Mountain Projects, Community Action Agency

???????????????? ????????????????, ?????????????? ???? ???????? — Did you know Mountain Projects was founded nearly 60 years ago with a $52,021 grant from the Federal Office of Economic Opportunity? That's equivalent to $520,998.73 in 2025 dollars and this initial investment planted the seeds for what has become a pillar of hope and support for Western North Carolina. Back then, the mission was simple: to empower local families and address the economic challenges facing our mountain communities. Our mission continues to ring true through our support of housing and emergency relief, support of the independence of local seniors, and early education in our Head Start classrooms. ???????? ???????????????? ?????????? ???????????? marks the beginning of a journey built on compassion, hard work, and belief in the power of community. Throughout 2025, we will celebrate our 60 years of community service and honor the workers who proved that with dedication and a little help from Mountain Projects programs, our clients will change their lives (and our community) for the better. #RootedInCommunity #MountainProjectsHistory #Throwback #60years #MountainProjects #haywood #jackson #CommunityAction

???????????????? ???????????????? & ?????? ???????????????????????? ?????????? ?????????? In 1966, Mountain Projects launched one of its first initiatives—the Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC)—as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The program provided local youth with work experience, job skills, and income while fostering community engagement. In September of 1967, the Neighborhood Youth Corps In-School Program was introduced to help low-income high school students gain work experience while staying in school. Students worked 10 hours a week at $1.25 per hour, assisting in libraries, and cafeterias and with janitorial services. Pictured are two Haywood County students working in a high school lunchroom in 1967. This program is just one way Mountain Projects has been creating meaningful opportunities in our community for decades. Do you or someone you know have memories of the Youth Corps program? Share your stories in the comments! #MountainProjects #Throwback #CommunityImpact #RootedinCommunity #MountainProjectsHistory #CommunityAction

CELEBRATING OUR ROOTS: THE BEGINNING OF HEAD START On April 13, 1966, Mountain Projects launched two pilot Head Start programs at Saunook School and Morning Star Elementary School in Haywood County. The six-week program offered early education, nutrition, and health services to 30 preschool children. A $19,244 grant from the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) provided this pilot program for families in Haywood County and eventually Jackson County, laying the foundation for a lasting commitment to early childhood education in the area. The success of the pilot program was clear. In the summer of 1967, Mountain Projects secured additional OEO grants to continue Head Start into the summer, eventually transforming it into a full-year program. Each class was led by a teacher and a teacher’s aide who received training at Western Carolina University to ensure quality education. We honor the leaders, educators, and families who made this program possible and built a foundation for learning in our community. Join us in celebrating this milestone and the continued evolution of Head Start in Haywood County. #MountainProjects #HeadStart #Since1966 #BuildingBrighterFutures #CommunityRoots

TRIBUTE — President Jimmy Carter's legacy is deeply intertwined with his unwavering commitment to low-income households. After serving as the 39th President of the United States, Carter dedicated his post-presidential life to humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center, focusing on improving health, education, and economic opportunities for the underprivileged. His belief that everyone deserves a decent standard of living has inspired countless initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and communities, making him not just a leader in politics, but also a beacon of hope for those in need. #PresidentCarter #Tribute #CommunityAction

Thanks to the North Carolina Conference of the Global Methodist Church! #communityaction #gratitude #mountainprojects

Our Executive Director, Patsy Davis received a great honor this week! Thanks to NC Governor Roy Cooper for recognizing Patsy's service and accomplishments! #NCGOV #CommunityAction

PRESS RELEASE: One-day event, ‘Rock for Relief’ raises over $34K for Mountain Projects and Musicians Fund ? In an impressive feat of camaraderie, compassion and creativity, the recent “Rock for Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival” was able to garner more than $34,000 in its one-day musical extravaganza. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e_bJTuxq #rockforrelief #disasterrelief #musicsaveslives #loveyourneighbor

NEWS - Mountain Projects Newsletter hit mailboxes over Thanksgiving week. If you would like a copy delivered to your mailboxes, fill out the form at this link: https://lnkd.in/eDgSQnJ2 To read our Thanksgiving News, click below! https://lnkd.in/eynfxBCk