Seventeenth Edition: December 31, 2020
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Community Clicks
December 18, 2020
“Ales at the Sails” for Mississippi Aquarium
Seaside Social News, December 31, 2020
Faces and Places
Nonprofit News
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Women of Wisdom thriving on joy, love and connectivity
Story by Susan Weller
Seaside Social News, December 31, 2020
It has been more than 20 years since Robin Killeen of Biloxi started Women of Wisdom (W.O.W).
And today, the nonprofit organization is thriving as a “marketplace ministry” for women across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It has even been recognized for its community service with an official proclamation from the Mississippi governor’s office.
Killeen was led to found W.O.W in 1999, starting with women “like me who just did not fit in,” she said, and questioning why God called her to appeal to women who were looking for a welcoming place with no click connections and no gossiping. She has created an organization that does not demand membership but welcomes you to monthly luncheons with uplifting speakers and networking possibilities.
Based on information taken from rack cards distributed throughout the community, W.O.W was established to “Connect…women of all ages, backgrounds and denominations through fellowship and service. Create…a place where women can talk honestly in safe and confidential atmosphere. Cultivate…positive relationships and encourage every woman to be the best she can be.”
Through the three pillars of joy, love and connectivity, Killeen has brought forth the W.O.W. The tenants of her efforts are as follows:
Leaders forecast brighter 2021 for Gulf Coast
Story by Andy Kanengiser
Seaside Social News, December 31, 2020
Challenging times around the world won’t suddenly vanish. But 2021 should be a much better year after an agonizing 2020, Mississippi Gulf Coast leaders say.
From the region’s mayors to economic development officials, they predict the new year will shine brighter. The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers and the elderly in December brings encouraging news amid coronavirus deaths exceeding 323,000 Americans. The rising death toll from the virus topped 1.72 million people worldwide since March.
Moss Point Mayor Mario King joins Gulf Coast leaders hoping and praying for a better 2021.
“I would like to see our country come together, with less racial profiling, and educated leaders running for office,’’ King said.
Known as the River City in the Coastal region, Moss Point needs a major federal transportation grant, the mayor said. Funds would improve the I-10 Highway 63 and Highway 613 corridors.
Moss Point mayor listed other things he supports in 2021. “I would like to see our schools grow and the COVID-19 vaccination working’’ to reduce the deadly infections worldwide.
King wants to see the USA smoothly transition to the new White House administration: President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Pledging to help unify a divided nation, America’s 46th president will be sworn in January 20.
Go from Jackson County to Harrison County, and another Gulf Coast mayor weighs in with his 2021 forecast.
Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes wants to see a new year focused on health and welfare improvements for citizens along with a revitalized economy.
Gulf Coast celebrates ‘Finally Free’ book contributors
Story by Andy Kanengiser
Seaside Social News, December 31, 2020
Identifying herself as a “visionary,’’ Dawn Lieck accurately sums up her role with the creation of a new book titled “Finally Free.’’
A Gulfport resident, Dawn created the common theme that brought together inspirational authors from states like Mississippi, New York and Colorado. The writers each penned 1,000-word chapters focusing on overcoming fears, and taking on life’s challenges.
A speaker, author, and life coach, Dawn Lieck made major changes herself to transform her path at age 45. The busy mom walked away from her successful career in the corporate sector, revamped her life and embarked on a different journey. She’s now the person trumpeting her organization, Dawn Lieck Finally Free LLC.
The Mississippian isn’t among 21 authors sharing their extraordinary life stories. But the project manager worked hard to roll out the final product. “Finally Free’’ is set for a January 21, 2021 launch date in Mississippi and elsewhere.
Activities are happening on social media sites like Facebook. The publication’s release date is being done virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus claimed more than 315,000 American lives since March 2020. The encouraging news is that COVID-19 vaccines finally arrived in America in December.
Plans are in the works for an in-person Gulf Coast book signing in February. That event celebrates the book’s chapters written by several South Mississippi residents.
