By Misty Strieff Prine “Kindness is not an act; it’s a reflection of your soul” – Unknown             I found out that November 13 th  is World Kindness Day. Kindness is something that I truly believe comes from the soul. It comes deep from within you, weaved into your soul. Having a kind soul enables you to read a room and be able to see someone’s body language or facial expressions and see that they may stand in need of a random act of kindness. A simple smile, holding a door, lending a listening ear and then asking them if you can pray for them, etc., can literally change their life. You’d be surprised what small gestures mean to people who feel forgotten, unnoticed or overwhelmed. With kindness, there comes a degree of humility. Sometimes it calls for you to be kind to someone that may not have been very kind to you. You have to rise above that. Jesus did. If He can love those who did what they did to Him, who are we to even think we have an excuse? Lastly, kindness doesn’t discriminate, and it also doesn’t get excused or deflected because you are having a bad day. Again, if you are truly a kind person in your soul, you will reach down deep and push aside your bad day, and that kindness will prevail towards others. You will not let that bad day ruin your testimony of being a kind person in Christ. Always know the importance of staying humble and kind. It’s vital in your walk with Christ. Remember, you are leading by example. **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit: IMDB “Predator” and I got off on the wrong foot. I’m not talking about the new movie, but rather the 1987 original, and by extension the whole franchise. I rented the film hoping to enjoy some action-movie interaction between two future governors: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. Unfortunately, there was little to no interaction between the two, and Ventura’s character got picked off by the Predator earlier than I would have liked. I spent the rest of the movie sulking, and never really became a fan of the series. Flash forward to 2025. I wasn’t really looking forward to “Predator: Badlands” in and of itself, but after the dismal October we just had at the domestic box office, I’ll take a hit wherever I can get it. Which is probably why I liked the movie as much as I did. There’s not a lot for me here, but I needed to get excited about “something,” so the film’s greatest strength may be its good timing. The film follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), an aspiring young Predator (or “Yautja”) on the faraway planet of Yautja Prime. Dek desperately wants to go on a successful hunt to earn the approval of his father Njohrr (Reuben De Jong), as well as… living privileges, because Yautjas that don’t complete successful hunts are put to death. Njohrr wants relative runt Dek put down anyway, but he flees to the planet Genna, home to the most high-value trophy in the known universe, the Kalisk. He vows to not return without killing the Kalisk for himself. Dek doesn’t fare well on the hostile Genna, but an opportunity presents itself in the form of Thia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic human that had been part of a party trying to find and exploit the Kalisk for their corporate overlords (I won’t say which corporation, but it’s a big deal). The Kalisk overpowered Thia’s team, leaving her as the sole survivor, and she’s worse for wear, missing the entire lower half of her body. She and Dek make a deal: he’ll help her get her body back and help her reunite with her also-damaged “sister” Tessa (also Fanning) and she’ll help him take down the Kalisk. Dek and Thia start off as uneasy allies, but as they overcome obstacles together, their bond turns into friendship. All this despite Thia being half of a smart-alecky robot and Dek coming from a race that forbids emotions. Which presents kind of a huge problem for me, in that neither character is from a race that I feel is worth preserving. Thia is so artificial that there’s literally another of her, and even though we ultimately see that there’s some good in Dek, sorry, the universe would probably be better off without kill-obsessed Predators. I know I’m supposed to like “Predator: Badlands” because of the way the alien and the robot learn what it means to be human. Honestly, I was rolling my eyes at those parts. I like the movie because Thia’s jokes were hitting for me and I liked the action. The upside of all the characters being either robots or aliens is that the film can be as violent as it wants and still get a PG-13 rating as long as all the gore is in the form of either sparks or slime. “Predator: Badlands” is fine as an action movie for people who could use a half-decent action movie, but just as with Thia’s body, don’t expect it to be more than “half” decent. Grade: B- By the way, I later found another movie from 1987 with both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. In this one, their characters do interact. They even go head-to-head with one another in a fight, where one presumably kills the other. That movie is called “The Running Man.” And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a new version of that property coming out on Friday. “Predator: Badlands” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong sci-fi violence. Its running time is 107 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com     You received the phone call that buckles your knees. Or hear the police officer’s knock on the door. Or the doctor solemnly walks toward you in the hospital waiting room. And now you have just heard the worst news of your life. You’ve lost the most important person in your world. Or, maybe you opened the envelope that you assumed would be just another pay check, but found a pink slip. Or you meet with your physician to get the results of your testing, and it’s not good. It could be that you’ve just had to face the fact that your teenager is no longer your angelic cherub from childhood, and will likely be facing years in prison. So much heartbreak in our world. And way too many of us are going to receive a notification today that will break our hearts and stun our minds to the point of basically nonfunctioning. Until we can pull ourselves back together, somehow. What do you do now? What are the next steps that you take, after your world has suddenly collided with brutal reality? Lean. If you have any belief that God is a real Being. If you realize that He truly does care, and that He wants to help you with the trauma in this life, then lean on your faith. God never promised that His people wouldn’t hurt, because pain is part of living on earth for the believer, or the non-believer. But He did promise believers that He would never leave us, and He would help us when pain comes. Don’t try to be pious. Don’t be so determined to be ‘leaning on my God’ that you deeply bury that emotional wound. Determinedly smiling and showing the world a strong face doesn’t really help you. Buried wounds don’t heal very well. They can end up in anger and bitterness. Grieve openly. In your own way and for as long as you need. Grieving is natural. Let yourself experience the pain as it comes and goes in your life. So that it can eventually go. