Who We Are Celebrating 60 Years of Service

Prairie Opportunity: Community Action Partnership in the Golden Triangle

About Us at Prairie Opportunity

Prairie Opportunity is a registered 501(c)(3) private non-profit organization. As a pillar of the Golden Triangle community, we stand committed to lifting up our neighbors by providing comprehensive assistance programs.

Founded in 1965, Prairie Opportunity has grown to serve a wide area encompassing 14 neighboring counties within the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District.

Our central office is located in Starkville, Mississippi, with services reaching across multiple counties to touch lives wherever there is a need.

Prairie Opp36 640

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive case management services to low-income families, elderly and disabled, to enhance stability and promote self-sufficiency through the building of community relationships.

What We Do

Prairie Opportunity offers a diverse range of services across several key areas:

Bills 105317164 L 1920

Energy Cost Relief Programs

Making Homes Energy Efficient

Making Homes Energy Efficient with Weatherization

Education & Employment for Economic Stability

Education & Employment for Economic Stability

Our Impact

Over the decades, Prairie Opportunity has become a cornerstone of the community.
Through our direct assistance programs, we've helped thousands of residents reduce their energy expenses, secure stable employment, and gain access to necessary resources. Our work is not just about providing aid; it's about enabling people to make lasting changes for themselves and their families.

Prairie Opportunity’s Service Area

While our primary service area includes Choctaw, Clay, Noxubee, Leake, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston counties, our Weatherization Program extends to additional counties including Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Montgomery, Yalobusha, and Leflore.

Mississippi County Map
Fred Hickmon - Executive Director
Fred Hickmon
Executive Director

Our Leadership

Dr. Fredrick L. Hickmon is the Executive Director of Prairie Opportunity, Incorporated, where he leads initiatives that empower individuals and families across the Golden Triangle and surrounding areas to achieve self-sufficiency. His leadership is deeply personal. Dr. Hickmon’s journey began with Prairie Opportunity’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which provided him with his first job and a foundation for financial independence. Now, as a seasoned leader, he has come full circle, dedicated to expanding opportunities for those facing economic challenges.

With over 25 years of experience in educational leadership and community development, Dr. Hickmon has built a career rooted in service, advocacy, and transformation. Holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, he has served as an adjunct professor at Mississippi State University and The University of Mississippi, where he has mentored emerging professionals and shaped the future of education. A certified trauma-skilled expert, he believes in an integrated approach to social services, integrating mental wellness, workforce development, and progressive apprenticeship models to create lasting change.

Dr. Hickmon’s leadership at Prairie Opportunity, Inc. is driven by his belief that access to opportunity transforms lives. His strategic vision focuses on expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and implementing innovative programs that address poverty, economic mobility, and community resilience. His own success story serves as a testament to the agency’s mission—helping individuals not only survive but thrive.

A fearless advocate for fairness and empowerment, Dr. Hickmon is committed to ensuring that Prairie Opportunity, Inc. stays a pillar of hope and progress for those it serves. Under his guidance, the organization continues to develop initiatives that bridge gaps, foster independence, and create pathways to a brighter future for the people of Mississippi.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at Prairie Opportunity plays a crucial role in overseeing the organization's strategic direction and ensuring we meet our mission to serve the community effectively. Our board is composed of members from three sectors representing the diversity and needs of the communities we serve:

Current Representatives:

Joyce Harrington (Winston County)
Lee Hill (Webster County)
Sherman Patterson (Noxubee County)
Leah Bishop (Oktibbeha County)
Calvin Jones (Choctaw County)
Jimmy Davidson (Clay County)

Current Representatives:

Lula Tate (Noxubee County)
Virgie M. Coburn (Winston County)
Gwendolyn Ware (Oktibbeha County)
Mike Ford (Webster County)
LaVonne Harris (Lowndes County)
Sylvia Jones (Choctaw County)
Mary Jean Vance (Clay County)

Current Representatives:

Julius Clark (Oktibbeha County)
Victoria Goss (Winston County)
Virgil S. Mills (Webster County)
Deloria Stewart (Noxubee County)
Annie Barry (Lowndes County)
Peggie Turner (Choctaw County)
Hattie Deans (Clay County)

Current Board Members

Jeffery Smith (Lowndes County)
Julius Clark (Oktibbeha County)
Lula Tate (Noxubee County)
Gwendolyn Ware (Oktibbeha County)
Jimmy Davidson (Clay County)

Send Us a Message

*Required

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
725514514 N1a9872

We're Here to Help!

Got a question or need assistance?
Our team aims to respond in 24-48 hours.

Apply for Employment

If you're passionate about making a difference and want to join our efforts, start by downloading the application from our website.

If you need any assistance during the application process or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (662) 323-3397 for guidance.

Mail It In:

Prairie Opportunity - Employment
501 7th St N,
Columbus, MS 39701

Or, Upload It Here:

Local Office Directory

We are dedicated to being accessible and responsive to the communities we serve.
For further assistance or specific inquiries, please feel free to reach out during our regular office hours. Our team is here to help and guide you through the services available at Prairie Opportunity.

Oktibbeha County (Central Office)

  • Address

    501 Hwy 12 West, Ste 100
    PO Box 1526
    Starkville, MS 39750

  • Phone

    662-323-3397

  • Email

    Contact Sandra Miller at smiller@prairieopp.com

  • Hours

    M-F 8am-5pm

Leake County

  • Address

    201 Chipley Street
    Carthage, MS 39051

  • Phone

    601-267-4510

  • Email

    Contact Ashley Shines at ashines@prairieopp.com

  • Hours

    M, T, W, F 8am-5pm

Noxubee County

  • Address

    2999 Jefferson Street
    Macon, MS 39741

  • Phone

    662-726-4861

  • Point of Contact for Inquiries:

    Gail Dotson

  • Hours

    M, W, F 8am-5pm

Winston County

  • Address

    921 S Church Street
    Louisville, MS 39339

  • Phone

    662-726-4861

  • Point of Contact for Inquiries:

    Allison Roach

  • Hours

    T, W, Th 8am-5pm

Clay County

  • Address

    122 Jackson Street
    West Point, MS 39773

  • Phone

    662-494-4862

  • Point of Contact for Inquiries:

    Janice Miller

  • Hours

    T, W, Th 8am-5pm

Lowndes County

  • Address

    501 7th Street N, Ste 5
    Columbus, MS 39701

  • Phone

    662-328-1669

  • Point of Contact for Inquiries:

    Chiquita Evans

  • Hours

    M-F 8am-5pm

Webster County

  • Address

    35 North Dunn Street
    Eupora, MS 39744

  • Phone

    662-258-8233

  • Email

    Contact Tiffany Burnside at tburnside@prairieopp.com

  • Hours

    M, Th, F 8am-5pm