A Brighter Future for the Delta: The Impact of Promise Neighborhoods
Written by Karen Matthews, CEO and President, Delta Health Alliance
Imagine a young child in the Mississippi Delta, starting kindergarten already behind, struggling to recognize letters while their classmates are beginning to read. Or imagine teenagers uncertain about their future because college isn't an option, and they don't know where else to turn. These stories are all too common in underserved communities across the country. Delta Health Alliance (DHA) and the Promise Neighborhoods program are changing that—one student, one family, and one community at a time.
At DHA, we believe opportunity starts with education, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and access to quality healthcare. For years, DHA has helped families break the cycle of poverty by providing the tools they need to succeed—improving literacy rates, preparing young adults for skilled careers, and expanding access to affordable healthcare, ultimately strengthening communities and transforming lives.
Investing in Literacy: A Foundation for Success
Education is key to a better future, and reading is its foundation. Mississippi recently posted the highest gains in fourth-grade reading scores nationwide, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—the result of years of effort from teachers, parents, students, and organizations like DHA.
Through programs like summer reading camps, academic mentoring, and Imagination Library, DHA ensures children start school ready to succeed. In just two years of Promise Neighborhoods services, Leland rose from 196th to 1st in Kindergarten readiness among all Mississippi school districts. In Greenwood, the percentage of families with ten or more books at home increased by 13% since 2022, helping entering kindergartners improve their reading scores by 18 percentile points. DHA’s summer reading camps in Greenwood are making a real difference—students who participate improve their reading scores at more than double the rate of non-participating peers.
These aren’t just statistics. They’re children with a stronger foundation for academic success.
Financial Literacy and Workforce Development: Creating Lasting Change
However, education alone isn’t enough. Families and young adults need financial stability and career opportunities to thrive. DHA has worked tirelessly to provide financial literacy programs that help families manage debt, save money, and build credit. According to the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Initiative, in Sunflower County, these programs have led to a sharp decline in adults with debt in collections.
When the Indianola Promise Community (IPC) started, juvenile delinquency rates in Sunflower County were nearly double the Delta average. But due in large part to IPC programs, juvenile court referrals declined by 59% from 2013 to 2023.
For young adults not pursuing college, our GREAT (Getting Ready to Excel, Achieve, and Triumph) program is a game-changer. GREAT provides career training in high-demand fields like healthcare and skilled trades, combining financial literacy with rapid credentialing programs to set young people up for success. A University of Memphis study found that GREAT participants are more likely to secure good-paying jobs and less likely to rely on food stamps. These programs don’t just offer temporary relief—they create generational change.
Quality Healthcare: A Pillar of Community Well-being
Access to affordable, quality healthcare is fundamental to a thriving community. DHA provides comprehensive medical services to ensure families receive the care they need without financial or geographical barriers.
● Delta Home Visiting Initiative supports maternal and child health with in-home care.
● Mobile Medical Clinic brings full-service healthcare to remote areas.
● Leland Medical Clinic offers clinical, behavioral, and telehealth services.
● Delta Wellness Center promotes healthy lifestyles through fitness and nutrition education.
These programs ensure families can access quality healthcare close to home, improving overall well-being and economic stability[JRB(1] [MOU2] .
Why Federal Funding Matters
Programs like these require sustained investment. The Promise Neighborhoods program has been a lifeline for communities like ours, ensuring children and families have access to vital resources. But we can’t do this alone.
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Education renewed its commitment to funding Promise Neighborhoods, but continued investment is critical. Without federal support, the progress we’ve made is at risk. Success stories in Mississippi and across the country prove that investing in children, families, and communities yields immeasurable returns.
The question isn’t whether these programs work—it’s whether we have the collective will to sustain them. If we want more kids entering kindergarten prepared to learn, more families achieving financial stability, more young adults stepping into rewarding careers, and communities accessing quality healthcare, we must ensure continued funding for Delta Health Alliance and all Promise Neighborhoods.
We’ve seen what’s possible when we give people the tools to succeed. Let’s not stop now.