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck. Sometimes people can find themselves stuck in a certain part of healing – or nonhealing. Seek out people who will listen but will also encourage you to walk forward. Don’t allow yourself to isolate.  Dealing with this kind of pain is worse when you do it all alone. Be open to allowing others into your world of pain. Wait to make any major decisions until you are certain that you are functioning clearly. Grief and pain can cloud your ability to think things through to make good solid choices for your life. You certainly don’t want to make life altering decisions based on thoughts and emotions that are still raw. What I am saying is basically this: Give yourself time. Time to grieve, time to hurt, time to begin to heal.

Special to Wesson News   Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) has been awarded a Southern Pine Electric Members Helping Members grant of $10,000 through The Pinebelt Foundation.   The grant will make it possible for WAC to build an outdoor classroom/shade structure on its elementary playground.    The new pole barn-style space will feature picnic tables and provide a place for students to learn and explore outside the traditional classroom — from hands-on science experiments to creative art projects and more.   This shaded area will not only support innovative learning experiences but also offer a cool, comfortable spot for the students to gather and grow.    The Southern Pine Electric and The Pinebelt Foundation investment in WAC students and supporting educational opportunities at WAC comes as a result of efforts by Susan Lee and Amanda Smith who dedicated their time to the details of pursuing the grant.

Special to Wesson News   The spirit of the holidays has begun stirring in and around Wesson.  Halloween-related celebrations at the end of October started it, and the annual Co-Lin community luncheon this month and the downtown Christmas parade at the beginning of December will gradually fuel it. Lake Lincoln State Park hosted the centerpiece of the Wesson area Halloween festivities with an event on Halloween.  From 5 p.m. until dark, more than 100 costumed kids, brought there by parents, rambled through the park, enjoyed snacks and refreshments, played games and converged on a parking lot jammed with cars loaded with goodies to respond to trunk-or-treating.  Volunteers from the Friends of Park group were on hand to make sure order prevailed in the midst of the fun.    More than 300 persons, including staff and employees from Co-Lin, the Town of Wesson, area businesses and not-for-profit organizations; members of social and civic groups, families and individuals, will enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, good food, and fellowship at a buffet luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Co-Lin's Thames Conference Center on Wednesday, November 12. The conference center and college food service host the event, which started in 2002 as a marketing showcase for Co-Lin meeting facilities and evolved into the community meal it now is.  Co-Lin chef Chris McSweyn will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving lunch. The cost is $22 per person, including buffet meal, beverage, dessert, tax and gratuity.  Reservations for seatings at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. should be made by contacting Erin Johnson at Co-Lin.  Cash, check, or cards (with 3% processing fee) are accepted. Bands playing holiday music, Santa Claus and others tossing candy to bystanders, including high school and college beauties and folk from organizations and businesses with decorated floats will help further start the holiday spirit among town folk on Friday, December 5 when Wesson’s annual Christmas parade rolls at 5 p.m.   Proceeding south to the Highway 51 stoplight from the old Sunflower building and Wesson Baptist Church, and reversing direction northward, trucks and vehicles from Copiah and Lincoln County volunteer fire departments and the Wesson Police and Copiah County Sheriff Departments will lead the parade with Santa Claus in the rear as the climax for whom everybody -- particularly the kids -- are waiting.    In between are the Wesson High School and Co-Lin bands, interspersed with convertibles and other vehicles carrying, among others, the Founders Day Queen, members of Wesson High School and Co-Lin homecoming courts and beauties and beaus from kindergarten through college freshmen and sophomore classes chosen in pageants at Wesson Attendance Center and Co-Lin.  Floats decorated for the season by varied commercial, faith, civic, service and social organizations will carry their workers, volunteers and members, many with children from the community on board as well -- the little ones who are readily awed by Christmas magic.  The floats will be numerous, including those built by the American Legion, the Wesson Junior/High School Beta Club, Butterbeans Wesson Garden Club youth organization and government and business, among others.  Then there are the dancers who fire up the Christmas spirit of the spectators who line the sides of Highway 51: the Co-Lin Wolf mascot, cheer squad and Collette dancers and students from local studios.   Following the parade, Santa Claus will bring a bag of goodies to the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, where he will meet children, and punch and cookies are served.  Friends of the Library will also host an open house at Wesson Public Library, where Mrs. Santa Claus will read stories to children.   Ken Carraway, as Chief of Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, which organizes the traditional parade, is the primary parade planner.

