Southern Soul makes impact with Mission First

Like many non-profit organizations in the Metro, Mission First has felt the strain of atypical economic times. However, the first annual Winter Southern Soul made a great impact on the financial health of Mission First. Please view the photos provided by Adam Hudson Photography for a wonderful depiction of the events of the evening!



** Mission First wishes to thank Adam and Allison Hudson of Adam Hudson Photography for their support of Mission First.

Upward on the rise at Mission First

PHOTO: The Upward program at Mission First involves individuals from all walks of life from across the Metro.

JACKSON, Miss. (January 8, 2010) – Upward basketball and cheerleading make a home at Mission First with sign-ups for the inaugural season taking place this month. After a stellar pilot run at Mission First this summer, ministry leaders expect even greater impact and interest with a full season of over 100 children involved in both basketball and cheerleading.

“We knew the Upward program would be popular at Mission First, but the demand and impact we had in the months of our pilot program superceded our expectations. We look for this season running from February through April to build upon the foundation we laid over the summer,” said Willis Bridges, director of sports programs at Mission First.

With a cost of only $15 for both basketball and cheerleading programs, Upward at Mission First is a value financially, athletically and most of all spiritually.

“We know that our volunteer coaches, referees and staff want to help the children across the Metro develop in every way possible. It is our desire to utilize the wonderful plan of the Upward model to raise up children who understand that they are winners in life because of the promise of Christ in their lives,” said Lee Thigpen, Mission First executive director.

Registration for the Upward Urban program at Mission First takes place on daily basis at the Mission First Campus located at 275 Roseneath Street in Jackson. Interested volunteers may also contact Coach Willis Bridges by calling 601.608.0046.

The schedule for this year’s program is as follows:

Evaluations and orientations:
- Kindergarten through 2nd grade boys and girls:
Monday, January 11, between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls:
Tuesday, January 12, between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- 5th and 6th grade boys and girls:
Thursday, January 14, between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM

League schedule:
- Practices begin the week of Monday, February 8, 2010
- First game is Saturday, March 13, 2010
- Awards celebration is Sunday, April 25, 2010

Upward, the world’s largest Christian sports program for children, was created with a vision to provide the best sports experience possible for every child. Each year some 1 million people around the world play, coach, referee, or volunteer in Upward sports leagues and camps hosted by more than 2,600 churches and non-profit organizations.

Mission First, located in the West Park community of Jackson, is an independent non-profit missions organization established in 1999 with the hope of meeting the spiritual, physical, mental, social, and educational needs in the Metro-Jackson area by providing comprehensive Christian ministries and care.

To register or for registration information contact Coach Willis Bridges at 601.608.0046.

2009 Christmas Store

The Christmas Store at Mission First is one of the highlights of our the year for our families. We have an opportunity to talk intimately with parents and children, provide amazing refreshments and meet parents at their point of need during the Christmas season. Volunteers man every station as personal shoppers guide families through a plethora of gift options. The evening concludes with each gift lovingly wrapped and prepared for Christmas morning. Take a look at this years Christmas store!

Help-Portrait, behind the scenes.

When the Mission First, Help-Portrait Jackson partnership began, neither entity knew exactly what impact would occur. However, at the end of our time together, there were hundreds of photographs taken, many volunteers mobilized and even more lives encouraged by the gift of hope. Take a few minutes and check out some of the views from behind the scenes.

Help-Portrait and Mission First in the news!