1996-2004 have established a similar pattern with misdemeanor possession of drugs and alcohol continuing to be high.   Another area of concern is the early age of use of various drugs.

     Over the years through hard work on our part and especially on the part of our participants we have made great strides in improving the living conditions of the residents of Mississippi County.  
"It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed."
Napoleon Hill
None of this progress would have been possible without our supporters and partners.  There is still much work to be done.  We plan to meet the challenge with your help and support.