Special to Wesson News               It wasn’t Elton John that rocked Brookhaven last month, but Brookhaven pianist Blake Scafidel could have fooled a lot of people who didn’t know better at the Haven Theater on October 23 where he played two one hour 45 minute tribute performances to the legendary British rocker.               From John’s Bennie and the Jets that opened the concerts to his closings with John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road , Scafidel gave his local audiences a pretty good taste of what Elton John himself might have done.               Bill Perkins, who follows Brookhaven’s musician extraordinaire, said Scafidel “obviously has been grooming himself to live and breathe Elton John on the piano and also emulating Elton’s graciousness and stage presence.”               On stage at the Haven, Scafidel personified John not only with his piano playing and singing, but in appropriate costume and style.  Scadfidel also found other local talent to help.  The Bridge Band, including guitarist Tyler Bridge, percussionist Nick Bridge, Ron Donegan on drums, Shelley Smith on keyboard and Scott Shaw on bass, backed him up.  Smith supported him as well as a vocalist, along with his wife and son, Carrene and Jason Scafidel, and Lillian White and Isabella Conn from Southwest Community College.               Scafidel called his Elton John tribute “Yellow Brick Boulevard,” recalling John’s name for his own show, “Yellow Brick Road.”               “As a pianist, I am a fan of many other pianists, but Elton John has been a favorite,” says Scafidel.  “I have admired his amazing capacity to build incredible shows over many years.”               Scafidel started thinking about creating an Elton John tribute several years ago, but didn’t start working on it seriously until Brookhaven Little Theater approached him in February about doing one of its live performances during the 2025 season.  He acquired the videos and edited them for the screen vignettes that were center stage and side stage backdrops accompanying the music.  He asked Tyler Bridge to work as music director.  Brookhaven Little Theater handled the technical aspects of the show, including lighting, and the marketing, including publicity and ticket sales.              Although Scafidel says “Yellow Brick Boulevard” was created to honor Brookhaven, his hometown, he has visions of taking his tribute to Elton John to other venues – as many as a half a dozen next year, perhaps Jackson, Natchez and McComb.  Don’t be surprised either if he is back on stage with other shows at the Haven.   Born in Brookhaven in 1968, Scafidel started his career journey at the tender age of six when he told his parents he wanted to study piano, following in the footsteps of his mother, the musician in the family, who was an accomplished pianist and the musical accompanist at Central Baptist Church, the Brookhaven congregation in which he grew up.   “I was never into sports like other kids,” he recalls. “I played the piano in church, at school and in local talent shows.” After his parents separated, he left Southwest Mississippi briefly in the 1980s to live with his father in the Dallas, Texas, area, where he earned his Graduate Equivalency high school diploma. He returned to Mississippi in 1986 to study music at Co-Lin until 1988 and then at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, until 1991 before starting a 30-year career as a church musician..   In 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic made the financial life of church musicians even tougher, Scafidel moved to the secular world full time. Outside the religious community, Scafidel says he has been a “late bloomer” in pop music influenced by Elton John and Bruce Hornstein.  He maintains a studio and an events center with a stage where he can perform for private audiences at his home in the Breckenridge section of Brookhaven off Highway 84 west going towards Natchez.  He performs regularly at Magnolia Blues in Brookhaven and continues to expand his public appearances as a piano soloist in new venues.  A public website ( blakescafidel.com ) and Facebook page (Blake Scafidel Music) tout his performances and sell his albums.

