PROGRAMS & MINISTRIES

Gulfside Assembly’s history is one rooted in faith. It is a tremendous story of hope. Gulfside strives to be a source of help and inspiration throughout the community and beyond.

Guiding Future Generations

Programs for Youth & Young Adults

Leadership Development

Gulfside Assembly creates impactful frameworks of opportunity and exposure for youth and young adults. Gulfside Assembly’s goal is to assist youth and young adults in developing positive attitudes about their relationships with God and fellow citizens as well as engaging youth in spiritual development, academic excellence, enrichment/social activities, and service projects.

Mission Education Travel Study Seminar

Youth, ages 13-18 visit HBCU colleges/universities and attend the SEJ Harambee Spiritual Retreat. This annual event creates an environment and atmosphere that not only strengthens the bond among peers but also promotes and fosters spiritual and personal growth.

Youth Life Skills Training

Youth ages 12-18 are provided with hands–on, interactive skill building workshops to enhance their leadership and time management skills along with promoting the social and emotional well-being of youth.

Uniform Distribution

Many families in our community are below the federal poverty level. They have difficulty meeting basic needs. The opening of school adds an additional burden on these families. Many churches and community organizations provide backpacks, and school supplies, however many students are unable to start school because they do not have the required uniform. For the past three years, Gulfside has stepped up to meet this need by offering uniform vouchers (one shirt and one skirt or pair of pants) for needy children in Hancock County.

Uniforms lead to a more respectful and inclusive culture where students are more likely to interact with one another without perceived notions based on external appearances. Gulfside secures donations and partners with the local uniform shop to meet this critical need.

“Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.” Samuel Johnson

Julius S. Scott, Jr. Leadership Initiative

The Julius S. Scott Sr. Leadership Initiative invited Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in a cohort focusing on Creating and Caring Communities. College Chaplains and Campus Ministers assisted in the facilitation of gathering and navigating students to engage in the process. The primary purpose was to inspire a new generation of African Americans leaders for building authentic community (spiritual and emotional), embracing advocacy, and engaging in social entrepreneurial development.

Sessions were held via Zoom and presented by a former college president and a creative innovator and motivational speaker.

Educational Webinars

The Educational Webinar series was developed to maintain contact with and to keep our young people engaged during the COVID 19 Quarantine. Interactive monthly educational and empowerment sessions were conducted. Topics included, but were not limited to Personal Branding, Social Media Safety, Preparing for College, Getting through College in four Years Debt Free, Black History and other topics. Look for a continuation of this series in live and virtual platforms.

Helping Families Grow

Programs for Families

Community Garden

Middletown Community Garden Seeds of Hope is nestled in the heart of the community. This is a cross-generational program that provides education on gardening, nutrition, and helps the community be self-sustaining. This opportunity was made possible with the assistance of St. Stanislaus Catholic School, Mississippi State University Extension, and the Hancock County Boys and Girls Club. We are excited about this opportunity for generations to assist and learn from each other.

Navigation of Community Resources

Through its extensive partnerships and affiliations, Gulfside is able to provide assistance to individuals and families in navigating community resources when they find themselves in need of housing, help with utilities, child services, food, diapers, healthcare, and other services. When there is a critical or emergent need, Gulfside will reach out to its Faith-based and GOALS groups, who are always willing to “stand in the gap” to provide assistance.

Child Safety

Child safety is taught as a part of the Life Skills program. Youth are taught how to safely handle the stove if cooking. Microwave safety. How to protect themselves when using the internet or telephone, safety around water and other topics.

CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and use of the AED Device is offered to members of the community. Participants are taught how to recognize a cardiac or respiratory emergency and how to provide the evidenced based measures that could save a life. Space in these classes is limited and fills up fast.

Taking Care of our Elders

Programs for Seniors

Seniors Lunch & Learn

This ministry allows local senior citizens to meet, enjoy fellowship, and a meal on scheduled Wednesdays. Gulfside Assembly has partnered with Southern Mississippi Planning and Development Division to hosts classes on various topics to include but not limited to the following:

Navigating Long Lives
Safety & Injury Prevention
Healthy Eating & Hydration
Sleep & Exercise
Medication Management
Caregiver Support
Advance Planning including will & succession planning
Community Engagement

Building Strong Communities

Community Outreach

Faith-based Collaboration

Comprised of an ecumenical group of faith leaders that meet monthly to support one another, plan and implement mission, evangelism, and outreach initiatives that support the community. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to social justice, worship, and community service. It is the mission of this ministry to reach beyond the walls of churches and organizations to be a source of hope and inspiration and provide comfort and aid through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gulfside Open Alliance Leadership Support (GOALS)

A monthly interagency resource networking meeting of nonprofit organizations that shares information, work together to maximize resources, and eliminate duplication of services.

Sponsoring Community Celebrations/Events

Gulfside regularly sponsors events and celebrations engaging broad segments of the community. Some of these have included MLK Day events, Black History programs, Easter Egg Hunts, food giveaways, museum exhibits, and others. These events serve to build and strengthen relationships across the community.

Black History Program
MLK Day Program
Black Art & Doll Exhibit
End Racism for Good; 2024 Freedom Trail Revival

Racial Healing and Reconciliation Programs

Gulfside has participated in the Racial Healing Circles, a safe and accepting environment, to listen and share stories to help and connect our shared humanity. Circle participants often can see their own experiences in the stories of others, which helps us to see ourselves in one another. Opportunities to build on relationships are sought and nurtured by members of the faith-based group, but are open to all.

Health & Resource Fairs

Gulfside has provided Multiple Health and Resource Fairs focused on the areas of greatest need within the community. Representatives from agencies and health related institutions provide health information and education. Health screening is conducted and Healthy snacks are provided.

Safe Sanctuary and Safe Sanctuary training for other organizations

Safe Sanctuary training is a program designed to provide protection to children, youth and other vulnerable people, as well as the volunteers and employees who are committed to ministering to them. Faith based leaders and others are educated on the practices necessary to maintain a safe environment. Participants are guided in the development of policies that fit their unique ministry or congregation.