Rural Mississippi Community Connected to Web

Neighborhood Networks Community Learning Center at the Walter Vinson apartments

An entrance to the information highway was recently created for the residents of Bolton, Mississippi, a small rural town of about 630 residents located in one of the poorest regions of the United States.

A grant from the Delta Region Authority (DRA) combined with remaining funds from a Drug Elimination Grant afforded to the Walter Vinson Apartments, a Section 8 property in Bolton, Mississippi, enabled a new Neighborhood Networks Community Learning Center to open in the community. The DRA funds paid for the rehabilitation of the community center building, and the remaining Drug Elimination Grant funds paid for the computers.

"Technology opportunities don't come about every day in rural areas of our country," said Patricia Hoban-Moore, Mississippi Field Office Director. "Not only will this computer center be a great asset to the residents of the Walter Vinson Apartments, but also the surrounding community. The development of skills and talents will be enhanced for the children and adults."

The Jackson Multifamily Program Center participated in the recent grand-opening ceremony at the Walter Vinson Apartments' new Neighborhood Networks Community Learning Center. Dignitaries present at the event included Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, Bolton's Mayor Lawrence Butler and DRA representatives.