Special to Wesson News The Wesson Cobras made a powerful statement in their first playoff appearance of the season, defeating the Perry Central Bulldogs 49-14 on Friday night. The home crowd was treated to a display of complete control on both sides of the ball, as Wesson extended its perfect season to 10-0.The Cobras have shown all year that they can handle the pressure, and Friday’s performance proved they are more than ready for a deep postseason run. Senior standout Damarion Smith was electric once again, putting on a show that kept fans on their feet. Smith hauled in multiple key passes to rack up 122 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and turn short gains into big plays was on full display, highlighted by a 51-yard touchdown reception that showcased his speed and field vision. While Smith was unstoppable through the air, Wesson’s ground game was the real difference-maker. The Cobras controlled the tempo with a relentless rushing attack, piling up 270 yards on the ground — their highest total of the season. The offensive line delivered one of its strongest performances to date, opening lanes and giving the backfield room to run. Every carry seemed to wear down Perry Central’s defense a little more, allowing Wesson to move the chains with ease and dominate time of possession. Defensively, Wesson was just as sharp. The Cobras’ defense set the tone early, forcing quick three-and-outs and keeping Perry Central from finding any consistent rhythm. Even when the Bulldogs managed to put points on the board, Wesson responded immediately, answering with long drives and explosive scoring plays. For Perry Central, the loss brings a tough end to their season, finishing with a 3-8 record. Despite the defeat, the Bulldogs showed flashes of fight, but Wesson’s overall speed, discipline, and execution were simply too much to overcome. With the victory, the Cobras move one step closer to their championship goal. Their next challenge comes Friday night when they welcome Mize to Wesson for another playoff matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and if the Cobras continue to perform at this level, they could very well keep their unbeaten streak — and their championship hopes — alive.

By Misty Strieff Prine Don’t allow your emotions to be your decision maker. Stop and pray. Let God lead you.” – Unknown. Nothing will ruin your day, your testimony or your relationship with someone like letting your emotions get the best of you and letting them take control of a situation. One thing you can’t take back is words or actions spoken out of anger or haste or the emotional toll it takes on the other person(s). Now this doesn’t mean just a single situation, I’m talking about living out your testimony and witness to others as well. You have to learn WHO you are representing before reacting to a situation as well.  When you hear information, consider the source. Ask yourself, “Is what I heard really true? Is my response necessary? Will my response change the situation?” I can go ahead and tell you, if our common enemy is behind it, then the answer is going to more than likely be no. Why? Because when you are angry, you don’t usually act how you NEED to act do you? And when you have “rumors and false information” going around, it’s got a lot of people’s attention. The enemy is counting on you making a big scene and ruining your testimony.  If you live your life in a way that would make people automatically question that, you don’t have anything to defend, right? If it goes against your character, then people who truly know you will not believe it anyway. That’s why it’s SO important to walk the walk and talk the talk - living that life OUTLOUD that you tell others about so that when they hear something, you don’t have to defend yourself.  Don’t let the enemy drive your emotions. He will if given the chance and it will try to completely ruin you. Stop, pray and calm down before you speak. Don’t let him win! **For daily devotionals, you can follow me on Facebook at The Upward Way or on Instagram at the_upward_way.

