Families residing in Meridian Housing Authority’s nine affordable housing communities bonded over barbeque, dunk tanks and basketball during MHA’s “Strong Families Initiative and Fun Festival Day.” This HUD event united fathers, mothers and children in an effort to learn about readily available resources. The event also encouraged fathers to be more active in the lives of their children. This year, MHA expanded its focus to include mothers, children and the entire family support system. Studies show that children reared in safe and nurturing families and neighborhoods free from maltreatment and other adverse childhood experiences are more likely to have more positive outcomes as they reach adulthood. Keeping families together provides positive role models, lowers incarceration rates, raises graduation rates and exposes children to better employment opportunities. I want to say “thank you” to all of MHA’s community partners who contributed to the success of this year’s initiative. A special thanks to the MHA Resident Advisory Board (RAB) for organizing the activities which included: health and vision checks, three on three basketball and horseshoe tournaments, dunk tank fun, a barbeque grilling contest along with live family entertainment and plenty of food, fun and fellowship. The Meridian Fire Department’s fire truck was also available for children to explore and enjoy.
For more information regarding special initiatives at MHA, please visit www.meridianhousing.net
Ronald J. Turner, Sr., PHM
Executive Director