Focusing on topics like fear and life changes, the authors are voices to be heard with important messages for readers nationwide.
Eric D. Willoughby penned a chapter titled “Life with a Special Needs Child, A Man’s Perspective.’’
Eric’s story deals with his relationship with his special needs child, 9-year-old Colston. “It touches on the heartbreak of finding out what is wrong with my oldest son and how I had to deal with emotions as a man in society.’’ At the same time, he said, “we have to be the strength for the family.’’
Magnolia Movement gains momentum across Mississippi
Story by Amanda Compton-Ortiz
Seaside Social News, December 31, 2020
From pushups to planks, cooking challenges and paint pours, residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and throughout the state are taking action to raise awareness about human trafficking.
They are joining the Magnolia Movement, a new campaign started by the Center for Violence Prevention (CVP) to encourage support of its long-term restoration efforts for human trafficking survivors.
And many are doing it, right now, from the comforts of their own homes. They are utilizing Facebook and other social media platforms to create and promote a uniquely crafted virtual fundraiser experience that includes fun games, tutorials and other activities that inspire them.
“The Magnolia Movement is for everyone to take part in and allows people to have the freedom to make it whatever they want it to be,” said CVP’s Nikki Fortunato of Gulfport, developer of the Magnolia Movement campaign. “It is all for one mission, and that’s to restore those who have survived human trafficking.”
The CVP officially launched the campaign in September 2020 at the culmination of its 30th anniversary and in preparation of the annual observation of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, 2021.
The goal of the campaign is to encourage people in the Magnolia State to join in the statewide call to action.
“The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of the most populated areas in the state,” Fortunato said. “That means there is so much opportunity to make a difference and join with community groups, organizations, and businesses to support the cause. Joining the Movement in any way for those in need, whether it’s big or small, is always important when it comes to bridging the gaps in the community for something as serious as human trafficking.”
Judge Trent Favre honored with Mississippi Bar Award
Story by Andy Kanengiser
Hancock County native Trent Favre is passionate about his family, the legal profession and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A successful Hancock County Youth Court Judge, Favre is committed to serving people in the vibrant Coastal region he cherishes. For his many achievements, the Mississippi Bar recently selected the Kiln resident to receive its Judicial Excellence Award.
Rather than resting on any accolades, the 46-year-old just plunges ahead with his work in the courtroom.
“I love my job immensely. Being a county and youth court judge is unique because I am able to work with families and children involved with the child welfare system,’’ Favre told a “Seaside Social News’’ reporter. “Our goal is to restore families. Our theme is hope. I believe all parents should be given a fair chance to reunify with their children.’’
It’s quite a delicate balancing act. The judge seeks to ensure the judicial system is supportive of parents “while guarding the best interests of the children we serve. It is my greatest joy to invest in the lives of these families.’’
In 2020, Judge Trent Favre and the rest of the world has been tested by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of late November, the coronavirus claimed more than 250,000 American lives, with over 1.3 million deaths worldwide. To combat the deadly virus, mask wearing, social distancing, sanitizer stations and other health protocols are the norm. The development of a vaccine in the weeks and months ahead offers hope.
“We’ve introduced technology in the courtroom, conducting hearings via Zoom. We have seen an increase in participation by various stakeholders. Also, during the pandemic, we have seen a decrease in delinquency (juvenile crime),’’ Favre said. “We are still very concerned about the repercussions of the pandemic, so we are working harder than ever to ensure that families have the resources they need to succeed.”
Certainly, Judge Favre has worked hard since entering the legal profession. Born and raised in Hancock County, He’s the son of the late Sam Favre, a reputable Bay St. Louis lawyer, who passed away in 1991. His mom, Pat, is a Bay St. Louis resident. Trent and his wife, Shannon, an attorney, and their two children, Katie, 15, and Sam, 13, live in the historical Favre family home. The residence was built in 1859, back during the turbulent Civil War era.