Dr. Ginger Robbins, VP, Workforce Development Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director, AccelerateMS and Governmental Affairs, Hinds CC AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, and Hinds Community College, on Friday, established a strategic partnership designed to set a new statewide standard for how Mississippi supports new, expanding, and existing industries. The announcement, held at the Hinds Community College Jackson Campus, was attended by local and state leaders, workforce and education professionals, and representatives from key Mississippi industries. The collaboration focuses on addressing critical workforce shortages in the construction and industrial trades — professions essential to building the infrastructure powering Mississippi’s regional and statewide growth. Through the agreement, the two organizations will jointly develop and deliver high-quality, industry-aligned training opportunities that prepare Mississippians for priority occupations identified by the State Workforce Investment Board, AccelerateMS and employer partners. “This partnership is setting the tone for how we do workforce development in Mississippi,” said Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. “We’re not just responding to industry demand — we’re anticipating it. By aligning resources and focusing on what truly matters to our state’s economy, we’re building the human capital infrastructure Mississippi needs to grow. The collaboration with Hinds ensures we’re filling gaps, not duplicating efforts, and that we’re ready to meet the needs of the industries driving our future.”   Under the agreement, AccelerateMS will provide labor market intelligence, recruitment support and employer engagement to ensure programs align with current and future industry needs. Hinds Community College will serve as the region’s primary educational and training partner, providing instruction, credentialing support and performance tracking for new and expanded programs. The partnership’s initial focus areas include plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC and electrical work, with an emphasis on short-term, customized and incumbent worker training. “This partnership will not only enhance personal economic mobility but also strengthen the local workforce, attract industry investment and contribute to regional economic growth,” said Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik. “By better aligning education with labor market needs, the College moves toward realizing our vision – to be a catalyst in creating a competitive economy and compelling culture for Mississippi.” Together, AccelerateMS and Hinds are demonstrating what coordinated, efficient and data-driven workforce development looks like in practice — one that reduces duplication, fills critical gaps and maximizes the return on public investment. “This partnership exemplifies how we want to do business across the state,” Taylor said. “When we combine the state’s workforce strategy engine with proven delivery partners, Mississippi becomes a model for how talent and industry grow together.”   About AccelerateMS AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that share complementary missions, AccelerateMS creates sustained individual, community and statewide economic prosperity.   About Hinds Community College With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities through academic programs that lead to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.

The Wesson Cobras will host the Perry Central Bulldogs in a highly anticipated Class 2A playoff game on Friday, November 7, 2025, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. at Wesson High School. This game is part of the 2025 Football Championships and represents a crucial step for both teams in their quest for postseason success. Fans are encouraged to secure digital tickets in advance through GoFan to ensure entry and avoid long lines at the gate. Wesson comes into the matchup with a perfect 9‑0 record, having dominated opponents on both sides of the ball throughout the season. The Cobras have been particularly strong offensively, scoring over 350 points while limiting opponents to just over 120. Their balanced attack and disciplined defense have made them a formidable team at home and on the road, and they have been especially tough in front of their home crowd. With a perfect 5‑0 home record, Wesson has built a reputation as a playoff powerhouse. Perry Central enters the game with a 3‑7 overall record and a 2‑2 record in region play. The Bulldogs have faced challenges this season but have shown resilience, particularly in close contests. Offensively, they have scored nearly 200 points, while defensively they have allowed 270 points. Perry Central will need a strong, error-free performance to have a chance against the undefeated Cobras, and the team will be looking to make a statement in the postseason. For fans who cannot attend in person, Scoretracker will provide live updates, including play-by-play action and scoring information, keeping supporters connected throughout the game. This matchup not only showcases the best of small-school Mississippi football but also highlights the dedication and spirit of both communities. Wesson aims to continue its unbeaten streak, while Perry Central seeks to create an upset and advance in the tournament. With digital ticketing, live updates, and a passionate local fan base, this playoff game promises to be an exciting and memorable event for everyone involved.

The spirit of giving will shine brightly in Collins this December as the Christmas Shoppe returns to bring holiday cheer to Veterans at the Collins VA Home. The special event, scheduled for December 9, 2025, is organized through a collaboration between the VA Home and American Legion Post #79 in Wesson. The Christmas Shoppe is designed to spread joy to inpatient Veterans who may face physical or financial challenges that prevent them from shopping for loved ones. Through this heartfelt initiative, participating organizations and volunteers will provide gifts and assist Veterans in selecting presents for their family and friends—all at no cost. This year’s goal is to collect at least 500 items to ensure a wide variety of choices for approximately 135 Veterans. Volunteers will play an essential role by escorting Veterans to and from their rooms, helping them shop, and wrapping gifts. The event will take place at the VA Home, located at 3261 Highway 49 in Collins. Organizers Kim Whittington and Cathy Stroud emphasize that the success of the Christmas Shoppe depends on community involvement and generosity. Those unable to attend but wishing to contribute are encouraged to donate gifts in advance. The organizers have also provided a list of suggested gift items, though personal and creative contributions are welcomed. Whittington and Stroud expressed deep gratitude for the community’s continued support, noting that the Christmas Shoppe not only brightens the season for Veterans but also honors their service in a meaningful way. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can contact Kim Whittington at 601-942-3319 or Cathy Stroud at 601-695-4140. Contributions can also be coordinated via email at kbueto@yahoo.com  or cathystroud@gmail.com . With each donation and act of kindness, the Christmas Shoppe stands as a reminder of the community’s appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

