LPRVF in Action

The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation continues to support projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life throughout Pearl River County. In October 2025, the Foundation awarded a grant to the City of Poplarville to support improvements to public park facilities, helping ensure residents and families have safe and welcoming spaces to gather, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.

The funding will support upgrades to key park amenities, including gazebos, pavilions, picnic benches, and park restrooms. These improvements will enhance public recreational spaces that are widely used by residents and visitors alike. 

In addition, repairs are planned for portions of the city’s walking trail, where tree roots have caused damage in several areas, creating safety concerns for walkers and joggers.

The grant complements broader community efforts underway to strengthen Poplarville’s infrastructure and economic vitality. A local nonprofit group, Poplarville Pretty, has been working to restore and refurbish downtown areas, helping make the city more attractive to residents, businesses, and visitors. Their work focuses on beautification, revitalization, and creating a more vibrant downtown environment that reflects the community’s pride and heritage.

Housing is also an important focus for local leaders as the city continues to grow. Community officials have identified the need for improvements to several Section 8 housing units, ensuring that residents have access to safe, stable, and adequate housing. While many units remain in good condition, targeted upgrades are needed in some areas to maintain safe living environments for families.

Through investments like this grant, the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation remains committed to supporting projects that improve community infrastructure, enhance public spaces, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout the region. These efforts help ensure that Poplarville continues to be a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.

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The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Pearl River Community College as the Grand Sponsor of the annual Women’s Health Symposium, a regional event dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women across South Mississippi.

In 2026, the 19th Annual Women’s Health Symposium welcomed hundreds of women from across the region to PRCC’s Poplarville campus for a day focused on education, encouragement, and self-care. The event provided attendees with access to health screenings, expert speakers, wellness resources, and opportunities to connect with health professionals and community organizations. 

The symposium addresses a critical need in Mississippi, where women face some of the nation’s highest rates of health challenges, including heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke. Through education, prevention, and access to care, the event encourages women to take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles and improved overall well-being. 

The 2026 symposium featured keynote speaker Marshall Ramsey, Director of the Mississippi Media Lab, who inspired attendees with a message of resilience and hope, reminding participants that each day offers a new opportunity to shape their story and positively impact others. 

The day also included interactive experiences such as a guided art session, health screenings, vendor exhibits, and informative breakout sessions focused on physical, mental, and emotional wellness. 

Since its founding in 2007, the Women’s Health Symposium has grown into one of the region’s most impactful annual health education events, bringing together healthcare providers, community leaders, and women of all ages for a day dedicated to wellness and empowerment. 

The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation’s continued support ensures that this important program remains accessible and impactful for women throughout Pearl River County and beyond. 

Through initiatives like the Women’s Health Symposium, the Foundation remains committed to strengthening our communities by supporting programs that promote health, education, and quality of life for the citizens of the Lower Pearl River Valley.

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The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation (LPRVF) is proud to support initiatives that inspire and uplift communities through education and the arts. Our commitment to fostering cultural enrichment was evident in the recent visit of Steve Azar to Pearl River Community College, where the acclaimed musician shared his journey with students, blending music and storytelling to ignite passion and creativity. By funding programs that bring influential voices to the region, LPRVF continues to invest in opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen education, and celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Mississippi.

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The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation has generously supported Puttin’ on the Pink with grants for 2023 and 2024, helping expand its mission to provide vital breast cancer awareness, education, and financial assistance to underserved women in the community. Since its founding in 2012, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has grown into a foundation that not only funds free mammograms and breast ultrasounds but also offers transportation and prescription assistance for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Thanks to the foundation’s support, Puttin’ on the Pink continues its lifesaving work in promoting early detection and improving access to essential care. 

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Pearl River County School District is excited to celebrate the launch of its new Book Vending Machine, made possible by a grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, written by Mrs. Marsha Moore. This innovative addition will encourage students to discover the joy of reading in a fun and engaging way. 

The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation actively supports educators in the Pearl River County, Poplarville, and Picayune School Districts by encouraging them to apply for grants that enhance teaching and learning. Through funding opportunities, the foundation empowers teachers to develop innovative classroom programs and campus-wide initiatives that enrich student education and create lasting impacts in their schools. 

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The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation (LPRVF) has been a proud Grand Sponsor of the annual Women's Health Symposium at Pearl River Community College (PRCC) since its inception in 2007. This important event aims to address the critical health issues facing women in Mississippi, a state with some of the highest rates of heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke among females. The Symposium provides vital resources, including free health screenings for cholesterol, bone density, and blood pressure, and offers educational sessions led by healthcare professionals. By supporting this initiative, LPRVF helps raise awareness and promote lifestyle changes that improve the overall health and well-being of women in the region. Through this partnership, the Foundation plays a key role in empowering women to make informed health decisions and positively impact their communities. The Women's Health Symposium took place on January 25, 2025, at PRCC. 

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The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation is pleased to announce its recent grant awards, supporting initiatives that enhance education, community development, and youth programs throughout the region. 

• Community of Christians Helping Youth (CCHY) – Next Level Student

• Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation – Mississippi HOBY Seminar 2025

• Pearl River County School District – Central Middle School: Elevate Education with Drone Legends

• Picayune School District – Roseland Park Elementary: Roadrunner Classroom Enhancement and Curriculum

• Picayune School District – STEMFluence: Igniting Minds, Sparking Futures
  

The Foundation remains committed to fostering impactful programs and partnerships that address community needs and enhance quality of life.

The Picayune City Council honored  Mr. Clyde Dease  Jr. of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, with Mayor Jim Luke expressing gratitude for Dease’s contributions to Picayune and Pearl River County. In response, Dease shared, “I’m truly grateful for this recognition from Mayor Luke and the city. One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is knowing that those I live and work with appreciate it. This award shows that my friends and colleagues in the city value my commitment, inspiring me to continue striving for the community’s betterment.”

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The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation (LPRVF) in Picayune, Mississippi, awarded a $40,000 grant to The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi. This follows a 2019 grant of $30,000 from LPRVF, which enabled the Center to send therapists to Pearl River County, providing in-home therapy for children with disabilities. Thanks to this funding, 19 children in Pearl River County currently receive evidence-based therapy at no cost to their families, with services set to continue. 

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The Poplarville Athletics Association announced $71K in grant funding from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. Funds will go toward the construction of new bathrooms and tying them into the sewer line in the local Poplarville park. The Association is thrilled to also announce the commitment from the County to maintain these facilities. 

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The Honors Institute Lyceum Lecture Series, supported by a generous grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, hosts impactful speakers who engage, challenge, and inspire.  Click on image to learn more about it.

The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation has awarded a grant to the Picayune Police Department to enhance law enforcement resources and community safety initiatives. This funding will help improve services, ensuring a safer environment for Picayune residents.

LPRVF remains committed to supporting programs that strengthen public safety and well-being across the region. Click on image to learn more about it.