Wesson News It may be time to donate that ’84 Mustang that has been sitting in the driveway for ten years. Many properties have vehicles collecting dust in the front yard, but donating these vehicles can make a positive difference. Mercy House Adult and Teen Challenge (MHATC), headquartered in Georgetown, gladly accepts old, rundown vehicles through its Vehicle Donation Program (VDP).   With holidays approaching, it is the season to be thankful and give back. How do vehicle donations help? MHATC repairs and resells each donated vehicle, which then helps fund the ministry.   Many people think donating used vehicles can be a hassle, but donating through the Mercy House Vehicle Donation Program is easy. The organization offers free pickups for all donations, and each donor can receive a tax deduction of at least $500. After a quick phone call or online form, Mercy House contacts potential donors within 48 hours to arrange pick-up. From there, their team evaluates and restores each vehicle to help fund the organization’s recovery initiatives.   MHATC accepts almost any vehicle, including trucks, sedans, motorcycles, four-wheelers, and boats. While donors do not receive payment for donating their vehicles, every contribution directly supports the men striving to rebuild their lives through MHATC’s addiction recovery program.   MHATC’s residential program works to rehabilitate men struggling with addiction to ultimately reunite them with their families. This organization can potentially “restore (more) broken families one man at a time” through its faith-based recovery program. MHATC needs the community to pitch in and donate old vehicles to help more Mississippians battling addiction. The ministry that would later become Adult and Teen Challenge was founded in 1960 by David Wilkerson, an Assemblies of God pastor who left a rural Pennsylvania church to work on the street among teenage gang members and socially marginalized people in New York City. Wilkerson is also known for authoring “The Cross and the Switchblade” and founding Times Square Church. Teen Challenge started its first residential program in December 1960, in a house in Brooklyn.   MHATC of Georgetown saw Mississippi’s great need and kick-started the program. The 14-month residential program provides men with effective and comprehensive faith-based solutions to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems so they can re-assimilate into society. By applying biblical principles, the organization helps people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically healthy, and spiritually alive. MHATC property in Georgetown Mississippi  has experienced a dramatic surge in drug-related fatalities, with overdose deaths increasing by 127% from 2012 to 2023, reaching 702 deaths annually. The state faces a severe opioid crisis driven primarily by fentanyl, which caused 280 deaths in 2021, representing an 18% increase from the previous year.   The latest statistics on addiction in women show that, while men still have higher overall rates of substance use disorder, the gender gap is narrowing. Key trends include a growing need for treatment among pregnant and postpartum women, a faster progression from use to addiction, and higher rates of prescription drug misuse compared to men.    Despite the high need, Mississippi faces challenges with treatment availability. Many people needing treatment cannot receive it due to long waiting lists and low facility vacancies. This spurred Mercy House Adult and Teen Challenge in Mississippi to take action and do something to help.   Currently, the organization is seeking to grow its addiction-recovery program to include women, an expansion that vehicle donations can help make possible. This new addition will be named Sacred Grove Women’s Program, and they plan to open their doors in January 2026 in Hinds County, MS.  The organization is doing everything possible to fund this expansion, including an annual golf tournament, operating two thrift stores ( SuperThrift Pearl  and SuperThrift Byram ), selling custom-made crosses and signs called Products with a Purpose,  and an annual donor dinner.      “From the development of a new women’s facility to upcoming adventures for the men’s program, there’s so much in motion—and we’re thrilled to share it with you…” says MHATC’s Executive Director, Matt Milliman. “Every donated vehicle represents more than just a tax break or an empty space in your yard. It’s a step toward restoring families and giving people a second chance.”   With Thanksgiving approaching, there has never been a better time to show gratitude than by helping others in need. Mercy House will gladly remove each abandoned vehicle, repair it, resell it, and provide donors with a tax deduction. Mercy House can restore broken family one man at a time through one vehicle donation at a time. Make a difference today and donate.   For more information or to schedule a vehicle donation, visit vehicledonationms.com or call 601-572-7296. Follow the organization or any of its programs on Facebook. “I had a 1997 Oldsmobile clunker that was broken down, just rusting in my driveway for years. I heard about Mercy House’s VPD program back in 2022 and thought it was a great idea to donate there as a win-win. I could donate it to a great cause while getting it out of my yard. Problem solved while feeling like I could help out in some way,” said Jennifer Burns of Sturgis, MS. “I chose to donate because I believe in the mission of Mercy House. Several family members have struggled with various addictions, and I wanted to support those taking the next steps in battling addictions by supporting Mercy House.”